तन्त्र

Kaula

8th-12th century CE

The 'Family' or 'Clan' tradition that emphasizes direct experience and the sanctity of the body, the senses, and everyday life as expressions of divine Consciousness. It teaches that liberation is found not by renouncing the world but by recognizing the Divinity in all things. Abhinavagupta received Kaula initiation from his guru Sambhunatha.

Key Texts

  • •Kula-gahvara-tantra
  • •Kularnava-tantra
  • •Tantraloka Chapters 28-29
  • •Paratrishika-vivarana

Masters

Abhinavagupta (c. 950-1016 CE)Sambhunatha (c. 10th century CE)

Related Concepts

The Five Powers (Pancha Shaktis)The Tattvas (Tattvas)

In the Tantrasara

Illumination of the Empowered Means →