RE: [hc] RE: Antiquity of Tantra - (pAshupata tradition)

January 6, 2009

and the pAshupata stream is to be found as mentioned in the atharvan veda. The ancient version of the pAshupata vrata/tantra are described in the parishiShThas of the forth veda.

Even the lAkula-doctrine is mentioned in it along with some names of the AchArya-s.

Best Regards,

Sarvesh Tiwari

; hinducivilization ; fhrs_usa From: sarveshtiwariDate: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 04:07:46 +0000[hc] RE: Antiquity of Tantra - (nAtha tradition)

The most traditional connection between the veda and the tantra (and the yoga) is exposed in the traditions of the tAntrika-s themselves, especially the pashchimAmnya, the nAtha traditions. I am sure most of you already know this, but here is at the cost of retelling the same. In nAtha/kaula/sectarian shaiva/pashcimAmnya traditions, matsyendranAtha is considered the original master of tantra and yoga, who received these bodies of knowledge from AdinAtha - who is mahAdeva himself. In vajrayAnist/sahajayAnist/lAmA traditions of bauddha mata too, he is exalted to such position as well. Even lAmA tArAnAtha mentions him in this light (if I am not mistaken). in vaiShNava traditions, he is parallel to the matsya avatAra of viShNu. Now as per the Astika sects, the tradition is that this legendary matsyAvatAra/matsyendra on one hand recovered/protected the veda-s from getting lost in the "great flood". On the other hand, as per some specific tAntrika traditions, several tantra-s and yogashAstra that were thrown into the sea by skanda were swallowed by a fish and AdinAtha (who is shiva) emerged from the belly of the fish and gave it to legendary master matsyendra to recover them and deliver these to the worlds. Remember that one of the original forms of yoga in this tradition (as we know it today, not the pata~njali vareity) is called matsyodara ("stomack of the fish") yoga. So, it does seem like veda along side tantra (along side yoga) are given a parallel treatment of origin in all such old traditions. Refer to kubjikAtantra for more about the legend of master matsyendranAtha and history of tantra. ...2 paisa for what it is worth,Sarvesh Tiwari

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