The "index of tantra" is not a single document but a vast, interlinked web of scriptures, traditions, and communities. Your entry point depends entirely on your goal:
The Index of Tantra serves as a vital resource for:
Balances external ritual with internal meditation.
At its core, Tantra is based on the concept of non-duality, which posits that the individual self (jiva) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). The tantric philosophy asserts that the universe is a complex web of relationships, where every aspect is interconnected and interdependent. The key principles of Tantra include:
Tantric practice centers around four primary tools:
While classical Samkhya philosophy posits 25 tattvas (elements or categories of existence), Non-dual Shaiva Tantra expands this index to 36 tattvas . This spectrum maps reality from pure, undifferentiated consciousness (Shiva-Shakti) down to the densest physical matter (the earth element). The goal of Tantric yoga is to trace this index backward, dissolving individual consciousness back into the source. The Microcosm-Macrocosm Equivalence
Tantra consists of a skillful blending of three different types of practice:
Texts where the Goddess acts as the teacher and Shiva is the student.
Vocalizing praise and creating spiritual protection.