Agama and Agamic Literature

Tantra scriptures are inspired by the realities of human life. These scriptures are the source of countless philosophical systems throughout time. All subjects in the world of philosophy are included within the Tantra scriptures. Tantra scriptures are reservoirs of profound, clear, and high thought. Currently, the meaning generally assigned to "Tantravada Tantrism"—that of power and lust—is entirely misleading. To dispel this misleading propaganda, a comprehensive and multifaceted study of the entire Tantric literature is absolutely essential. To become familiar with the purity and breadth of the word "Tantra," one must also contemplate its deeper meanings; for beyond its well-known meaning of "expansion," the word also expresses a very subtle meaning similar to an algebraic formula. This is why it contains the essence of many letters of mantras. Within it exist gentle methods for practical application, related to all areas of human psychological states and self-welfare.

Psychological health, mastery over the mind, conduct, humility, purity, physical attractiveness, and the path to liberation through the removal of the three types of afflictions physical, mental, and spiritual sufferings have been the primary goals of the Tantras. However, it is their tradition to state secret mysteries in a cryptic, symbolic language. Therefore, like the Ulat-bamsi paradoxical or upside-down sayings used by mystics, there are statements here and there in the Tantra scriptures whose systematic meaning can only be known through tradition. Maharishi Aurobindo correctly said, "Tantra is the crystallization of the various types of characteristics and methods inherent in the development of personality."

Thus, in the coordinated literature of Tantra scriptures, the first place is held by the Agama. It is also said that "The Tantra scripture is primarily divided into three: Agama, Yamala, and Tantra." Therefore, some thoughts on the Agama are presented here.

1. The Aurobindo on Tantra, p. 1.