some common views of tantrism and western mystical traditions

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93 Greetings!

 

First of all, there is no point of comparing kaulism (which is

esoteric tradition inside hinduism, not equal to it) with orthodox

versions of christianity, judaism or islam. It is proper to compare it

with corresponding esoteric traditions.

 

Coming to the matter:

 

1. Doctrine of Shakti-pata of KSh and kaulism is parallel to salvation

thru God's grace and descent of Holy Spirit in christianity. This idea

is absent from vedanta of Shankara, smartism and yoga. In smartism U

have to follow smarta-dharma and perform ritulas, in yoga - meditate

and do some practices. Tantras state that all these are useless for

salvation. Kularnava says that and Tantraloka does (in the last there

are chapters named "About uselessness of yoga" and "About uselessness

of rituals"). Tantra and christianity share the view that no effort of

human being can liberate or save him, only God can.

2. Doctrine of Trika is parallel to Holy Trinity in christianity and

to "three knots of faith" of hetherodox kabbalah (even in some muslim

sect, if i remember correctly, alavites, there's Trinity). Shakti as

the Holy Spirit (Shekhinah).

3. Doctrine of Kula is similar with doctrine of

Shekhinah/Kneset-Israel in kabbalah and of heavenly Church in

christianity. Doctrine of holy communion - corresponding to 5M.

4. Monotheism and prohibition of idolatry is common for them.

Difference is only that Tantras accept idol worship for pashus (but

worship of idols itself in not tantric practice).

5. Doctrine of being the only way to salvation. There is no common

hindu inclusiveness in kaulism, as it is not in christianity. Kaula

masters state that non-kaula doctrines are lower and limited and do

not lead to God. The maximum level which vedanta or yoga give is

atma-vyapti. Shiva-vyapti is possible thru His grace (see point #1).

6. Doctrine of three bhavas. In gnostic christianity it is present.

7. Freedom from old religious law and antinomian practices.

8. Understanding of human body as the image of God, in which He is to

be revered.

9. Reverence of women - is present in kabbalah and sufism.

10. Importance of union of man and woman for salvation and usage of

sex in spiritual path - is present in kabbalah, gnostic christianity

and sufism.

11. Usage of wine and sexual fluids - it is present in heterodox

kabbalah, some sufi sects and in gnostic christian traditions. Not to

say about thelema and other occult mystical systems.

12. Usage of mantras (yes, it is there in sufism, kabbalah and

gnosticism), breathing techniques and rhythmical singing.

13. Doctrine of divine nature and saving power of Love.

 

Love is the law, love under will.