12 - Medieval Tantric Flashcards
What is Tantrism?
A complex phenomenon influenced by both Hinduism and Buddhism
Key elements include
initiation (fundemantal),
Master/Guru relationship,
mental union with the divine,
powerful rituals for quick way of liberation in 1 life,
hyperritualism of supernatural powers
renewed place of goddesses
What is the Lakshmana Temple known for?
A Vaishnavite temple from the 10th century with detailed sculptures and symbolism
architecture becomes a sculputure
Notable for Mithuna, erotic sculptures depicting couples influenced by Tantric rituals from Kamasūtra
sexual ritual for devotees menatl union with deity
Mithuna as ideal of union, sexual bliss = spiritual bliss
What is a Yantra?
Diagrams used in Tantric rituals for meditation, worship, and spiritual practices.
Who built the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?
King Vidyadhara in the 11th century
A major Shaiva temple showcasing intricate carvings and Tantric influence.
The god is everywhere in everything: tantric
Decolarive overload: union with god
What was the Pala-Sena Dynasty known for?
Dominated Bengal and Bihar, notable for architectural and artistic contributions, especially in Buddhist art and sculpture.
Buddhism disappeared in that time, except in Pala + Sena territory it remained until Moghul invasion
What characterizes Tantric Rituals in Khajuraho?
A prominent feature linking erotic imagery with spiritual practices.
When was the Buddhist University of Nalanda active?
5th-12th centuries
- tantric practices with Gurus initiation
- courses in grammar, logic, math, languages
A prominent center of learning for Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.
Who was Xuanzang?
A Chinese pilgrim monk who visited Nalanda in the 7th century.
What is Mahayana Buddhism focused on?
The Bodhisattva Path, emphasizing a slow but sure path to Buddhahood.
What is Vajrayana Buddhism?
An esoteric path to Buddhahood that utilizes tantric methods
It is considered faster but riskier, suitable for those with strong faculties.
What are the two systems of Mahayana Buddhism?
- System of Perfections (Pāramitānaya)
- System of Formulas (Mantranaya)
What is the Prajnaparamitasutra Folio?
A 12th-century manuscript showcasing Mahayana teachings
Housed in the Los Angeles County Museum.
What does the Avalokiteshvara sculpture represent?
A sculpture in grey schist from the Pala-Sena period, located in the Guimet Museum, Paris.
Bhodisattva of compassion
shows 5 Buddhas of the past csomic eras
Stupas
Lotus
What is significant about the Vishnu Vasudeva stele?
A 12th-century stele in grey schist representing Vishnu, located in the Guimet Museum, Paris.
Hindu iconography
What is the Avalokitesvara from the Kurkihar Cache made of?
Gilt bronze and stone inlay
small bronze scupltures, that helped to spread Buddhism
serial cast production
precious stones, sophisticated details
many found around Nalanda
From the 12th century, displayed in the Bihar State Museum.
What does the Cakrasamvara and Vajravarhi thangka depict?
A 16th-century Tibetan thangka depicting Cakrasamvara with his consort Vajravarhi
composition with many small deities
for personal use in meditation
From the Guimet Museum, Paris.
