The term
Dakshinachara (
Right-Hand Path) is a technical term used to refer to
Tantric sects that do not engage in
heterodox practices. In contrast,
Vamachara (
Left-Hand Path) is used to describe particular tantric practices that are considered
heterodox according to usual
Hindu social norms.
Etymology
N. N. Bhattacharyya explains the Sanskrit technical term
as follows:
" [t]he means of spiritual attainment which varies from person to person according to competence.... Ācāras are generally of seven kinds -- Veda, Vaiṣṇava, Śaiva, Dakṣiṇa, Vāma, Siddhāṇta, and Kaula, falling into two broad categories -- Dakṣiṇa and Vāma. Interpretations vary regarding the nature and grouping of the ācāras."
mans "right". For this reason, the term Dakṣiṇāra is often translated "Right-hand practice".
Practices
The
Brahma Yamala, a
Tantric text, says there are three currents of tradition (dakshina, vama, and madhyama) characterized respectively by the predominance of each of the three
gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas). According to this text, dakshina is characterized by
sattva, and is pure; vama, characterized by
rajas, is mixed; and madhyama, characterized by
tamas, is impure. The Tantras of each class follow a particular line of spiritual practices. Dakshinachara consists of traditional Hindu practices such as
asceticism and
meditation.
See also
Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path
Tantra
Notes
References
Bhattacharya, N. N. History of the Tantric Religion. Second Revised Edition. Manohar Publications, Delhi, 1999. ISBN 81-7304-025-7
Macdonell, Arthur Anthony. A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary. Munshiram Monoharlal Publishers. 1996 Edition. ISBN 81-215-0715-4
Category:Hindu philosophical concepts
Category:Tantric practices
Category:Hindu tantra