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Who are some of the most well-known proponents of Tantra and what impact have they had on the religion?

Edwin Reams

Tantra is a complex and often misunderstood branch of Hinduism that emphasizes the importance of ritual, meditation, and sexuality. Over the centuries, numerous spiritual leaders and teachers have emerged who have helped to define the role of Tantra within Hindu society and to spread its teachings to a wider audience.

One of the most well-known proponents of Tantra is the sixteenth-century saint Ramakrishna, who is revered as an avatar of the divine by many Hindus. Ramakrishna was deeply committed to the practice of Tantra as a means of achieving spiritual awakening and liberation, and he believed that all religions ultimately lead to the same ultimate truth. He emphasized the importance of devotion and the need to cultivate a personal relationship with the divine, and his teachings continue to inspire millions of Hindus today.

Another influential figure in the history of Tantra is Bhagavan Rajneesh, better known as Osho. Osho was a controversial figure who advocated a radical form of Tantra that emphasized the importance of sexual liberation and the pursuit of pleasure as a means of achieving spiritual growth. He was highly critical of traditional religious institutions and sought to create a new paradigm of spiritual practice that would be accessible to people of all backgrounds.

More recently, Swami Rama was renowned as a master of both Tantra and yoga. He was a prolific writer and teacher who founded the Himalayan Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting the study and practice of yoga and Tantra in the Western world. Swami Rama emphasized the importance of integrating spiritual practice into everyday life and emphasized the need for discipline and perseverance in achieving spiritual growth.

Tantra has also had an impact outside of the Hindu tradition, particularly in the West, where it has been embraced by many as a means of exploring sexuality and spirituality in new and exciting ways. Notable figures in this regard include the sex therapist and author Barbara Carrellas, who has written extensively on the use of Tantra as a means of achieving greater sexual pleasure and intimacy, and the musician Sting, who has spoken publicly about his involvement with Tantra and the influence it has had on his life and music.

Overall, Tantra remains a rich and diverse tradition, shaped over the centuries by the teachings and influence of numerous spiritual leaders and thinkers. From the radicalism of Osho to the nuanced teachings of Swami Rama and Ramakrishna, Tantra continues to offer a powerful and transformative path to spiritual growth and liberation.