Tantra"s roots

The study of tantrism as a special direction in academic science is a relatively recent phenomenon, possibly existing for only three or four decades. In recent years, specialized studies devoted to this often incorrectly understood the topic have been published and perceived with growing enthusiasm. This book is the first step addressed to the beginning, when scientists are trying to find and understand some of the emerging forms and sources of tantrism in ancient India. The collection was prepared on the basis of the materials of the two conferences held in the Greater Los Angeles in October 1989 and March 1995. Both of these conferences were devoted, first of all, to specify meager evidence on the history of early tantrism. It gives great pleasure that so many scientists worked on questions regarding the origins, and prepared verified and detailed answers, especially given the insufficiency of material remnants, both archaeological and written, at our disposal