TANTRISM & GNOSTICISM

There are several reason to compare studies of the two practices.

In Tantric terminology, there are literally dozens of words that compare to Gnosis and Logos. J¤ana (wisdom) is one of the most important. It is used in combination with other words to create terms referring specifically to an act of wisdom. Brahma-j¤ana, for example, is perfected Gnosis, a combination of the word wisdom and the name of the creator god Brahma. J¤ana-mukta means 'liberated while yet living'. Another term which involves the creator god is parabrahman, which means logos as it pervades creation. Abhidharma is a compund representing metaphysical manifest knowledge. The list goes on.

Western analysis of various texts and sutras regularly employ Gnostic terminology, where they are well applied: logos, gnosis, emanation, seed, lights & powers, etc..

Deities from both traditions are embodiments of concept pertaining to liberation and attainment. The more primordial principles (mind, wisdom, chaos) are represented by deities who are involved in creation.

As approaches to attainment of mystical knowledge, both successfully co-exist and adapt to other religions, importing esoteric principles into various religious models with ease. A Gnostic may be a Christian, Zoroastrian, pagan or hermit. A Tantric practitioner may be an involved member of Hindu, Buddhist or J¤anist communities. Some cultures, such as that of Tibet, have actually evolved a religion combining three such faces of religion: the shamanic paganism of Bon, the catholic faith of Buddhism, and the esoteric magick of Tantra.