The word Tantra is derived from :–
tanyate, vistāryante jñānam aṇena, iti tantra.
Tantra refers to those sacred writings or inspired scripture whereby "sacred" knowledge is spread. The suffix "tra" means to save, so the Tantra is the knowledge or wisdom which saves from the ocean of transmigration.
Vaishnava and Shaiva Tantra is usually known as Agama, and the texts of the Agama have four major divisions known as pādas.
jñāna-pāda — deals with spiritual knowledge, philosophy, theology, cosmology, metaphysics etc.
kriya-pāda — deals with all aspects of ritual from the making of icons and building of temples to the types and times of festivals.
carya-pāda — conduct - which deals with the daily routines and practices of an initiate, guru-disciple relations etc.
yoga-pāda — deals with all aspects of Yoga, but primarily with meditation techniques and practices.
A more descriptive catalogue of the topics treated in the corpus of the Āgamas would be as follows:—
1. siddhānta — Philosophy,
2. śṛṣṭi — Cosmogony
3. Brahma-jñāna — Theology
4. mantras — linguistic occultism
5. yantras — mystical diagrams for meditation
6. mudras — seals or gestures
7. yoga — spiritual practice
8. śilpa — architecture and sculpture
9. pratiṣṭha — consecration of temples
10 dīkṣa — initiation of priests
11. dharma — rules of social conduct.
12. saṃskāra — sacraments and domestic observances
13. arcana — Daily temple ritual
14. utsavas — public festivals.
15. indrajāla — Practical occultism.
16. prāyaścittam — Atonements & Penances
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