The 2 Types of Kaula Tantra

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2025-06-20 | 17:06

Within the Kaula Tantra, we see two types of paths, the left-handed path and the right-handed path, based on the practices that are followed.

The left-hand path is known as Vamachara Marga, a non-conformist, non-orthodox path with no distinction between good and evil, pure and impure, clean and unclean. Sometimes it is seen as a path that uses means which go against the norms and ethics laid down by society.

The Panchamakara ritual that some Tantra practitioners follow entails the use of taboo substances such as wine, meat, fish and sexual union. The Dakshina Marga (right-handed path) follows practices that are more conformist, focusing on mantra, yantra and well-defined processes for spiritual growth.

There is no wrong path in Tantra but, in modern times, the Kaula Marga has been at the receiving end of a great deal of flak as it is grossly misunderstood and misrepresented, especially by Western theologians who do not quite understand the subtleties involved in the comprehension of ancient Hindu Vedic texts.