........ In The Kali(Iron Age )the Tantra . A Search light therefore must be thrown on the special features of Tantra that make it a yuga sasatra of modern times. Tantra , let me assert it without any fear from orthodox quarters,is more broad -based or catholic than the Vedas. The study of the Vedas was not open to everyone . Certain classes of people were denied aces to it . There are stories a galore in a number or religious text is that speak of the exclusive nature of the Vedic studies . It is possible that restriction might have been placed in a historical context and the cross culture currents of the time might have justified them. But the fact remains that a large section of masses was not only kept outside the centers of vedic studies but was considered dull-wittedand unworthy of the understanding of this sacred literature. What is more surprising is the fact that women as a class did not have the universal acceptance of the right of vedic studies the way men of the exclusive classes had. the fact gives a greater shock when we realize that many hymns in Rigveda and later sacred invocations were inspired utterances of exceptionally learned women ,just a few years back on of the Shankaracharyas objected to the reciting of vedic hymns by a learned woman in a distinguished gathering . Doggedness of this nature still persists in certain sections of Hindu society . Tantra Sastra gave the right of study and practice to all sections of the society. It did not stand on false prestige and made it clear that all human beings had the right to realize the inner spiritual strength underlying their psyche . It was catholicity of the highest order and genuine attempt towards universealisation of religion . Woman got a place of pride in the study and practice of Tantra Sastra. Sakti being the mother figure of the Tantra cult ;women gurus were considered more effective and Tantra can be cited as an effective example of sex equality with a preference towards women . In Indian thought chronology one more positive aspect of Tantra Practice was the fact , that if one got the right type of Guru , one did not need to under go long period of the preparatory training. The critics can pic a point here and say that by opening the doors to laity Tantra Sastra fell down a step or two from the high pedestal it it stood on and got itself polluted. But let them remember that the quest for one's inner energy is the fundamental right of every individual and not the monopoly of the privileged few. .................
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