''Dakṣiṇācāra'' is a
tantric term meaning 'right-hand path'. It is used to describe
tantric sects that do not engage in heterodox practices. In contrast, ''
vamachara'' ('left-hand path') is used to describe particular tantric practices that are considered heterodox.
Etymology
N. N. Bhattacharyya explains the Sanskrit technical term ''
'' as follows:
The means of spiritual attainment which varies from person to person according to competence.... ''Ācāras'' are generally of seven kinds – Veda, Vaiṣṇava, Śaiva, Dakṣiṇa, Vāma, Siddhāṇta, and Kaula, falling into two broad categories – Dakṣiṇa and Vāma. Interpretations vary regarding the nature and grouping of the ''ācāras''.
''
'' means 'right'. For this reason, the term ''dakṣiṇāra'' is often translated "right-hand path".
Practices
The ''Brahma Yamala'', a tantric text, says there are three currents of tradition (''dakshina'', ''vama'', and ''madhyama'') characterized respectively by the predominance of each of the three ''
gunas'' (''sattva'', ''rajas'', and ''tamas''). According to this text, ''dakshina'' is characterized by ''
sattva
''Sattva'' (Sanskrit: सत्त्व, meaning ''goodness'') is one of the three '' guṇas'' or "modes of existence" (tendencies, qualities, attributes), a philosophical and psychological concept understood by the Samkhya school of Hindu philo ...
'', and is pure; ''madhyama'', characterized by ''
rajas
''Rajas'' (Sanskrit: रजस्) is one of the three '' guṇas'' (tendencies, qualities, attributes), a philosophical and psychological concept developed by the Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy.James G. Lochtefeld, Rajas, in The Illustrated ...
'', is mixed; and ''vama'', characterized by ''
tamas'', is impure. The tantras of each class follow a particular line of spiritual practice. ''Dakshinachara'' consists of traditional Hindu practices such as
asceticism
Asceticism is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures through self-discipline, self-imposed poverty, and simple living, often for the purpose of pursuing Spirituality, spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world ...
and
meditation
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking", achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state, while not judging the meditat ...
.
See also
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Notes
References
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Hindu philosophical concepts
Hindu tantra
Tantric practices
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