Tantra Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Tantra facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Repeated, often counted recitation of a mantra is known as what? → Japa
2. What is the purpose of using a yantra as a meditation object in Tantra? → To provide a geometric map of a deity's energy for the mind to travel into
3. What is the element and geometric shape associated with Muladhara chakra? → Earth element and a yellow square
4. What is a 'bija mantra' in Tantric practice? → A single-syllable seed mantra that carries concentrated spiritual energy
5. In Tantric meditation, what is the role of 'sankalpa' (resolve)? → A short positive intention planted in the subconscious during deep relaxation
6. What is 'antar mouna' (inner silence) practice in Tantra? → A meditation technique for observing thoughts without identification
7. What does the blue skin of deities like Vishnu, Krishna, and Kali symbolize in Tantric iconography? → The infinite, all-pervading nature of consciousness like the boundless blue sky
8. In Tantra, ritual worship or offering performed before a deity or yantra is commonly called what? → Puja
9. How many primary chakras are most commonly described in classical Tantric systems? → Seven
10. In Tantric teaching, what are 'kshetrams' in relation to chakras? → The front-body trigger points that correspond to each chakra's location
11. What are the 'five acts of Shiva' (panchakriya) in Tantric cosmology? → Creation, sustenance, dissolution, concealment, and grace
12. What is a mantra in Tantric tradition? → A sacred syllable, word, or phrase believed to carry spiritual power
13. Which breathing technique is foundational to Tantric pranayama practice? → Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
14. The term 'kundalini' in Tantric thought refers to what? → A latent spiritual energy said to reside at the base of the spine
15. A spiritual instruction or empowerment formally transmitted from teacher to student is called what? → Initiation (diksha)
16. What is 'avahana' in Tantric puja ceremony? → The ritual invocation that invites the deity's living presence into the image or yantra
17. What is a 'mantra' in the Tantric tradition? → A sacred sound or phrase repeated to focus the mind
18. Which pairing best describes the classic Tantric polarity? → Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy)
19. Tantric Buddhism is also commonly known by which name? → Vajrayana
20. What is the spiritual dimension of Tantra? → The science and study of energy
21. Tantric texts are traditionally presented in what literary form? → Often as dialogues between a deity and consort (e.g., Shiva and Shakti)
22. A symbolic hand or body gesture used in Tantric ritual and meditation is called a what? → Mudra
23. A 'sadhana' in Tantric practice refers to what? → A committed spiritual practice or discipline
24. The Tantric concept of 'bindu' most often refers to what? → A point or seed representing concentrated potential or the origin of creation
25. Where is kundalini energy said to reside in its dormant state? → Coiled 3.5 times at the base of the spine in Muladhara chakra
26. Which Tantric concept describes the awakening of latent spiritual energy through meditation? → Kundalini awakening
27. The 'right-hand path' of Tantra, focusing on more conventional and symbolic practice, is called what? → Dakshina Marga
28. What is the significance of the bindu in Tantric visualization meditation? → It represents the point of origin from which all manifestation arises
29. In Tantra, a circular ritual or cosmic diagram representing the universe is called a what? → Mandala
30. In Tantric anatomy, the central energy channel along the spine is called what? → Sushumna