Tantra Fundamentals 2

Question 1

What does the Sanskrit word 'tantra' most literally mean?

Accepted Answer

Loom, weave, or to expand/extend

Answer

Sacred fire

Answer

Silent meditation

Answer

Renunciation

Question 2

In Tantric philosophy, Shakti most commonly represents which principle?

Accepted Answer

Dynamic creative energy and the divine feminine

Answer

Pure inert consciousness

Answer

Material poverty

Answer

Ritual silence

Question 3

Which pairing best describes the classic Tantric polarity?

Accepted Answer

Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy)

Answer

Brahma and Saraswati only

Answer

Sun and rain

Answer

Body and clothing

Question 4

A 'yantra' in Tantric practice is best described as what?

Accepted Answer

A geometric diagram used as a focus for meditation

Answer

A sacred chant

Answer

A breathing exercise

Answer

A type of incense

Question 5

What is a 'mantra' in the Tantric tradition?

Accepted Answer

A sacred sound or phrase repeated to focus the mind

Answer

A ritual dagger

Answer

A type of mandala painting

Answer

A fasting practice

Question 6

Tantra is distinctive among spiritual paths because it generally views the body and senses as what?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles for awakening rather than obstacles to reject

Answer

Pure illusions to be ignored

Answer

Sources of permanent sin

Answer

Irrelevant to the spirit

Question 7

The term 'kundalini' in Tantric thought refers to what?

Accepted Answer

A latent spiritual energy said to reside at the base of the spine

Answer

A sacred river

Answer

A festival of lights

Answer

A meditation posture