Vamchara

The Vamachara is a sect within Tantrism, a tradition found in both Hinduism and Buddhism that emerged around the 5th century CE. Tantrism focuses on mystic speculations about divine creative energy, known as shakti. It offers a path to spiritual realization and the attainment of transcendent powers through yogic and ritualistic practices, which can include magical and orgiastic elements.12

The Vamachara, or "left-hand practice," specifically aims to intensify sensory experiences by embracing enjoyment and sensuality (bhoga). Adherents pursue spiritual goals by sublimating and then gratifying their natural functions and inclinations through rituals designed to break down conventional personality structures. This approach emphasizes the activation and sublimation of the body's inherent possibilities as crucial for achieving salvation. Tantric worship often involves complex rituals, esoteric interpretations of texts using symbolic language, and the use of mantras and ritual diagrams.12