Quote Originally Posted by Eastern Mind View Post
Vannakkam Icy: This may (or may not) also be helpful..

from the lexicon of Dancing with Siva, (but summarised by me for simplicity)

1) most generally, a synonym for shastra (scripture)
2) a synonym for the Agamic texts, especially those of the Shakta faith
3) a specific method, technique, or spiritual practice within the Shakta or Saiva traditions, generally used to have energy flow upward through the sushumna

so from 3 above, pranayama would be considered a tantra.

For me personally, I see it as #3.

Aum Namasivaya
Namaste EM,
Yes that is helpful! I think I remember coming across this in Dancing with Siva but without the context you have all given it was just as confusing! I was originally told Tantra is a form of meditation or path of union with god, so when these ''new-age'' Tantric practicioners propound their make-shift classes as genuine tantra so convincingly it only leaves me even more bewildered.

Aum Namah Shivaya