Glossary of tantra terms
A working glossary of the terms you'll meet in tantra teaching in Ireland — drawn from both classical Sanskrit roots and neo-tantra usage. Where the two senses differ, we say so.
- Bodhichitta
- (Buddhist) The mind oriented toward enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. Foundational in Vajrayana tantric practice.
- Chakra
- Energy centre along the subtle body. Seven main chakras are the most commonly referenced model, though traditional systems vary.
- Dakini
- (Sanskrit) A female embodiment of enlightened activity in Buddhist tantra; a wisdom-being. Used in some Irish bodywork contexts to refer to a female practitioner.
- De-armouring
- A bodywork technique in neo-tantra: the slow release of stored tension or shutdown from erogenous and sensitive tissue.
- Deity yoga
- Classical-tantra practice of visualising and identifying with a particular deity to embody their qualities. Central in Tibetan Buddhist tantra.
- Kundalini
- Subtle-body energy traditionally described as coiled at the base of the spine, awakened through specific practices.
- Lingam
- (Sanskrit) Penis. Used in neo-tantra to reframe genital touch as ritual rather than mechanical.
- Mantra
- Sacred sound or phrase repeated as part of practice. Foundational across classical Hindu and Buddhist tantra.
- Moksha
- (Hindu) Liberation — the traditional aim of classical tantric practice in the Hindu schools.
- Mudra
- A specific hand or body posture used in tantric practice to channel or seal energy.
- Neo-tantra
- The 20th-century Western reinterpretation of tantra — embodied, often sexually-oriented, blended with Western psychology.
- Polarity
- In neo-tantra, the play of masculine and feminine energetic principles in practice (independent of gender).
- Sacred sexuality
- The framing of sex as a contemplative, spiritual practice rather than performance or recreation.
- Shakti
- (Sanskrit) The divine feminine principle; creative, embodied energy. Counterpart to Shiva.
- Shiva
- (Sanskrit) The divine masculine principle in tantric philosophy; pure awareness. Counterpart to Shakti.
- Vajrayana
- (Sanskrit) "Diamond vehicle"— the tantric strand of Buddhism, dominant in Tibet.
- Yantra
- A geometric diagram (the Sri Yantra is the most famous) used in classical-tantra visualisation practice.
- Yoni
- (Sanskrit) Vulva. Used in neo-tantra in the same way as lingam — to reframe genital touch as ritual.
- Yoni egg
- A polished gemstone (jade, rose quartz) used in some neo-tantra practices for pelvic-floor and sensitivity work. Quality of evidence varies; speak to a pelvic-health professional before use.
Don't see a term?
If a teacher used a word you'd like included, get in touch — we'll add it.