The Indian Tantras, which are numerous, constitute the Scripture (Sastra) of the Kaliyug, and as such are a voluminous source of present and practical orthodox "Hinduism". The Tantra Sastra is, in fact, whatever be its historical horizon, a development of the karmakanda (using that term that general senseof ritual section of the scripture), promuglated to meet the need of the age. Siva says : "For the benefit of men of the Kali age, men bereft of energy and dependent for existence on the food they eat, the Kaula doctrine, O auspicious one ! is given" (Ch. IX, verse 12). To the Tantras we must therefore look if we would understand aright both ritual, yoga, and sadhna of all kinds as they exist today, as also the general principles of which these practices are but the objective experssion.
