Dakshinachara

'''''Dakṣiṇācāra''''' is a tantric term meaning 'right-hand path'. It is used to describe tantric sects that do not engage in heterodox practices. In contrast, ''vamachara'' ('left-hand path') is used to describe particular tantric practices that are considered heterodox.

==Etymology== N. N. Bhattacharyya explains the Sanskrit technical term ''{{IAST|ācāra}}'' as follows:

<blockquote> The means of spiritual attainment which varies from person to person according to competence.... ''Ācāras'' are generally of seven kinds – Veda, Vaiṣṇava, Śaiva, Dakṣiṇa, Vāma, Siddhāṇta, and Kaula, falling into two broad categories – Dakṣiṇa and Vāma. Interpretations vary regarding the nature and grouping of the ''ācāras''.{{sfnp|Bhattacharyya|1999|pp=368-69}} </blockquote>

''{{IAST|Dakṣiṇa}}'' means 'right'.{{sfnp|Macdonell|1996|p=115}} For this reason, the term ''dakṣiṇāra'' is often translated "right-hand path".

==Practices== The ''Brahma Yamala'', a tantric text, says there are three currents of tradition (''dakshina'', ''vama'', and ''madhyama'') characterized respectively by the predominance of each of the three ''gunas'' (''sattva'', ''rajas'', and ''tamas''). According to this text, ''dakshina'' is characterized by ''sattva'', and is pure; ''madhyama'', characterized by ''rajas'', is mixed; and ''vama'', characterized by ''tamas'', is impure. The tantras of each class follow a particular line of spiritual practice.{{sfnp|Bagchi|2017|p={{pn|date=November 2022}}}} ''Dakshinachara'' consists of traditional Hindu practices such as asceticism and meditation.{{cn|date=November 2022}}

==See also== * {{annotated link|Left-hand path and right-hand path}} * {{annotated link|Pancharatra|Pāñcarātra}} * {{annotated link|Vaikhanasa|Vaikhanasa}}

==Notes== {{Reflist|2}}

==References== *{{cite book |last=Bagchi |first=P. C. |chapter=Evolution of the Tantras |title=Studies On the Tantras |place=India |publisher=Ramakrishna Math |year=2017 |isbn=978-8187332770}} *{{cite book |last=Bhattacharyya |first=N. N. |title=History of the Tantric Religion |edition=2nd rev. |publisher=Manohar Publications |place=Delhi |year=1999 |isbn=81-7304-025-7}} *{{cite book |last=Macdonell |first=Arthur Anthony |title=A Practical Sanskrit Dictionary |publisher=Munshiram Monoharlal Publishers |year=1996 |isbn=81-215-0715-4}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Daksinacara}} Category:Hindu philosophical concepts Category:Hindu tantra Category:Tantric practices