Hilaritas Press Podcasts Episode 34: Denny Sargent – Tantra, Animism and more
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Jun 23, 2024 Seattle writer and artist Denny Sargent discusses Tantra, animism, and more. Topics include simplifying Tantra for American readers, comparing Hinduism and Christianity, Tantric initiation, encountering Hanuman in India, animism's influence on deity forms, Shiva and marijuana, werewolf magic, group spiritual practices, chakras in spiritual traditions, and the will to love in Tantra.
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Tantra Journey
- Denny Sargent's Tantra journey began in 1980 with initiation into the Natha Sampradaya.
- His guru, Sri Gurudev Mahendranath, gave him the Natha name Hermeticus, signifying his role to bring Tantra to the West.
Tantra vs. Hinduism
- Tantra, unlike Hinduism, has no fixed hierarchy or caste system.
- It emphasizes individual will (svechacharya) and direct connection with deities, bypassing priestly intermediaries.
Hindu Temple Practices
- In traditional Hindu temples, devotees connect with deities through a Brahmin priest.
- The priest acts as a conduit, receiving the deity's blessings and distributing prasad (blessed food).