Vamachara

About

Vamachara is a tantric term derived from Sanskrit, meaning "left-hand path" and synonymous with the Sanskrit term vāmamārga. It describes a particular mode of worship or sadhana, which is a spiritual practice that uses heterodox things to sublimate for spiritual growth. These practices are generally considered to be tantric in orientation. The concept of Vamachara exists in contrast to dakṣiṇācāra, or the "right-hand path," which refers to orthodox sects and modes of spirituality that engage in practices accorded with Vedic injunction and are generally agreeable to the status quo. Both left-handed and right-handed modes of practice may be evident in both orthodox and heterodox practices of Hinduism. The choice between these paths is determined by matters of taste, culture, proclivity, initiation, sadhana, and lineage, also known as parampara.