The Indian Buddhist Iconography, Mainly Based on the Sadhanamala and Other Cognate Tantric Texts of Rituals c9.s3.3

c9.s3.3

The Tantras are, in fact, sciences dealing with psychic matters, and give directions for a variety of psychic exercises. It therefore stands to reason that the Tantra is a science or a Vidyā requiring competent preceptors and efficient disciples. Like all other sciences the Tantra is not also open to all and the sundry, but only for those who are initiated into the mysteries of the science, and are competent to follow the prescribed practices with patience and zeal. These are the right type of disciples for Tāntric practices, and may be called the Adhikārins or rightful persons. In many Tāntric works long chapters are devoted to the qualifications of the preceptors and disciples and there are also rules for their respective competence to give or receive initiation.