ˈtən.ˌtrizəm noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: tantra + -ism
1. : shaktism
2. : a school of Mahayana Buddhism originating in northern India and formative in Lamaism and Shingon that incorporates Hindu and pagan elements (as pantheistic mysticism, spells, the worship of female divinities) and teaches that the individual can realize his essential Buddhahood and obtain earthly benefits by theurgic practices (as mantra, mudra, erotic rites)