Sanskrit meaning "family," "group," or "self-contained unit." This refers to the group orientation of a set of Tantric traditions, the most famous of which are focused in South India. The Kaulas were noted for flaunting taboos as a means of achieving liberation. They are usually considered left-handed sects of Tantra, meaning that they followed Tantric traditions literally rather than symbolically. Rituals of some Kaula sects include the practice of maithuna, ritual sexual intercourse.