Tantra Vidy

This contains two dissertations on understanding Archaic Astronomy and Parmenides and the Tantric Yoga. Of these the first dissertation concerns with the understanding of Archaic Astronomy from the stand-point of a psychologist of perception, trained in Astronomy. The author deals with the psychology of Perception and the seven Lotus flowers of the Kundalini Yoga by elucidating the study of Arthur Avalon, giving parallels in other traditions, while presenting a comparative study on its bearing o

“Sri Vidya begins where the current understanding of quantum physics ends,” say modern-day scholars about this little-known, highly esoteric spiritual tradition that has been carefully kept under wraps by its secretive and serious practitioners. The study of Sri Vidya is fascinating as much as it is frustrating because information about its various aspects is exceptionally hard to find. Tantra, Mantra and Yantra of Sri Vidya is an endeavor to explore the Sri Vidya tradition and understand it as the unfolding of Shakti, the inherent power which lies at the core of our being and holds the key to our worldly and spiritual success. Sri Vidya practice comprises tantra (a technique or framework for worship) whose two main elements are mantra (sacred sound) and yantra (sacred geometry). Tantra can be described in simple terms as the utilization of the mental faculty to pursue the objectives of worship using mantra and yantra. Mantra is the use of sound energy to bring about oneness with the Divine while yantra is a geometric drawing that serves as a tool to reach the Divine. The book delves into concepts such as Sankhya, Yoga, Karma and Kundalini in order to establish the context of how Sri Vidya is to be approached, combining elements of knowledge, devotion and ritual. The author has kept in mind the sensibilities of the modern spiritual seeker and their needs and interests, presenting the information in a non-dogmatic and practical manner, thereby allowing everyone an opportunity to learn and experience the benefits of Sri Vidya. This is the third book by the author in the Spirituality Series. The first book was about the Sri Chakra Yantra and the second book had Chakras as its subject.

Tantra in Practice is the eight volume of Princeton Readings in Religions and the first substantial anthology of Tantric works ever to appear in English. The thirty-nine contributors, drawn from around the world, are leading scholars of Tantra. Each contributor has provided a translation of a key work, in most cases translated here for the first time. Each chapter in the volume begins with an introduction in which the translator discusses the history and influence of the work, identifying points of particular difficulty or interest. David White has provided a general introduction to the volume that serves as an ideal guide to the riches contained between the covers of this book. He has organized the volume thematically, providing fascinating juxtapositions of works from different regions, periods, and traditions. Two additional tables of contents are provided, organizing the works by tradition and by country of origin. The range of works represented here is remarkable, spanning the continent of Asia and the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam over more than a millennium. With the publication this volume, the long disparaged and neglected Tantric traditions of Asia receive the attention they so rightly deserve. This is a groundbreaking work.

There are many books written in abstract language on the Tantra Upasana known as Sri Vidya. However, they contain highly technical words, mantras and rituals which are beyond the understanding of a layman who is alien to the concept of Hindu religion. Hence, more than enlightening the reader, they confuse him. In this aspect, this book is different in its diction. It tries to explain the abstruse subject of Sri Vidya in simplest possible terms, highlighting its most benign form of practices. Explaining the meanings of important mantras from the Upanishads, the connection between Sri Vidya and the Vedas has been established in this book. In addition, the four paths of Sri Vidya have been briefly touched upon, introducing the readers to the practical aspects of these four esoteric paths. Dispelling the fear of Tantra and the worship of God in his feminine aspect, the entire subject of Sri Vidya has been explained in this book. If the reader develops interest in the sadhana of Sri Vidya after reading this work, we feel our efforts in writing this book are fulfilled.

Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, Tantra has been the most difficult to define. Almost everything about it—its major characteristics, its sources, its relationships to other religions, even its practices—are debated among scholars. In addition, Tantrism is not confined to any particular religion, but is a set of beliefs and practices that appears in a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. This book explores one of the most controversial aspects of Tantra, its sources or roots, specifically in regard to Hinduism. The essays focus on the history and development of Tantra, the art history and archaeology of Tantra, the Vedas and Tantra, and texts and Tantra. Using various disciplinary and methodological approaches, from history to art history and religious studies to textual studies, scholars provide both broad overviews of the beginnings of Tantra and detailed analyses of specific texts, authors, art works, and rituals.

Describes authentic tantra, the different spiritual paths and how tantra combines yoga, meditation, ayurveda and other disciplines.

A leading yoga researcher offers a clear and lively introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of the Tantric spiritual tradition Tantra—often associated with Kundalini Yoga—is a fundamental dimension of Hinduism, emphasizing the cultivation of “divine power” (shakti) as a path to infinite bliss. Tantra has been widely misunderstood in the West, however, where its practices are often confused with eroticism and licentious morality. Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy dispels many common misconceptions, providing an accessible introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of this extraordinary spiritual tradition. The Tantric teachings are geared toward the attainment of enlightenment as well as spiritual power and are present not only in Hinduism but also Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In this book, Georg Feuerstein offers readers a clear understanding of authentic Tantra, as well as appropriate guidance for spiritual practice and the attainment of higher consciousness.