Shakti and Shâkta

By Arthur Avalon and John Woodroffe

Book Overview

Agama, which governs according to its followers the Kali-yuga, is itself divided into several schools or communities of worshippers. One of these divisions is the Shakta. It is with Shakta doctrine and worship, one of the forms of Brahmanism, which is again a form of the general Bharata Dharma, that this book deals. The Shakta is so called because he is a worshipper of Shakti (Power), that is, God in Mother-form as the Supreme Power which creates, sustains and withdraws the universe. His rule of life is Shaktadharma, his doctrine of Shakti is Shaktivada or Shakta Darshana. God is worshipped as the Great Mother because, in this aspect, God is active, and produces, nourishes, and maintains all. Theological Godhead is no more female than male or neuter. God is Mother to the Sadhaka who worships Her Lotus Feet, the dust on which are millions of universes. The Power, or active aspect of the immanent God, is thus called Shakti. Please Note: This book is easy to read in true text, not scanned images that can sometimes be difficult to decipher. The Microsoft eBook has a contents page linked to the chapter headings for easy navigation. The Adobe eBook has bookmarks at chapter headings and is printable up to two full copies per year. Both versions are text searchable.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486236455
• ISBN13: 9780486236452
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 441 Pages
• Weight: 1.72 lbs.

Customer Reviews

John Woodroffe: Vital If You Don't Know Sanskrit

Sir John Woodroffe, also known as Arthur Avalon, was the foremost expert on Tantra of his time. His exposition of these Hindu Tantras, while colored by his British Colonial background, are excellent resources for one studying the Tantra, whether Hindu or Buddhist in strain. According to John Woodroffe, the foremost scholar on Tantra, and translator of its greatest works (including the Mahanirvana Tantra): " The Indian Tantras, which are numerous, constitute the Scripture (Shastra) of the Kaliyuga, and as such are the voluminous source of present and practical orthodox "Hinduism." The Tantra Shastra is, in fact, and whatever be its historical origin, a development of the Vaidika Karmakanda, promulgated to meet the needs of that age. Shiva says: "For the benefit of men of the Kali age, men bereft of energy and dependent for existence on the food they eat, the Kaula doctrine, O auspicious one! is given" (Chap. IX., verse 12). To the Tantra we must therefore look if we would understand aright both ritual, yoga, and sadhana of all kinds, as also the general principles of which these practices are but the objective expression." (Introduction to Sir John Woodroffe's translation of "Mahanirvana Tantra.") An additional note would be that those reading this and other related Hindu Tantras avoid trying to practice them without a 'sadguru' (True Teacher). Within the tantras themselves it is constantly stressed that while Tantra is a continuation of the Vedic tradition and necessary for this time, practice requires that the student have a Guru from whom to learn. American sensationalist sex-mongerers don't know the least thing about what Tantra really comprises, like that its many verses, throughout its shastras (especially the Hindu Agamas and Tantras) are triple-layered in meaning, and thus take what Tantrik experts term a gross, subtle and ultimate meaning. For this reason, while commentary by scholars is valuable, the guidance of a guru for actual practice is indispensable.

:A MUST FOR TANTRIC STUDIES Kaula doctorine and ritual

I had never thought that one day ý would find serpent power anywhere except usedbook store.Well Shakti and Shakta ,a tantric book (that ý had found it in our schools library)which indicates the same subject as Serpent power(tantric rite and complex stages of tantric consiousness).ýf you are deeply interested in tatrism and want a reference source,this is the book of your dreams.No matters it is out print or can not be found.HERE!!! the same sources related with it and dont miss serpent power.Tantric texts;Karpuradi stotram(tantric hymn book to kali)This book is added at the end of the serpent power but only in sanskrit forms with devanagari letters,Tantra of the great liberation(Mahanýrvana tantra)by Arthur A.Well the only advice that I can give is' get one of the works of Arthur Avalon before they become outprint'.Im Indiology student and this offer is completely sciencetific...If you are interested in tantrism, even less even much.As you see A MUST FOR KAULA THEOLOGY.