Introduction to Tantra Sastra

by Arthur Avalon, John Woodroffe

Originally the extended introduction to a translation of the Mahanirvana Tantra by "Arthur Avalon" (a collective pseudonym for Woodroffe and an unnamed collaborator), this is a sufficiently general treatment to repay reading apart from the work to which it was originally attached.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Hinduism

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1913

About the author

pseudonym of John George Woodroffe

Reviews

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but potent little book presents Tantra as a serious spiritual and philosophical system. It’s a very high quality manual for anyone who is seriously engaging in Tantric practice.

NOTE: anytime I talk about Tantra. I always feel compelled to remind the reader traditional Tantra bears very little to no resemblance to what is commonly pedaled in the contemporary New Age spirituality marketplace. And it almost never involves literal sex. And if it ever does. Which is pretty much never. It’s not at all what is currently marketed as Tantric sex. That is not what the Tantric traditions advocate. That particular brand of Tantra (sex magic) is very recent, and indigenous to New Age, (mostly) western (mostly american) spirituality. If you’re into that. Or looking for that. Great. But that’s not what you will find here. Me saying all this is not intended to diss or downgrade anyone’s spiritual practice. I simply want to clarify what we are (and are not) talking about here. So… what we are talking about here is a particular stream of (very unsexy, very demanding) traditional Tantra.

That’s it.

If you don’t know what that is.

Or even if you do.

This book is probably for you.

If you’re looking for a sexy time with a Sting soundtrack.

Keep looking.

Anyway.

The ultimate goal of Tantra sadhanaha is liberation (mokṣa), i.e. the union of Śiva (consciousness) and Śakti (energy), and the subsequent decentralization of the ego based identity.

This text provides a basic overview of Tantra sadhanaha, including the role of mantras, yantras, ritual, and the subtle body (chakras, kuṇḍalinī) again, written for practitioners.

I am (personally) quite thrilled to have read this lil gem.

I have been practicing in a somewhat obscure Kundalini meditation tradition for the past 30+ years. There are relatively little resources out there for English readers (such as myself) outside of the comparatively large (and growing) body of literature on Kashmir non-dual Shiva Tantra (which is analogous to the lineage I’m working in, but different enough to make that body of literature slightly less useful).

This and Woodroofe’s (aka Arthur Avalon) other books are actually really close to the lineage I’m practicing in. And it’s just SO DANG helpful, informative, valuable and validating.

There is a lot of (perhaps well intended but) unhelpful material out there on Kundalini Maha Yoga.

Discovering this at this particular junction is perfect.

More than perfect.

So very happy to have this in my life.

- Sita Ram!

5/5 ⭐️s

[Sujin Balakumaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and a deep insight to the subject with a lot of reference. Thoroughly enjoyed and benefited. To understand the deeper aspect of the subject, this introduction is a walkthrough and I recommend this and should be read before reading other books on this subject.

[Liana Buzea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavy read for the non-initiate in the philosophy or if one isn't really interested to pursue this spiritual / religious path.

[Nisarg Rajguru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all the books of Sir John this one is another short yet in-depth book which not just quotes tantra but simplifies the meaning behind the important topics in it so that no ambiguity is caused like how it did in most of the religious texts in past. Many of my doubts regarding concepts floating around god got cleared. It is always fascinating to know about all the metaphysical things sir john talks about. Even if you have an inclination towards spirituality regardless of your interest in tantra, i would still highly recommend this book.

[Vipul Musani · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an introduction as the title suggests but it's very rich and amazing. Planning to read more books by Sir John Woodroffe on Tantra as this is much power packed and informative even if you can digest just 50% so I would say a must read if you are interested in true understanding of the Tantra.

[Narendrāditya Nalwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound but concise introduction to the Tantrik tradition.

[Balasubramanian Sharma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing new

Nothing new for a Hindu. May be useful for people getting introduced to Hinduism. Not recommended for experienced Hindus .

[Alexandria]

Something Zhander Remete quoted from, so it caught my eye. A very interesting read.

[Nikunj · Rating 3 out of 5]

hrdaye adyayai kalikayai devatayai namah