The Tantric Way: Art, Science, Ritual

by Ajit Mookerjee, Madhu Khanna

The life-affirming philosophy of tantra and its application to everyday life have created wide and enthusiastic interest in the West in the past decade. The Tantric Way is a practical guide to the creative mystery of this religious and mystical system to achieve awareness.
Derived from the essential tenets of Indian thought, tantra was nourished by radically different, even heretical, sources. It embraces the fullest acceptance of physical desires; it regards man as the embodiment of universal forces; it accepts the natural world. Contemplation must be active, and includes the use of meditative tools, group rituals, rhythmic breathing, and sexual union. Nor does it rule out the use of drugs to reach an expanded and creative awareness. The sexual component of tantra has long been misunderstood, obscured by the distaste of nineteenth-century scholars and the secrecy of the initiates; The Tantric Way explains the symbolism behind the forthright language of the texts and the erotic postures of tantric art.
The book is fully illustrated with paintings, drawings, and diagrams. The illustrations serve to explain and instruct, but the compelling work produced by tantric artists will also have strong visual appeal to the Western eye educated by Klee, Kandinsky, Mondrian, Rothko, and
Noland.
Ajit Mookerjee, author of Yoga Art (NYGS, 1975), is an
outstanding expert on tantric art and an important collector, and his deep knowledge of the West makes him an ideal interpreter. Madhu Khanna is a distinguished scholar of Eastern and Western philosophies.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Mythology, Nonfiction, Art

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the text is academic and somewhat hard to penetrate, this book offered an interesting entry to tantra from a mostly art historical perspective (and from an Indian practitioner's standpoint, no less). The author also explained some common practices. The "science" was more metaphysics than physics, though it was fascinating to read about how early Indian astronomy inspired tantric practice. I'll pass on drinking mercury, though...

[Cam Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

y’all mind if I find balance in the dichotomies of myself and the cosmos real quick?

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ajit Mookerjee's "The Tantric Way: Art, Science, Ritual" offers a comprehensive and enlightening introduction to the multifaceted world of Tantra. Often shrouded in misconception and sensationalization, Mookerjee presents a balanced and informative view, highlighting the true essence of this ancient Indian tradition.

Mookerjee takes readers on a journey encompassing the art, science, and ritual aspects of Tantra. He explores its philosophical foundations, historical context, and diverse practices, including those related to art, meditation, and yoga. This holistic approach provides a well-rounded understanding of Tantra's various dimensions.

The book effectively debunks common misconceptions about Tantra, particularly those surrounding its association solely with sexual practices. Mookerjee emphasizes Tantra's broader goals of self-knowledge, spiritual liberation, and the celebration of life's inherent energy.

The book is enriched with illustrations and diagrams, which visually represent various Tantric concepts and practices, enhancing the reader's comprehension and engagement with the material. Due to the vast scope of Tantra, the book can only offer an introduction and overview. Readers seeking deeper exploration into specific aspects may need to delve into more specialized texts.

Tantra is a complex and nuanced tradition, and some readers might find specific practices or concepts challenging to grasp. However, "The Tantric Way" serves as an excellent starting point for anyone curious about Tantra. It offers a balanced, informative, and engaging introduction to this rich and multifaceted spiritual path.

[Sourabh Mathur · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Tantric Way” is a beautifully curated journey into the world of Tantra - not just as a spiritual practice, but as a vibrant aesthetic, philosophical, and ritual tradition that seamlessly weaves together art, science, and mysticism.

This is not a dense academic treatise. Instead, it reads more like a guided gallery tour, where each page is a canvas adorned with stunning visuals, rare tantric paintings, yantras, mandalas, and sacred iconography. The commentary by Ajit Mookerjee and Madhu Khanna offers just the right depth to keep the reader engaged without overwhelming. For those new to Tantra, this book gently introduces its core themes - the divine union of Shiva and Shakti, the symbolic use of geometry, sound, and color, and the spiritual significance of ritual.

While not a step-by-step guide to tantric practice, the book excels in conveying the spirit behind it - that Tantra is not taboo, but a profound worldview where body, mind, and cosmos are one. The insights are subtle yet powerful, and the visuals speak volumes - evoking awe, reverence, and contemplation.

🔸Ideal for: Artists, spiritual seekers, yoga practitioners, or anyone curious about Indian/Eastern mysticism and sacred art.
🔸Not for: Those looking for a practical sadhana manual or a deep scriptural exegesis as this is more of a philosophical and aesthetic overview.

This book is a light yet potent read. Keep it on your coffee table or altar. Revisit often.

[Nikolas Alixopulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Ajit Mookerjee's "The Tantric Way":

"In a quest for unity, the Tantric artist identifies with the universal forces and is driven to find a truer reality beyond appearances by which a synthesis can be achieved between the external world and the interior model: a macrocosmic vision which allows the artist to come into familiar contact with the space-time continuum. [...] The Tantric artist is not alienated from nature, but is very much in unison with the order that constitutes it. His art is a projection of an intrinsic consciousness permeating the outer and the inner worlds. In this sense the artist is a link between art and life stretched to a point between life and cosmos."