The Garland of Letters: Studies in the Mantra-Sastra

by John Woodroffe, Arthur Avalon

Books written by the Author Sir John Woodroffe can perhaps be called as Classics.One is indebted to him for his study of Tantra Sastra and the scholarly works he produced in English.His Books like "Serpent Power","Sakti And Sakta" etc.,have helped the Readers to gain excellent knowledge on the generally difficult to interpret subject of Tanta Sastra. In line with the other classics the Author in the present Book has in great detail explained the significance of the Letters in the context of the Tantra knowledge.Thus it becomes a must for the student of Tantra Vidya.

Genres: Philosophy, Hinduism

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1922

About the author

Sir John George Woodroffe, who mostly published pseudonymously as Arthur Avalon, was a jurist and pioneering Orientalist, specializing in Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy. He was a Fellow of the Calcutta University and appointed Tagore Law Professor. He also served as Standing Counsel to the Government of India where he later was raised to the High Court Bench, eventually officiating as Chief Justice for seven years until retiring to England where he was Reader in Indian Law to the University of Oxford.

For his work as an Orientalist, see Arthur Avalon .

Reviews

[Shiva Somadev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever has Profound Divine Revelations, discovered that at the Highest Levels, Reality (Shiva-Shakti has a Mantric Body, I.e. Body of Divine Intelligence composed of Living Supreme Alphabet. The Highest Tantric Scriptures of Anuttara Trika of Kashmir Shaivism tradition speaks of the two Alphabet Goddessess - Malini and Matrika (Unknown to common knowledge, Divine pregnant Mothers of the universe). "In the Beginning was THE WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD WAS GOD" begins with this Grand opening the Bible. In highest Tantras, the Svatantrya Shakti (Absolute Sufficiency and Free Will of Shiva) is equated to Para Vak - The Divine Creative Language - the Source Code from which the Universe originates. Malinivijayottara Tantra says that at the beginning Shiva created seven crores of Mantras, who impregnated Maya and thus originated the Creation. Sir John Wardrobe - Arthur Avalon is possibly the most influential scholar of the late nineteenth century, who brought the most secret and sacred Hindu Philosophical texts with his excellent translations and interpretations to the West. My humble Pranam to him and his grand work 🙏 The Garlands of Letters is a very essential text for all those who long to realise the Ultimate Truth of Reality. Undoubtedly Five Stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

[Sujin Balakumaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a beginner to Tantra Sastra and don't think I will be in a position to review what is written by Sir Woodroffe. I can only say one thing that his books are something like a opened treasure box for me. The very secrets of a complex science is revealed with a lot of simplicity. Garland of letters is a classic example like his other books. My favourite are serpent power, Introduction to Tantra Sastra, Principles of Tantra Vol I & II. I found it very useful and can warn that they are not easy reads!!!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir John Woodroffe (Arthur Avalon) has written several incredible volumes on yoga. Considered a "masterwork" even by Indians, these books offer an incredible wealth of information. The Garland of Letters is a classic of Kundalini Yoga. This is one of the best books on esoteric yogic practice available. Woodroffe's insights are profound and startling. I cannot say enough good things about this classic.

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, and was so looking forward to reading it. I’ve studied Vedic philosophy for a number of years and my sadhana has progressed to integrating nada yoga and mantra. This read seemed like a natural progression. Once I dived in though, I quickly realized that this is not an easy read even if you’re familiar with the subject matter. The information is obviously well studied and comprehensive, but it’s a thick, deep read. Five stars for the material, and perhaps my review isn’t fair because of my own lack of digestion, but the presentation is extremely dense and makes full understanding difficult.

[Saj Sajady · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are into yoga, mantra, vedas, etc. this book is essential reading. Although it is quite advanced. The topics discussed are quite deep and you have to have a foundation to appreciate and understand what this author is saying. Note, this is not a translation of a commentary. This is an understanding of the philosophy written by Woodroffe. So beautiful and interesting.

[Chang Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

[Shiva Somadev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever has Profound Divine Revelations, discovered that at the Highest Levels, Reality (Shiva-Shakti has a Mantric Body, I.e. Body of Divine Intelligence composed of Living Supreme Alphabet. The Highest Tantric Scriptures of Anuttara Trika of Kashmir Shaivism tradition speaks of the two Alphabet Goddessess - Malini and Matrika (Unknown to common knowledge, Divine pregnant Mothers of the universe). "In the Beginning was THE WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD WAS GOD" begins with this Grand opening the Bible. In highest Tantras, the Svatantrya Shakti (Absolute Sufficiency and Free Will of Shiva) is equated to Para Vak - The Divine Creative Language - the Source Code from which the Universe originates. Malinivijayottara Tantra says that at the beginning Shiva created seven crores of Mantras, who impregnated Maya and thus originated the Creation. Sir John Wardrobe - Arthur Avalon is possibly the most influential scholar of the late nineteenth century, who brought the most secret and sacred Hindu Philosophical texts with his excellent translations and interpretations to the West. My humble Pranam to him and his grand work 🙏 The Garlands of Letters is a very essential text for all those who long to realise the Ultimate Truth of Reality. Undoubtedly Five Stars