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The Serpent Power: The Secrets of Tantric and Shaktic Yoga
Who is Kundalini, the Serpent Power? Mythologically, she is an aspect of the Shakti (power or energy) and consort of Shiva. Philosophically, she is the creative energy that eventually forms mind and matter, and comes to rest in the lowest form of matter. She is consciousness: the power of matter to know itself. In terms of Tantric practice, she is the mysterious power that resides in the human body and can be awakened through suitable techniques: special meditations and yogic practices of a particularly powerful nature. She is The Goddess, the ultimate heart of many areas of Eastern religion, not only of Hinduism.
This volume, by the foremost student of Shaktic and Tantric thought, "Arthur Avalon," is the prime document for the study and application of Kundalini yoga. The author covers the philosophical and mythological nature of Kundalini; the esoteric anatomy associated with it; the study of matrass — the chakras, or psychic centers in the human body and their progressive awakening; and the yoga associated with this. This introduction, some 300 pages of unique material, is followed by translations (with long analytical commentary) of two important Tantric documents: The Description of the Six Chakras and the briefer Five-fold Footstool. By working through these documents the reader can acquire the essence of Kundalini yoga.
For centuries this material was a closely guarded secret in India; even native scholars were not allowed access to it. In fact, it was so restricted that many Indologists refused to recognize its existence. It took half a lifetime of searching by Sir John Woodroffe to locate the key documents and further years to find a master able and willing to evoke from the cryptic texts a modus for study and application. The result of Woodroffe's work, however, was one of the most important developments in Indian thought, a key to many areas of art and religion that had hitherto been locked. It is also a work that has great interest to Westerners who wish to acquire for themselves the validity of the ultimate experience.
This volume, by the foremost student of Shaktic and Tantric thought, "Arthur Avalon," is the prime document for the study and application of Kundalini yoga. The author covers the philosophical and mythological nature of Kundalini; the esoteric anatomy associated with it; the study of matrass — the chakras, or psychic centers in the human body and their progressive awakening; and the yoga associated with this. This introduction, some 300 pages of unique material, is followed by translations (with long analytical commentary) of two important Tantric documents: The Description of the Six Chakras and the briefer Five-fold Footstool. By working through these documents the reader can acquire the essence of Kundalini yoga.
For centuries this material was a closely guarded secret in India; even native scholars were not allowed access to it. In fact, it was so restricted that many Indologists refused to recognize its existence. It took half a lifetime of searching by Sir John Woodroffe to locate the key documents and further years to find a master able and willing to evoke from the cryptic texts a modus for study and application. The result of Woodroffe's work, however, was one of the most important developments in Indian thought, a key to many areas of art and religion that had hitherto been locked. It is also a work that has great interest to Westerners who wish to acquire for themselves the validity of the ultimate experience.
545 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 6, 2008
In the tangled history of lies and counter-factualizations and blasphemies that is the "Western" creation of the "Eastern" creation of "Tantra," Sir John Woodroffe aka "Arthur Avalon" turns out to be, oddly, one of the most sincere and sympathetic figures, neither attempting to read Indian religion as sex-mad decadence nor as mystical hoodwinking, nor allowing himself to be shocked by his own thoughts. Would that we all could be so gentle.
September 5, 2025
If you’re into esoteric Hinduism.
And/or.
If you’re into it digging into the source texts for Kundalini stuff.
Or both.
This classic 1919 text on Kundalini yoga and Tantric philosophy includese: the chakra system, kundalini energy, mantras, all the ways to the fruition of the path (non-dual liberation - i.e. Moksha GALORE - and so much more).
The author Arthur Avalon aka Sir John Woodroffe, combines scholarly analysis with esoteric yoga instruction.
He’s clearly a serious practitioner.
And.
It rocks.
This book basically included Tantra and Kundalini to the West.
Amazing.
And only one of literally dozens by the same author.
I’m dying of curiosity about him.
I have literally NO IDEA how he was so prolific.
Given all that.
Before I ever bothered to even crack one and read even a page (aversion prior to investigation). I was pretty averse to reading this and his other books for a long time. Mainly out of a false assumption that the text would be hokey and primitive in that Victorian scholarly way.
But it’s not.
I was wrong.
This is a TREASURE.
Top class translations from a legit practitioner/scholar.
Super special.
I’m going to binge on the rest of his catalog.
AWESOME.
5/5 ⭐️
BTW: Tantra is not the lame sex magic shit the new age markets it as. And Kundalini (the real stuff) bares very little in common with the Kundalini yoga (3HO) stuff many of you are familiar with. One of the reasons this text is SO great is its closeness to the source, and its lack of contamination.
And/or.
If you’re into it digging into the source texts for Kundalini stuff.
Or both.
This classic 1919 text on Kundalini yoga and Tantric philosophy includese: the chakra system, kundalini energy, mantras, all the ways to the fruition of the path (non-dual liberation - i.e. Moksha GALORE - and so much more).
The author Arthur Avalon aka Sir John Woodroffe, combines scholarly analysis with esoteric yoga instruction.
He’s clearly a serious practitioner.
And.
It rocks.
This book basically included Tantra and Kundalini to the West.
Amazing.
And only one of literally dozens by the same author.
I’m dying of curiosity about him.
I have literally NO IDEA how he was so prolific.
Given all that.
Before I ever bothered to even crack one and read even a page (aversion prior to investigation). I was pretty averse to reading this and his other books for a long time. Mainly out of a false assumption that the text would be hokey and primitive in that Victorian scholarly way.
But it’s not.
I was wrong.
This is a TREASURE.
Top class translations from a legit practitioner/scholar.
Super special.
I’m going to binge on the rest of his catalog.
AWESOME.
5/5 ⭐️
BTW: Tantra is not the lame sex magic shit the new age markets it as. And Kundalini (the real stuff) bares very little in common with the Kundalini yoga (3HO) stuff many of you are familiar with. One of the reasons this text is SO great is its closeness to the source, and its lack of contamination.
March 30, 2009
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 Serpent Power is a classic of Kundalini Yoga.
February 21, 2009
This sounds like it ought to be one of Llewellyn's dodgier offerings, but is actually a serious translation by an Edwardian gentleman scholar (legal name Sir John Woodroffe) of two Sanskrit yoga texts and associated commentary, both describing chakras and associated concepts. Avalon's introductory chapters are longer than the works themselves, and I would advise readers to skip them or read the texts first and then return to them, as I found them considerably harder to follow than the texts themselves. These chapters contain some mild Orientalism, but nothing too egregious, and some ambiguity as to whether or not Avalon and/or his informants think chakras, nadis and the like are to be understood as existing in the physical body, in a subtle one (in Western occultism usually known as the astral body) or as visualisations projected onto the body by the practitioner in order to better appreciate Vedanta philosophy. The book wasn't quite what I had expected - it was on a list of further reading in one of my Sivananda books, and I'd expected it to be in similar vein, i.e. presenting an introduction to the subject in terms suitable for a beginner. It's actually quite a tricky philosophical text, or possibly anatomy text, depending on which view you take of the aforementioned ambiguity. I found it comparable in difficulty to some of the books on Aquinas I've read lately, particularly Avalon's own sections.
December 3, 2014
For how old this book is, Woodroffe (a.k.a. Arthur Avalon) does a really good job at being informative and well-researched, citing sources often and yet also elucidating concepts in fairly clear language. Recommended for those who want a more 'traditional' understanding of Hindu tantra and kundalini which draws from Upanishads & tantras (rather than the typical modern teacher who appears to be making up everything as they go along).
December 24, 2013
Sir John Woodroffe or Arthur Avalon was a scholar and he translated complicated Sanskrit texts into English with a commentary. This book is a milestone in the western attempt to understand Indian mysticism. It explains fundamentals of Kundalini Yoga.
Currently Reading
January 10, 2019I am really sorry to say but I could not even open the book and you say I have read.
Please make the site more user friendly for old people like me , I am 76 yrs old.
Thanks anyway,
Yogesh
Please make the site more user friendly for old people like me , I am 76 yrs old.
Thanks anyway,
Yogesh
Want to Read
December 16, 2008This book is very dense and a slow read, however, based on other readers' reviews, extremely valuable and worth working through. I have put it down and will pick it up after I read The Origins and History of Consciousness.
July 28, 2020
This book is like a lecture series, only more difficult.
each chapter is like a standalone thesis, which is exactly what i enjoy.
beautiful book, but its a slow burn.
each chapter is like a standalone thesis, which is exactly what i enjoy.
beautiful book, but its a slow burn.
August 28, 2015
A extensive thesis on the subject of kundalini tantra. The book covers the subject in more of a theoretical approach and offers a lot of references from ancient Indian writings. One of the oldest but live description of the journey and experiences of the author.
Only i felt that more illustrations could have been added. This book is for serious readers, novice may get easily distracted reading it.
Only i felt that more illustrations could have been added. This book is for serious readers, novice may get easily distracted reading it.
Want to Read
August 4, 2025I have this book and was supposed to read it for a class, but never did. Maybe I should pick it up.
March 6, 2024
Avalon's "The Serpent Power" is a captivating exploration of Kundalini yoga, delving into its philosophical underpinnings, esoteric anatomy, and the practices associated with awakening this potent energy.
Avalon, the pen name of Sir John Woodroffe, meticulously translates two crucial Sanskrit texts on Kundalini and provides insightful commentary. This not only offers an authentic understanding but also bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary readers. The book delves deeply into various aspects of Kundalini yoga, from the nature of Kundalini as the "Serpent Power" to the concept of chakras (psychic centers) and the specific yogic practices for awakening and guiding this energy.
While the subject matter is profound, Avalon's writing style is surprisingly clear and engaging. He effectively explains complex concepts using metaphors and analogies, making the book accessible to a wider audience, even those new to yogic traditions. The book primarily focuses on the theoretical and philosophical aspects, and readers seeking specific instructions on yogic techniques may need to supplement their learning with other resources or seek the guidance of a teacher.
Overall, "The Serpent Power" is a thought-provoking and insightful read for anyone interested in Kundalini yoga, Tantra, or the exploration of human potential. It provides a valuable foundation for further study and personal exploration on this fascinating path.
Avalon, the pen name of Sir John Woodroffe, meticulously translates two crucial Sanskrit texts on Kundalini and provides insightful commentary. This not only offers an authentic understanding but also bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary readers. The book delves deeply into various aspects of Kundalini yoga, from the nature of Kundalini as the "Serpent Power" to the concept of chakras (psychic centers) and the specific yogic practices for awakening and guiding this energy.
While the subject matter is profound, Avalon's writing style is surprisingly clear and engaging. He effectively explains complex concepts using metaphors and analogies, making the book accessible to a wider audience, even those new to yogic traditions. The book primarily focuses on the theoretical and philosophical aspects, and readers seeking specific instructions on yogic techniques may need to supplement their learning with other resources or seek the guidance of a teacher.
Overall, "The Serpent Power" is a thought-provoking and insightful read for anyone interested in Kundalini yoga, Tantra, or the exploration of human potential. It provides a valuable foundation for further study and personal exploration on this fascinating path.
March 15, 2024
Unveiling the Secrets of Kundalini: A Review of The Serpent Power by Arthur Avalon
Arthur Avalon's (Sir John Woodroffe) The Serpent Power is a seminal text for anyone delving into the world of Kundalini yoga and Tantra. This isn't a light weekend read, but a profound exploration of a powerful and complex spiritual practice.
Avalon, a scholar of Indian religions, takes the unique approach of translating two key Sanskrit texts on Kundalini – the Ṣaṭcakra-nirūpaṇa and Pādukā-pañcaka – and providing insightful commentary alongside them. This allows readers to access the original source material while benefitting from Avalon's expertise.
Avalon's meticulous translation and analysis offer a deep understanding of Kundalini's philosophy, esoteric anatomy, and associated practices. By staying true to the original texts, Avalon avoids sensationalizing the topic and presents a more credible exploration. This book serves as a springboard for further study and personal exploration of Kundalini yoga and Tantra.
The Serpent Power is a valuable resource for serious seekers on the path of Kundalini yoga and Tantra. While it requires dedication and background knowledge, the insights it offers are unparalleled. If you're ready to delve into the intricacies of this fascinating practice, Avalon's work is a must-read. However, if you're looking for a beginner's guide with practical exercises, you might want to start with a more introductory text.
Arthur Avalon's (Sir John Woodroffe) The Serpent Power is a seminal text for anyone delving into the world of Kundalini yoga and Tantra. This isn't a light weekend read, but a profound exploration of a powerful and complex spiritual practice.
Avalon, a scholar of Indian religions, takes the unique approach of translating two key Sanskrit texts on Kundalini – the Ṣaṭcakra-nirūpaṇa and Pādukā-pañcaka – and providing insightful commentary alongside them. This allows readers to access the original source material while benefitting from Avalon's expertise.
Avalon's meticulous translation and analysis offer a deep understanding of Kundalini's philosophy, esoteric anatomy, and associated practices. By staying true to the original texts, Avalon avoids sensationalizing the topic and presents a more credible exploration. This book serves as a springboard for further study and personal exploration of Kundalini yoga and Tantra.
The Serpent Power is a valuable resource for serious seekers on the path of Kundalini yoga and Tantra. While it requires dedication and background knowledge, the insights it offers are unparalleled. If you're ready to delve into the intricacies of this fascinating practice, Avalon's work is a must-read. However, if you're looking for a beginner's guide with practical exercises, you might want to start with a more introductory text.
June 1, 2025
This sounds like it ought to be one of Llewellyn's dodgier offerings, but is actually a serious translation by an Edwardian gentleman scholar (legal name Sir John Woodroffe) of two Sanskrit yoga texts and associated commentary, both describing chakras and associated concepts.
Avalon's introductory chapters are longer than the works themselves, and I would advise readers to skip them or read the texts first and then return to them, as I found them considerably harder to follow than the texts themselves. These chapters contain some mild Orientalism, but nothing too egregious, and some ambiguity as to whether or not Avalon and/or his informants think chakras, nadis and the like are to be understood as existing in the physical body, in a subtle one (in Western occultism usually known as the astral body) or as visualisations projected onto the body by the practitioner in order to better appreciate Vedanta philosophy.
The book wasn't quite what I had expected - it was on a list of further reading in one of my Sivananda books, and I'd expected it to be in similar vein, i.e. presenting an introduction to the subject in terms suitable for a beginner. It's actually quite a tricky philosophical text, or possibly anatomy text, depending on which view you take of the aforementioned ambiguity. I found it comparable in difficulty to some of the books on Aquinas I've read lately, particularly Avalon's own sections.
Avalon's introductory chapters are longer than the works themselves, and I would advise readers to skip them or read the texts first and then return to them, as I found them considerably harder to follow than the texts themselves. These chapters contain some mild Orientalism, but nothing too egregious, and some ambiguity as to whether or not Avalon and/or his informants think chakras, nadis and the like are to be understood as existing in the physical body, in a subtle one (in Western occultism usually known as the astral body) or as visualisations projected onto the body by the practitioner in order to better appreciate Vedanta philosophy.
The book wasn't quite what I had expected - it was on a list of further reading in one of my Sivananda books, and I'd expected it to be in similar vein, i.e. presenting an introduction to the subject in terms suitable for a beginner. It's actually quite a tricky philosophical text, or possibly anatomy text, depending on which view you take of the aforementioned ambiguity. I found it comparable in difficulty to some of the books on Aquinas I've read lately, particularly Avalon's own sections.
December 7, 2025
Okay so I really really really wanted to enjoy this so badly as this was recommended by one of my favorite authors. I just couldn’t - this isn’t for people trying to gain a genuine understanding - this is more for people who are looking to the entire Ins and Outs of Hinduism and not in a way that is enjoyable.
It would be similar to someone wanting to read about healing powers documented in the New Testament, and being brought through all the nuanced details of the Old Testament for the 3/4th of the book. Yes, that would be helpful for an in depth study but not for an intentional read about a specific topic that the book claims to delve into. Yes the last segment is about Kundalini however it seems this author used that to get people to read the book- and used most of the pages to explain the entire religion and culture. The amount of references at the bottom because he chose to write in mainly Hindu words to a western english speaking audience. again it felt like a tactic to get us into hinduism as a whole.
It would be similar to someone wanting to read about healing powers documented in the New Testament, and being brought through all the nuanced details of the Old Testament for the 3/4th of the book. Yes, that would be helpful for an in depth study but not for an intentional read about a specific topic that the book claims to delve into. Yes the last segment is about Kundalini however it seems this author used that to get people to read the book- and used most of the pages to explain the entire religion and culture. The amount of references at the bottom because he chose to write in mainly Hindu words to a western english speaking audience. again it felt like a tactic to get us into hinduism as a whole.
January 24, 2021
This book I think I read in some article and started reading it. Initially before starting, I was wondering how a english author could write our core spirituality (So called Vedam secrets) well. After I started reading the book, I felt really easy and lucid to know the concepts. For me too, these concepts are not very familiar ones, so for me kinda this generation, this book completely gave a great insight since the author focussed completely on logical and reasoning practices which really makes sense completely for this generation mindset. The author lived in India considerable amount of years and he was also a judge. His analysis, trying to relate from various upinishads and samhitais were outstanding and also used appropriate sanskrit terms and verses wherever it is significantly needed..
I really loved this book as a spiritual aspirant and would recommend for any spiritual aspirant who is at the gate of the paradise.
Great work author avalon (woodroffe). Kudos!!!
I really loved this book as a spiritual aspirant and would recommend for any spiritual aspirant who is at the gate of the paradise.
Great work author avalon (woodroffe). Kudos!!!
September 28, 2023
Many authors who have themselves written about Kundalini had mentioned this book in their respective books talking about how this book was a great guide for all of them. It came to me as a shock that a guide on Kundalini was written by a westerner and not an Indian, which itself is evidence of the fact that Yoga has not religion.
This book is a textbook or an encyclopedia on Kundalini and its practices. If you are looking to understand everything from a very deep perspective then this is a book for you but one should understand that the content of this book is not easy to comprehend. One might need more than just one read to be able to understand even 20% of this book or have some background of what Kundalini is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is at an advanced stage of meditation and is able to arouse the feeling of Kundalini if not Kundalini itself or someone who aspires to arouse the Kundalini and has been working on the same for ages as this book covers a lot of aspects detailing on minute details.
But if you come here with hopes and expectations of a story like that of Autobiography of a Yogi or Apprenticed to a Himalayan Yogi then let me break it to you, you won't make past the first page of this book.
This book is a textbook or an encyclopedia on Kundalini and its practices. If you are looking to understand everything from a very deep perspective then this is a book for you but one should understand that the content of this book is not easy to comprehend. One might need more than just one read to be able to understand even 20% of this book or have some background of what Kundalini is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is at an advanced stage of meditation and is able to arouse the feeling of Kundalini if not Kundalini itself or someone who aspires to arouse the Kundalini and has been working on the same for ages as this book covers a lot of aspects detailing on minute details.
But if you come here with hopes and expectations of a story like that of Autobiography of a Yogi or Apprenticed to a Himalayan Yogi then let me break it to you, you won't make past the first page of this book.
May 17, 2025
Surprisingly good.
This is the first Avalon (Woodroffe) book I've read. Hestitated because I feared his work would be dated or the scholarship superficial compared to later work.
But it's really impressive. Only dated thing is some polemical material regarding some of his contemporaneous authors, but that's easily skipped over. The scholarship and degree of detail is great. It's not easy reading, however, and requires serious attention. Probably better as a supplement to prior reading than as an introduction. I will seek out more of his work upon finishing this book.
This is the first Avalon (Woodroffe) book I've read. Hestitated because I feared his work would be dated or the scholarship superficial compared to later work.
But it's really impressive. Only dated thing is some polemical material regarding some of his contemporaneous authors, but that's easily skipped over. The scholarship and degree of detail is great. It's not easy reading, however, and requires serious attention. Probably better as a supplement to prior reading than as an introduction. I will seek out more of his work upon finishing this book.
November 2, 2022
Thankfully, this is not processed through a western lense and is a proper translation of the the text Sat Chakra Nirupana. I wish that there were the Sanskrit lines along for reference but I'm happy that such a tough one has been translated for the common folk. It's definitely not an easy read, it's heavy and it's like I'm back in school, studying :) not complaining, I'm enjoying it.
March 28, 2024
When the dude at the yoga studio said "that's a thick one" he wasn't lying! Apparently Sir Woodroffe was working as a judge while studying yoga in India, which makes sense. This encyclopedic work reads more like a law textbook than a piece of literature meant to instruct and inspire. Still, its monumental influence cannot be ignored.
December 6, 2024
Western idea of kundalini and connected ideology. Good read to start with.
March 9, 2017
Un saggio che non può certo mancare nella nostra libreria.
Fondamentale per chi si occupa di yoga o vuole conoscere il pensiero indiano. E, parlando dei Chakra dei quali tutti ormai parlano ma nessuno sa di fatto cosa sono, qui c'è il testo originale.
Fondamentale per chi si occupa di yoga o vuole conoscere il pensiero indiano. E, parlando dei Chakra dei quali tutti ormai parlano ma nessuno sa di fatto cosa sono, qui c'è il testo originale.
August 1, 2007
this book translates two important tantric texts. in addition to the primary source material, the author provides long analytical commentary about mantras, chakras and other elements of kundalini yoga.
she is the aspect of creative energy that eventually forms mind and form, and comes to rest in the lowest form of matter. she is consciousness: the power of matter to know itself. she is the goddess.
it seems silly that as a woman, that i have avoided truly studying this topic for so long.
she is the aspect of creative energy that eventually forms mind and form, and comes to rest in the lowest form of matter. she is consciousness: the power of matter to know itself. she is the goddess.
it seems silly that as a woman, that i have avoided truly studying this topic for so long.
June 13, 2020
Another reread in the age of Covid. I cant believe that i last read this over 20 years ago.
December 22, 2014
great book
May 7, 2016
Beautifully narrated by Sir Woodrofe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
Unreadable… And no I'm not a beginner in this genre, long practitioner of Yoga and i have studied Buddhism & Yoga for a long time.
This book is just a jibber jabbish of Yogic terms.
This book is just a jibber jabbish of Yogic terms.
August 21, 2017
An essay of extraordinary depth and precision on tantric scriptures and symbolism. Not an easy reading but definitely recommended to those who want to achieve an in depth knowledge on such fashionable subjects as Kundalini and Chackras.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews