Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

with considerable skill and furnished with useful notes, has distinct value.” —Ltuzac’s Oriental List.

“The present translation is the first ever published in Europe of any Indian Tantra . . . masterly translations . . . Tantra is synonymous to many with black magic, pure and simple. The worship of the Divine Feminine as Devi or Shakti, however, despite the frailty of human nature, is fraught with great possibilities for ennobling and dignifying the lives of men, and the Hymns to the Goddess especially

. . offer to the Devotee a fountain of mingled tenderness and splendour from which many a life-giving and inspiring draught may be quaffed. We can therefore warmly recommend these works to the open-minded occultist and mystic alike—but only to such ; to all but these they will remain ‘ a sealed book.’ ?’—Qcculi Review.

“On hearing that an European has translated a Tantrik treatise a feeling of disregard for his work at once comes over us ; for the Tantra is not a Shastra which reveals its true meaning except it has been studied under a Guru... Wecommenced reading the translation with misgivings. Happily, however, a perusal of it has charmed us. That the author has taken every effort and care to express the true senses of all that is contained in the original is patent in the translation of every verse. ‘The Introduction not only reveals the learning of the author, but is also the proof that he has understood in what light Hindus regard the Tantra Shastra... He commenced his work with a Hindu’s heart, with a Hindu’s regard, and a Hindu’s faith, and so his translation is what it ought to be.”

Speaking of the ‘ Texts’’ the same Journal says: ‘* The books have been edited with very great care. We have never before seen sucha faultless edition of any Tantra. May the labours of the workers be fruitful.’’—Hitabadi.

‘“ The lucid Introduction of his book is extremely valuable. The great principles of this Tantra which he so admirably places before the public will endure. The English rendering is faultless. The translators have shown consummate, knowledge of Sanskrit in the beautiful English rendering . .. Every line of the Preface and Introduction is replete with tender sympathy for the ancient Hindu ideal. The translators have given two valuable works to the Hindu world, and we recommend them to all Hindu libraries and institutions.”’—J/dian Mirror.

** In perusing the author’s Introduction to the Mahjnirvana Tantra, we have been bewildered with astonishment. We could never have

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