Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

PRESS NOTICES

dreamt that it was possible for a modern Christian Englishman to so fully understand such matters as the mode of Tantrik Sadhang. . . The author has learnt a great deal of the inner and secret doctrine of the Tantra. ... It is no exaggeration to say that we have never heard, even from any Bengali Pandit, such a clear exposition of Mantra-Shakti, as that which the author has given .. . We may certainly say that he could only make this impossible thing possible through inherent tendencies (Sangsk4ra) acquired in his previous life . . . Arthur Avalon has not spoken a single word to satisfy himself, nor tried to explain things according to his own imagination. He has only given what are true inferences, according to the principles of Shastrik reasoning . , . will create a revolution of ideas among “he scholars of Europe. And if they commence to appreciate the Tantras it is probable that then the Sh4stra may be held in greater respect in Bengal, the home of Tantrik SAdhan4 . . . Itseems as if the World-Mother has again willed it, and has again desired to manifest Her power so that Arthur Avalon is studying the Tantras and has published so beautiful a version of the Mah§nirvana.”’ —Sfhitya.

“‘ These Hymns, as revealing the heart of India, are sure to be of interest to those who sympathize with real faith and heartfelt piety ; with spiritual aspiration found in whatever garb. The authors have done well in placing them before the English public.””—Indiagn Review.

‘“ The present translation (Mahanirvana) is distinguished by its elegance and by the profound and comprehensive knowledge by which it is backed. The footnotes are all to the point, and contain many a valuable hint. The most admirable part of the book, however, is the Introduction, which contains a complete survey of the all manifold subjects treated in the book...contains much new matter, and on that account must be welcome to the general reader and the Orientalist. We heartily congratulate Mr. Avalon on the publication of this fine book, and look forward with pleasure to the books he is preparing...‘ Hymns to the Goddess ’ occupies a prominent place among the documents so far published of the history of religions ; for no book has yet been published in any European language which give us such a deep insight into the mind of the Devi worshipper as this...The editing (of the ‘te..t’) has been done with great care.” On Shakti and Shikta same journal says ** Tt is not fair to judge a movement by its extremist €.ponents and therefore he presents the Tantras to us just as he finds them impartially but sympathetically and brings to bear upon them all the weight of hig

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