Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

learning and scholarship reveals a wonderful grasp of the fundamentals of consciousness. —T heosophist.

‘« Tf we exclude the notes by the author we may at once say that European scholars will get in this book (Mah4nirvajna) a thoroughly reliable translation of the text. The learned Introduction shows that the author has not only studied many works dealing with the .so-called Tantrik doctrines, but has made himself acquainted with the Yoga systems of later times, with a good deal of care and patience. This lengthy and erudite introduction, as well as the explanatory footnotes, will rather have the effect of misleading the readers instead of helping them in understanding the simple purpose of the author of the Mahanirvana . . . (for) the author has considered all the Tantrik works as complementary to each other. We hope that in bringing out other works on the subject of Tantra the learned and capable author will use more discretion and will exercise his critical judgment.’’—Modern Review.

“ Arthur Avalon’s English translation of the Mahanirvana Tantra is destined to inaugurate a new epoch in the advancement of Oriental studies both because he has by his excellent Introduction of the Tantra opened out a new field of study and has also, in so doing, followed the orthodox interpretations without making the least effort to inflict upon the reader, in the name of the Shastra, ideas and aspirations which are foreign to it. This has been done in a way which discloses his deep insight into the Shastra.”’—Calcutta University Magazine.

“ Our first impression was one of amazement and delight. As all students of the Shastras are aware, the Mahanirvana is one of the most important of Hindu philosophical works combined with elaborate ritualism, and its translation, therefore, by a European involved certainly a prodigious amount of study, sympathy, and real understanding. Of the Introduction alone it may be said that for its lucidity, conciseness, directness, and for its depth of penetration and insight, it may itself claim to be a standard work on the much-abused Tantras, and the author would have rendered Hinduism indebted if he had done nothing else. It isa powerful literary and philosophical production...an unbiassed reader will be sure to find out how ridiculously misrepresented have been the Tantrik principles and practices...remarkable Sanskrit scholarship and thoroughly Hinduized outlook on, and true understanding of, one of the most abstruse branches of Hindu thought. He has sustained a burning interest and vividly poetic interpretation through his entire work. He has succeeded in his difficult enterprise .. ,