Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

PRESS NOTICES

** An inestimable benefit to all interested in India and Indian thought, opening up the vast domain of T4ntrik lore, which forms one of the most important yet strangely neglected rezions in the realm of Samskritic learning. . . . the prejudice cf Western Samskritists, and the consequent distrust of English-educated Hindus, taking their cue from their European Gurus, have been instrumental in making the Tantra

_looked upon with disfavour by the present generation. But there is no denying that almost the whole of present day Hinduism, on both its philosophic and ritualistic sides, has a Tantrik basis. . . . masterly translations and admirable introduction to the Tantrik system of thoughi and self-culture. . . . with their very careful editing and beautiful printing in bold Devanagiri characters, their handsome get-up and covers in red, symbolic of the Shaktas faith in the ‘mother aspect’ of the Supreme, the publications in this series can vie with all the most famous series of Sanskrit Texts published by the premier Orientalistic societies of the world, ’—The Calcutia University Magazine.

“* A great historian has said that it would be the unfortunate lot of some future scholar to wade through the disgusting details of drunkenness and debauchery, which were regarded as an essential part of their religion by a large section of the Indian Community not long ago, It is a matter of congratulation that such an unfortunate scholar has made his appearance. ... To the European reader unacquainted with Tantras it will reveal a new. world altogether, so unlike things they have seen, heard, or even read ; for few have heard of a religious system which enjoins the enjoyment of the pleasures of life, and even excessive indulgence in them—a system which enjoins offerings of wine and meat and even things unspeakable to the Deity. . . . Even the most squeamish critic is bound to pronounce this first attempt at translating a Tantrik work into English to be a success, , , . The footnotes will be very much appreciated, as they really elucidate the ideas embodied in the words of the original in the majority of cases.’’—The Englishman (Calcutta).

“For many years past the Shistra has suffered neglect at the hands of both Indian and European scholars, and manuscripts are rapidly disappearing. This, with the general ignorance prevailing regarding the subject-matter of the Tantra, threatens to pass the Shastra itself into oblivion, and the thanks of the public, especially of the Hindu public, are due to Arthur Avalon for his attempt at rescuing them from this undeserved fate... , Arthur Avalon changes all this, He penetrates into the innermost sanctum of our religion

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