Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

dispenses, too, with the supercilous and arrogant manner that is generally adopted by the European scholar in dealing with matters Indian. He writes in the English language, but the matter and method are entirely those of a devout Pandit.—’ The Express (Bankipore),

“Two very welcome additions to our store of translations from the Sanskrit... It was a happy thought on the part of Arthur Avalon to present the chief works of this ancient religion in English dress... extremely fascinating phenomenon which is presented in the books here translated ... their interpretation of the Hymns selected for translation is generally unimpeachable... The learned introduction consists largely in a well-ordered explanation of the strange terms used in Tantrik worship, knowledge of which is indispensable to anyone taking up the subject for the first time... We are glad to learn that Mr, Avalon proposes to translate more of these Tantras. Very few scholars have the training to attempt the task—” The Nation (New York).

“Arthur Avalon has made a very happy choice from amongst the immense material of Indian literature. . . The first attempt which has been made in a European language to place within the reach of a wider circle of scholars one, of the numerous Tantras, which constitute the sacred scripture of the Kali, or Sinful age, and which are, therefore, a highly important source for the study of present day orthodox Hinduism. The undertaking is.as praiseworthy as it is difficult—praiseworthy because of the above mentioned importance which attaches to these magical texts, and difficult by reason of the innumerable obstacles which oppose the European who tries to understand and translate the technical terminology kere employed. In this circumstance lies doubtless the reason which up to now has hindered the untiring band of investigators into Indian literature from approaching the Taniras, and it is therefore-to be reckoned to the special credit of Arthur Avalon that he has not been deterred from his task by these difficulties . . . The whole work bears the stamp of conscientiousness and accuracy ... In the case of such a translation even the best Sanskrit dictionary fails im mattersof difficulty. It is necessary, therefore, to be familiar with commentaries on the same subject if we would understand what Hindu worship is and means , , . Arthur Avalon has conscientiously fulfilled his obligation ; a fact which is noted, so that even the layman may have a notion of the. labour which has had to be expended in the completion of this compilation. It is praiseworthy, deserves to be specially mentioned, that a lady should successfully take part in so difficult an undertaking, and be able to help in the translation,

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