ABOUT THE BOOK :
This is an excellent introduction to the essence of Hindu Tantrism. The author discusses all the major concepts and offers valuable corrections for many existing misconceptions. He also introduces the reader to the core Tantric practices of meditation and mantra recitation, focusing on the Ten Wisdom Goddesses (dasha-mahavidva).
These Goddesses are personifications of the feminine aspect of the Divine. The Tantric practitioner approaches them and seeks to obtain their grace through ritual worship and meditation. The Goddessesà respective spiritual energies then convey the practitioner (sadhaka) safely and swiftly to Self-realization. The teaching of the Ten Wisdom Goddesses is little known but is characteristically Tantric, and it affords Western students reliable access to the metaphysics and spiritual discipline of Tantrism.
In the present book, David Frawley does for Tantrism what he has already done for the ancient Vedic tradition. He is a popularizer in the best sense of the word : He seeks to address as many readers as possible, endeavoring to communicate to them deep truths faithfully but without the overload of detail found in academic publications.
Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses is an excellent book introducing the essence of Hindu Tantrism. the book discusses all the major concepts and offers valuable corrections for many existing misconceptions. It also introduces the reader to the core Tantric practices of meditation and mantra recitation, focusing on the Ten Wisdom Goddesses (dasa-mahavidya).
This book presents the meditational and mantric side of Tantra, which is the more common side of Tantra practiced in India. It is written from the standpoint of a practitioner and also from one trained in Ayurveda (yogic medicine). It tries to present the living spirit and practice of Tantra, rather than just another academic view. The book is divided into three primary sections; with the fourth as an Appendix.
REVIEW :
"I have gained great personal insight from his work and have great respect and admiration for his knowledge, and for the lucid way in which he has expounded the ancient wisdom of the Vedas" – Deepak Chopra, M.D.
"It is an enormous relief to discover a book in English that authentically represents the Tantric tradition. Dr.Frawley's new book provides invaluable insights into the most ancient continuously practiced Goddess tradition in the world." - Linda Johnsen, author of Daughters of the Goddess: The Women saints of India
"His presentation is the first time that English readers have an opportunity to learn about the Ten Mahavidyas, the central doctrine and practice of Shakta Tantricism in great detail. The uniqueness of the book lies in how the author pulls together Tantric and Ayurvedic sciences in a manner which one can practice in one's daily life." - Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Himalayan Institute
"Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses is an excellent introduction to the essence of Hindu Tantrism. The author discusses all the major concepts and offers valuable corrections for many existing misconceptions. He also introduces the reader to the core Tantric practices of meditation and mantra recitation, focusing on the Ten Wisdom Goddesses." - Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.
"Mind and body have both to be disciplined to facilitate one's ultimate realisation of Truth. Tantrism is usually projected as a complicated ritualistic path towards this end. A general ritualistic pat towards this end. A general ritualistic path towards this end. A general impression has also been created that sexual practices, sometimes bordering on the perverse, are an integral part of the Tantric path. The author has debunked this misconception by brilliantly expounding the deeper aspects of Tantric practices. He has clearly brought out how Tantrism implies a comprehensive approach towards self-realisation by the integrated practice of mantra, ritual, pranayama and meditation." - Dr. G.V. Narsimhan, The Mountain Path, Vol:35, No.1 & 2 June 1998 |
