Introduction
to Tantra/edited by Gaurinath Sastri. New Delhi, Cosmo, 2001, 2 Vols, 611
p., $61 (set). ISBN 81-7755-160-4.Introduction
to Tantra/edited by Gaurinath Sastri. New Delhi, Cosmo, 2001, 2 Vols, 611
p., $61 (set). ISBN 81-7755-160-4.
Contents: Vol. I: 1. Introduction. 2. Exploring the Tantraloka. 3. Position of Tantra in the cultural complex of India. 4. Works on Tantra.
Vol. II: 5. Vaidik and Tantrik systems of spiritual culture compared. 6. Appearance and applicability of the Tantra scripture. 7. What is the necessity for the Tantras when there is the Vedas. 8. Salient features of Tantra. 9. Metaphysics of Tantra.
"Some Years ago, Professor Cowell wrote " the Tantras from a branch of literature highly esteemed though at present much neglected".
"The Tantra Sastra, together with its accompanying oral tradition, is the voluminous source of the greater part of the Hindu ritual, Hathayoga, and the various forms of spiritual training which pass under the generic term "Sadhana. "In fact, both popular and esoteric Hinduism is, in its practical aspects, largely Tantrik.
"Recently an increased interest has been shown in the Hindu beliefs and traditions. Hitherto, however, attention has chiefly directed to those great Vedantik principles, which, subsumed, to a greater or less degree, in the beliefs and practices of all the Hindu sects are yet, in their conscious realization, the very end only of the highest spiritual effort. Little has been done to present the practical application of those principals in the particular form which they assume in the various divisions, methods, and rituals of the Indian worshippers. This side of practice, though neglected, has booth intrinsic value and helps to a clearer and deeper understanding of the general principles than can be gathered from any bare theoretical statement of them. The knowledge of hymn, and legend, of worship and Sadhana, will alone give that full knowledge of the Hindu spirit without which its religious and philosophical conceptions are likely to be but poorly understood. The present development of Upasana (worship) and Sadhana can only be learnt from the Tantra, the Mantra and Sadhana Sastra.
"The text guides the reader towards a greater understanding of the secrets, explaining various important and key facets in language simple enough for a general reader to understand the mysteries of Tantra and clear enough for a student to provoke him into further research on the subject." (jacket)