Author: Debabrata Sen Sharma
Publisher: Indica Books
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 162
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8186569677
Description
The distinguishing feature of all schools of Indian philosophy in general is that these do not remain content with merely enunciating the metaphysical tenets of the particular school, but they also set up the spiritual goal before the seekers, prescribing the modes of spiritual discipline to reach it. Spiritual discipline or Yoga therefore constitutes an inseparable part of the philosophy of every school. This is very true especially in the case of Tantric schools, in which spiritual practices or sadhana kriya dominate. The performance of kriya in the prescribed manner forms an integral part of all texts dealing with Tantra Yoga.
This book opens with an account of the nature, origin and development of Saiva-Sakta Tantras, their classification under different schools, the wealth of literature available belonging to these schools, etc. It also sheds light on the principal metaphysical tenets of Saiva and Sakta Tantras, relevant to the study of Tantra-Yoga. The topics covered in this book are the concepts of diving Grace or saktipata, guru and his different kinds, the process of initiation (diksa) and its varieties, mantra's nature and place in sadhana kriya, different modes of spiritual discipline, Kundalini Yoga, the highest spiritual goal, etc.
This book attempts to remove the misconceptions widespread in the academic world about the theory and practice of Tantra Yoga, which have been deliberately kept secret by the practitioners to prevent their misuse by unscrupulous persons.
Contents
Blessing
Abbreviations
Preface
1. Tantra - its Meaning, Scope and Extent
2. Salient Features of Language of the Tantras
3. The supreme reality in the Saiva Tantras
4. Nature of Man in the Saiva Sakta Tantras
5. Spiritual Discipline (Sadhana Kriya) - and
The supreme Goal
6. Saktipata and Guru
7. Dilsa (Initiation)
8. Nature and Role of Mantra in Spiritual
Practices in the Tantrika Tradition
9. Modes of Spiritual Discipline (Sadhanakriya)
In the Tantrika Tradition
10. The Supreme Goal, Sivatva
Select Bibliography
Glossary
Index