Author: Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati
Publisher: Yoga Publications Trust
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 512
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9788186336700
Description
This masterful commentary on Saundarya Lahari reveals Shakta Tantra for every level of aspirant. The original Sanskrit text by Adi Sankaracharya has been translated and explained in a lucid and eloquent style, which brings the reader into the living presence of the Goddess.
The 103 mantras of this text are presented here as meditations and visualizations of Sri Devi, the root matrix of creation, depicting her divine form as a path of highest sadhana and realization.
The text deals with the essence of tantric philosophy and sadhana, elucidating the esoteric traditions of Sri Vidya, the Dasa Mahavidyas, kulakundalini, chakras and tattwas, and their usage to bridge the gap between the outer and inner experience.
Sri Saundarya Lahari, the Descent, an exposition on the feminine divine, is substantiated and enhanced by the personal experience and in-depth study of the author. Also included are a comprehensive introduction, prayoga, or uses of the mantras, yantras and especially the mandalas contained in the text, transliteration and index.
Contents
Swami Satyananda’s Ashirvada
Author’s Annotation
Swami Sivananda on Saundarya Lahari
Preface
Introduction
Mantras and Commentary:
1. Meditation on Shiva and Shakti
2. Meditation on Sri Devi’s feet
3. Meditation on Devi in the mudra of granting what you desire
4. Meditation on Devi’s full form in abhaya mudra (mudra of fearlessness) and vara mudra (mudra of granting boons)
5. Meditation on Devi’s full form radiating light
6. Meditation on the divine and irresistible form of Devi
7. Meditation on Devi as a kanya with four hands holding a bow, arrows, noose and goad
8. Meditation on Devi at her abode made of gems, reclining on a bed made of Shiva, which is covered with a bedspread made of Paramashiva
9. Meditation on the chakras forming a pathway for kundalini’s ascent
10. Meditation on the beautiful form of Devi seated on the lap of Shiva in close embrace
11. Meditation on Sri Chakra
12. Meditation on the beautiful form of Devi
13. Meditation on the compassionate form of Devi
14. Meditation on the primeval form of Devi as Prakriti, the cosmic nature
15. Meditation on Devi speaking
16. Meditation on the beautiful form of Devi bathed in the light of the sun, moon and fire
17. Meditation on Devi placing her hand on your head
18. Meditation on Devi in bhairavi mudra
19. Meditation on the bewitching glance of Devi
20. Meditation on Devi’s mandala
21. Meditation on Devi’s glistening body in the form of lightning
22. Meditation on Devi sitting on a beautiful throne like an empress listening to the prayers of her worshippers
23. Meditation on the Ardhanarishwara (half woman and half man) form of Shakti
24. Meditation on Kali
25. Meditation on Devi being worshipped
26. Meditation on the form of Devi
27. Meditation on the form of Devi
28. Meditation on the exquisite form of Devi
29. Meditation on the Devi bedecked like a bride
30. Meditation on Devi seated regally amidst her divine attendants
31. Meditation on sound emanating from the form of Devi
32. Meditation on Devi as mantra, in the form of Sri Yantra in the heart centre
33. Meditation on Devi as mantra, in the form of Sri Yantra at the eyebrow centre
34. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti in maithuna
35. Meditation on the nirakara Shakti
36. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti at ajna
37. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti at vishuddhi
38. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti at anahata
39. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti in swadhisthana
40. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti at manipura
41. Meditation on Shiva-Shakti at mooladhara
42. Meditation on the crown of Devi
43. Meditation on the locks of Devi’s hair
44. Meditation on the parting line of Devi’s hair
45. Meditation on Devi’s smile
46. Meditation on Devi’s forehead
47. Meditation on the captivating eyes of Devi
48. Meditation on the three eyes of Devi
49. Meditation on the glories of Devi’s eyes
50. Meditation on the allure of Devi’s eyes
51. Meditation on Devi’s glance
52. Meditation on Devi’s seductive look
53. Meditation on Tri Devi, Kali, Lakshmi and Durga
54. Meditation on the convergence of Devi’s three eyes
55. Meditation on Devi Aparna’s eyes
56. Meditation on Devi’s unblinking eyes
57. Meditation on Devi’s compassionate eyes
58. Meditation on the sideways glance of Devi
59. Meditation on the erotic face of Devi
60. Meditation on Devi’s sweet speech
61. Meditation on Devi’s nose
62. Meditation on the redness of Devi’s lips
63. Meditation on Devi’s sweet smile
64. Meditation on the redness of Devi’s tongue
65. Meditation on Devi’s worship by the devas
66. Meditation on the sweetness of Devi’s voice
67. Meditation on Devi’s matchless chin
68. Meditation on Devi’s graceful neck
69. Meditation on the three strands at Devi’s throat
70. Meditation on Devi’s protective arms
71. Meditation on the splendour of Devi’s hands
72. Meditation on Devi’s overflowing breasts
73. Meditation on the nectar of Devi’s breasts
74. Meditation on the pearl necklace adorning Devi’s breasts
75. Meditation on Devi’s breast milk
76. Meditation on the navel of Devi
77. Meditation on Devi’s slender waist
78. Meditation on the glory of Devi’s yoni
79. Meditation on Devi before giving birth to creation
80. Meditation on Devi giving birth to creation
81. Meditation on Devi’s expansive hips
82. Meditation on Devi’s thighs and knees
83. Meditation Devi’s thighs and toenails
84. Meditation on the feet of Devi
85. Meditation on Devi in the mudra of granting happiness
86. Meditation on the kick of Devi’s lotus foot
87. Meditation on the lotus of Devi’s feet
88. Meditation on the feet of Devi
89. Meditation on the wish-fulfilling feet of Devi
90. Meditation on Devi as Saraswati
91. Meditation on Devi’s graceful gait
92. Meditation on Devi Tripura Sundari
93. Meditation on Aruna Shakti
94. Meditation on the reflection of Shakti in the sun
95. Meditation on Devi in her mansion
96. Meditation on the most supreme Tripura Sundari in her inner apartment
97. Meditation on the unattainable Shakti above sahasrara
98. Meditation on Tripura Sundari
99. Meditation on the inconceivable and limitless power of Devi
100. Meditation on the full form of Devi
101. Meditation on Tripura Sundari blessing her devotee
102. Meditation on Devi’s hidden treasures
103. Meditation on Devi as the source of this hymn
Prayer to Shiva, the beloved of Shakti
Prayoga for Saundarya Lahari
Appendices
A: Sanskrit Text
B: Translation
Glossary
Index