SPECIFICATION:
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass
- By : Elisabeth Anne Benard
- Cover : Hardcover
- Language : English
- Edition : 2018
- Pages : 176
- Weight : 65 gm.
- Size : 15.2 x 1.9 x 22.9 cm.
- ISBN-10 : 8120810651
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120810655
DESCRIPTION:
About the Author
Elisabeth Benard became interested in India at the age of twelve years when her father first brought back Hindu image from a trip to India. For many years she looked at these image in her family library never dreaming that one day she would become a scholar in Indian religions. She researched in India under the auspicious of the American Institute of Indian Studies and received her doctorate from Columbia University. She has lectured widely in the United States, including at Smithsonian Institute and Asia Society, as well as in India and Japan. She has taught at Princeton, Rutgers University, Collage of Wooster and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Presently she is teaching Hinduism, Women in Religion, and Asian Religions at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
This is the first monograph which examines the rare Hindu and Buddhist Tantric Goddess, Chinnamasta, her rituals, her names and forms (namarupa) and their symbolism by comparing and contrasting her sadhanas (spiritual practices) in Hinduism and Buddhism. The entire Hindu "Chinnamastatantra" section from the Sakta Pramoda, the Buddhist "Chinnamunda Vajravarahisadhana" and the "Trikayavajrayoginistuti" are translated for the first time into English. Since Chinnamasta is a rare goddess, her texts were not popularized or made "fashionable" according to the dictates of a particular group at a particular time. The earliest extant texts date from the ninth and tenth centuries-a time when Hindu and Buddhist Tantras were developing under common influences in the same places in India. Having such texts about Chinnamasta Chinnamasta from these centuries, one can begin to understand the mutuality of a general Tantric tradition and the exclusivity of a particular Hindu or Buddhist Tantric tradition. Hence the study, not only examines Chinnamasta, but also attempts to understand what is a Tantric tradition.
Foreword
Elisabeth Benard’s work on the Hindu-Buddhist goddess Chinnamastã is a product of indefatigable energy, not overlooking any lead from Sanskrit and Tibetan texts or from knowledgeable informants. So to cast light on a goddess that was strangely obscure and yet implicates any Indian goddess properly to be called wondrous or arousing of awe. Although completed in the United States, her treatise does not follow a History of Religions approach with a baggage of technical terms. Besides, Dr. Benard avoids the guessing and speculations that characterized some previous references to this goddess. Throughout she employs a direct communication with the reader while soberly basing her conclusions on stated sources.
One welcome feature of Benard’s book is the translation of much material from the Sakta Pramoda. Another fine feature is the treatment of the goddess’s names, both the 108 and 1,000 list. Her classification of the names by the rasas of Hindu drama is probably unique.
This work is a solid contribution to the theories of the Hindu and Buddhist Tantras and their symbolism, in particular as related to the goddess.
Review:
With Inner Tantric Yoga, David Frawley reminds us that we have, hidden within our own deeper awareness, wonderful Gods and Goddesses in embryo who have but one intention: to bring the sacred back into our lives. — Deepak Chopra and David Simon, The Chopra and David Simon, The Chopra Center for Wellbeing
Vamadeva (Dr.Frawley) is a living rishi who guides his students to the fullest scope of yogic insight and realization. His book weaves Tantra, Veda and Yoga, Shakti and Shiva, into a magnificent tapestry of wisdom, beauty and delight.-Shambhavi Chopra, author of Yogini, Unfolding the Goddess Within
David Frawley continues to bring new understandings of the esoteric aspects of Tantra and Yoga. This work is invaluable for all seekers of yoga who would know it in its fullest context as a spiritual art and practice.-Mukunda Stiles, author of Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy
David Frawley, (Vamadeva Shastri) is the preeminent American born authority on Hindu philosophy and scripture. Inner Tantric Yoga is a new jewel from Vamadeva's store of precious treasures, and a ""must have"" for serious students of Eastern mystical teachings and dedicated practitioners. It receives my highest recommendation.-Thomas Ashley-Farrand, author of Healing Mantras and Shakti Mantras
Specification
- Publisher : Rupa Publications India
- By : Ramesh Menon
- Cover : Paperback
- Language : English
- Edition : October 10, 2010
- Pages : 514
- Weight : 630 gm.
- Size : 8.8 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
- ISBN-10 : 8129115549
- ISBN-13 : 978-8129115546
- Product Code : BK8685
Description
The Devi Bhagavatam, also known as the Devi Bhagavata Purana, ‘the old book of the goddess’, is an integral part of ancient Indian mythology. It is important for the Shakta sect of Hinduism, which describes the Devi as the foundation of the world and equivalent in stature to Brahman, the supreme being.
The original text was written in Bengali and consists of 318 chapters and 18,000 verses, all praising the Devi as supreme and describing instructions for her worship, including temples and rituals such as the annual ritual of Durga Puja which is celebrated all over India, especially in Bengal. The Devi, the mother of the Universe, is worshipped in India in her many forms as Goddess Durga, Kali, Shakti and Saraswati, to name a few.
Menon’s Devi : The Devi Bhagavatam Retold, is a condensed version of The Devi Bhagavatam and describes the legends of the Goddess in all her forms and interpretations. The books opens with the birth of Ved Vyasa, who is also regarded as the author of the Mahabharata and narrates poignant instances from his relationship with his son Suka, such as the dialogue between them over the decision to enter Grihastashrama. Also described is the incarnation of the Devi as Goddess Durga and the epic tale of her destruction of the evil demons Rakthabija and Mahishasura. The tale depicting the origin of the holy Indian rivers, Ganga, Padma and Saraswati, is one of the many rich stories connected to our ancient origins, woven into the tapestry of this literary piece on Indian mythology.
SPECIFICATION:
- Publisher : Giri Trading Agency Private
- By : Sudhash Sheshayyan
- Cover : Paperback
- Language : Tamil
- Edition : 2017
- Pages : 657
- Weight : 950 gm.
- Size : 8.7 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
- ISBN-10: 8179505820
- ISBN-13: 978-8179505823
DESCRIPTION:
Lalita Sahasranama (IAST: lalitāsahasranāma) is a text from Brahmanda Purana. It is a sacred text to the Hindu worshippers of the Goddess Lalita Devi, i.e. the Divine Mother or Goddess Durga, in the form, Shakti. Lalitha is the Goddess of bliss, an epithet for Shiva's wife Goddess Parvati. Etymologically, "Lalitha" means "She Who Plays". In the root form (vyutpatti), the word "Lalitha" means "spontaneous" from which the meaning "easy" is derived and implicitly extends to "play". Lalita Sahasranamam contains the thousand names of the Hindu mother goddess Lalita.[1] The names are organized in a hymns (stotras). It is the only sahasranama that does not repeat asingle name. Further, in order to maintain the meter, sahasranamass use the artifice of adding words like tu, api, ca, and hi, which are conjunctions that do not necessarily add to the meaning of the name except in cases of interpretation. The Lalita sahasranama does not use any such auxiliary conjunctions and is unique in being an
enumeration of holy names that meets the metrical, poetical and mystic requirements of a sahasranama by their order
SPECIFICATION:
- Publisher : Gita Press Gorakhpur
- By : Shankaracharya
- Cover : Hardcover
- Language : English
- Edition : 2017
- Pages : 250
- Weight : 390 gm
- Size : 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
- ASIN: B07122V1CW
DESCRIPTION:
The Shridurga Saptshati is well accepted religious text of Hindu religion. Shridurga Saptshati is full of religious mystery with blessed story of goddess Bhagavati. The devotees recite this book with great reverence and attain their desired goal. The book contains the procedure of reciting it along with Kavach, Argala, Kilak, Vaidik and Tantrik Ratri-Sukta, Devyatharvashirsh, Navarna-Vidhi, original text, Durgashtottaranam Stotra, Shri Durgamanas worship, all the three Rahasyas (secrets), prayer of pardon (Kshama Prarthna), Siddhikunzikastotra and Aarti.
SPECIFICATION:
- Publisher : Westland
- By : Devdutt Pattanaik
- Cover : Paperback
- Language : English
- Edition : 2014
- Pages : 270
- Weight : 360 gm
- Size : 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.8 inches
- ISBN-10: 9386224038
- ISBN-13: 978-9386224033
DESCRIPTION:
Lakshmi massages Vishnu's feet. Is this male domination? Kali stands on Shiva's chest. Is this female domination? Shiva is half a woman. Is this gender quality? Why then is Shakti never half a man? Taken literally, stories, symbols and rituals of Hindu mythology have much to say about gender relationships. Taken symbolically, they reveal many more things about humanity and nature. Which is the correct reading? The third title in the bestselling 'Hindu Trinity' series focuses on the Goddess, and respected mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik tries to unravel the secrets locked within her stories, symbols and rituals.
Specification:
- Publisher : Vakils Feffer & Simons
- by : Devdutt Pattanaik
- Cover : Paperback
- Language : English
- Edition : 2014
- Pages : 110
- Weight : 500
- Size : 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
- ISBN-13: 978-8184620191
- ASIN: 8184620195
Description:
Lakshmi, the goddess of material abundance, affluence, authority and auspiciousness is one of the most popular deities of the Hindu pantheon. The book presents a comprehensive description of the goddess, and helps the reader appreciate the Hindu approach to wealth and power. Simultaneously, it also delves into the temples, symbols, festivals, and names associated with her, and the rituals that promise material fulfillment.
Specification:
- Publisher : Vakils Feffer & Simons
- by : Guruji Shri Satyendra V. Nayak
- Cover : Hardcover
- Language : English
- Edition : 2014
- Pages : 326
- Weight : 700gm.
- Size : 8.9 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
- ISBN-10: 8184620845
- ISBN-13: 978-8184620849
Description:
Devi’s Miracles is a book about the entry of Maa Mookambika Devi into Swamiji’s (Late Shri Vishnu Sadanand Nayak) life and His remarkable metamorphosis from family man to swami. Although Swamiji was known (to His devotees) as a reluctant Swami, His love and belief in Devi was unquestionable! Devi tested His faith and made Him undergo personal struggle and sacrifice but She never let go of Her patri’s hand. Swamiji was rightfully anointed by Maa Mookambika Devi to help spread Her divine grace to mankind. Even today His powerful presence and amazing kindness continue to spread miracles.
Specification:
- Publisher : Vakils Feffer & Simons
- by : Karen Rajesh / Vishal Desai
- Cover : Hardcover
- Language : English
- Edition : 2011
- Pages : 265
- Weight : 650gm.
- Size : 8.9 x 5.8 x 1 inches
- ISBN-10: 8184620438
- ISBN-13: 978-8184620436
Description:
Devi’s Grace is a book about the entry of Maa Mookambika Devi into Swamiji’s (Late Shri Vishnu Sadanand Nayak) life and His remarkable metamorphosis from family man to swami. Although Swamiji was known (to His devotees) as a reluctant Swami, His love and belief in Devi was unquestionable! Devi tested this faith and made Him undergo personal struggle and sacrifice but She never let go of Her patri’s hand. Swamiji was rightfully anointed by Maa Mookambika Devi to help spread Her Divine Grace to mankind. Even today His powerful presence and amazing kindness continue to spread miracles.
Specification:
- Publisher : Vakils Feffer & Simons
- by : Ruzbeh Nari Bharucha
- Cover : Hardcover
- Language : English
- Edition : 2014
- Pages : 274
- Weight : 550gm.
- Size : 9.1 x 1 x 6.1 inches
- ISBN-10: 8187111569
- ISBN-13: 978-8187111566
Description:
Devi’s Emerald is at once a biographical account and a spellbinding story, a homage to a spiritualist and a plea for faith. It delves into the lives of those who have witnessed and experienced the love of Ma Mookambika (the Universal Mother) and Swamiji. It narrates the experiences of his countless devotees. Most of all, with humour and wisdom, the book celebrates the grandest of all miracles – the resurrection of belief.
Specification:
- Publisher : Vakils Feffer & Simons
- by : Devdutt Pattanaik
- Cover : Paperback
- Language : English
- Edition : 2012
- Pages : x, 126p.
- Weight : 550gm.
- Size : 10.9 x 8 x 0.4 inches
- ISBN-13: 978-8187111917
- ASIN: 8187111917
Description:
This 126 page book attempts to unravel the mysteries behind Goddess worship. With stories on Adi-Maya-Shakti, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvati, Kali, Durga, it speaks of India’s long association with female deities, and the relevance of Shakti in these modern times. Drawing from a rich tradition of Shakta imagery, Indian philosophy, history, folklore and myth, Devi is one of the finest introductions to feminist theology.
Specification:
- Publisher : Indica Books
- By : Arvind Sharma
- Cover : Paperback
- Edition : December 31, 2007
- Pages : 170
- Weight : 240 gm.
- Size : 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
- Language : English
- ISBN-13 : 978-8186569696
- ISBN-10 : 8186569693
- Product Code : BK14196
Description:
Godesses and Women in the Indic Religious Tradition goes beyond the traditional sources that lie at the basis for determining the position of goddesses and women in India. Following the lead of a “hermeneutics of surprise” the book identifies, indeed, surprising new material — and conclusions; for example the analysis of Vedic Shrauta ritual. Or by offering surprising conclusions, when the location is obviously one involving women and goddesses, or anthropology discovers that the worship of the Great Goddess temporarily elevates the position of women. Other examples of the effectivity of the “hermeneutics of surprise” are seen when applied to the role of dakinis, Shakti worship, the Marathi Sant tradition, and to Shankara’s commentaries.
About Author:
Arvind Sharma, Ph.D. (1978) in Sanskrit and Indian Studies, Harvard University, is Birks Professor of Comparative Religion in the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, Montreal, Canada. He has edited several volumes on the position of women in the world’s religions.
- Product Code: Book650
- Edition : December 31, 2009
- Pages : 225
- Weight : 300gm
- Size : 7 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
- Cover : Paperback
- Author : I.K. Taimni (Author)
- Language : English
- ISBN : 817059079, 978-8170590798
- Publisher : Theosophical Publishing House
Gayatri is the most renowned of the Vedic mantras. Addressed to Savitr, symbolizing the Supreme light of all Lights, it forms part of a traditional Hindu sacrament. But in reality, there is nothing Hindu about it. A lofty prayer unmatched in its sublimity, it is as well a prayer for the whole of humanity. A japa or meditative utterance of it needs no accompanying rite and anyone can reverentially participate in it. Prof. Taimni succinctly treats all aspects of the sacred mantra.
About the Author:
He was Professor of Chemistry at he University of Allahbad in India and was a distinguished member of The Theosophical Society. His deep interest in the yogic path resulted in the publication of The Science of Yoga a study of the well known Sutras of Patanjali which elicited worldwide appreciation. He also provided expositions of the Kashmir Saiva philosophy.
Description:
The Devi-Mahatmya is well-known to both devotees and scholars of the Indian Great Goddess. The central task in this study is to explore how an anonymous Sanskrit text articulates a view of ultimate reality as feminine when there is virtually no precedent in the Sanskrit for such a view. To accomplish this task, an appropriate method of scriptural analysis is developed. This involves an examination of Hindu understanding of the Puranas and of the Devi-Mahatmya in particular, along with consideration of several recent scholarly discussions, in India and elsewhere. The study culminates in annotated translations of the text's hymns.
About the Author
Thomas B. Coburn is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies and has many academic works to his credit.
Specification:
- Product Code: BK11580
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
- Edition : January 1, 2002
- Pages : 359
- Weight : 500 gm.
- Size : 0.5 x 5.6 x 8.7 inches
- Cover : Hardcover
- Auther : Thomas B. Coburn
- Language : English
- ISBN: 8120805577, 978-8120805576
The basic principle of Kashmir Saivism is that consciousness alone is real, and that which is not consciousness has no reality of its own, but is contingent on account of its being the expression of consciousness. It accepts a priori that consciousness alone is real, whereas what we cognize or perceive is nothing but what comes out of and from consciousness. The source of this thinking lies in the fact that it is in and through consciousness that we are empowered to engage in the process of reflective thinking, and due to it we become aware of what we are. This personal awareness gives rise to such reasoning which compels us to think that, a part from the body, there is existing within us a thinking principle, namely, the self. It is the inner self which is identified with the absolute—and the Absolute is nothing but consciousness. Whatever we know or experience is because of consciousness. In the absence of consciousness, everything would be insentient, and there would prevail utter darkness of non-knowledge. It is in the context of the thinking that Kashmir Saivism has developed the philosophy of transcendental non-dualism that is theistically oriented, which maintains that the Absolute is none else than the core of myself. It is this self as the Absolute that expresses itself in and through the universe, which is to say that the phenomena are but the appearances of consciousness. Since everything is contained in consciousness, so nothing is different from consciousness. In this manner is established such a form of non-dualism that is both logical and experiential. Printed Pages: 289.
Non-Dualism Trika Saivism Shaivism India
From Dualism to Non-Dualism: A Study of the Evolution of Saivite Thought
The religious history of India has expressed itself in terms of what has come to be known as the Great Tradition and the Little Tradition. It is the synthesis of these two traditions that has given rise, through the process of evolution, to the present-day Hinduism. It is with this absorptive spirit of Hinduism with which this book deals by pointing out as to how Saivism, though belonging to the Little Tradition, has evolved as part and parcel of Brahmanism. While being absorbed by Brahmanism, Saivism at the same time has maintained its personal identity in terms of its scriptures and spiritual practices. Although a part of Brahmanism, yet Saivism itself has so evolved in terms of metaphysical thought as to parallel the larger pattern of metaphysical thought of Hinduism in general. Thus the Saivite thought, while following the metaphysical footprints of Brahamanism, ultimately has climaxed in the non-dualistic recognitive philosophy of the Trika. Printed Pages: 254.
Dualism Non-Dualism Saivite Saivism India
About the Book:
Otto Schrader in 1916 recommended the Lakshmi Tantra for the study of Pancaratra philosophy. Among the vast number of Pancaratra Agamic text the Laksmi Tantra stands out because it deals almost exclusively with Lakshmi, the divine creative impulse, intelligence, potency, potentiality, power, majesty and speech. The focus of the text is on Pancaratra philosophy (including cosmogony) and the practice of yoga based on it, with its attendant Mantra Sastra. It records the earliest Vaisnava speculation on the paradox of a Supreme God who is totally identified with Brahman, the unique and transcendent Conscious Reality, and is at the same time the creator of a dualistic universe which cannot be related to Him. The key to solving this riddle is the Divine Sakti. By dealing with the role of Sakti in the creation and maintenance of the world, and in the saving of devotees who totally rely on God's mercy and benevolence, the Laksmi Tantra succeeds in overcoming sectarian boundaries.
About the Author:
DR. SANJUKTA GUPTA is a leading authority on the early Pancaratra (Vaisnava) cult and sectarian system. She is also a specialist in Hindu Tantra. She has published extensively on these topics. She began her scholarly career with a study in Advaita Vedanta focused on the great sixteenth-century savant Madhusudana Sarasvati. She taught for almost twenty years at the University of Utrecht (Netherlands), and is now teaching, in the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford.
Here the author presents a rich and variegated picture of the Mahiṣāsuramardinī art of Orissa, highlighting the evolving iconography of individual images with special reference to the Śilpa and Tantric Texts. He focuses on different forms and depictions of the goddess. In this work the generalization and characteristics have been drawn on the basis of iconographic, ritualistic and comparative studies. The book also incorporates the genesis of Śakti cult, historical development, ritualistic patterns along with the elements of art and aesthetic in Mahiṣāsuramardinī images. The work abounds in photographs revealing the variety forms of the goddess and provides many maps, diagrams and iconographical charts, yantras, mudras etc which will create interest not only for the scholars of archeology, history and religion but also for the historians of art as well.
The Author
Dr. Sanjaya Kumar Mahapatra (born 1963) who is an ardent devotee of Female Divinity,has devoted two decades of his illustrious career to the study of Archaeology, History and culture of the state of Odisha. Presently he is working as the Principal and the Departmental Head of History in Janata College, Kuhuri, Dist-Khurda(Odisha). For his excellence he has been conferred upon the titles such as Rastriya Gaurava Award by the India International Friendship Society, Delhi and also"Jyotishavidya Bachaspati" by the Astrological Foundation, Dinalipi, Berhampur (Odisha) and is also felicitated as educationist by Sri Sashi Bhusana Behera, the honourable M.P on behalf of Ramadaya Parishad, Nirakarpur, Khurda, Odisha.
Dr. Mahapatra is well versed in Yoga, Tantra and Astrology and has got the credit to publish seventy articles in the different national and state magazines like "The Kalyan Kalpataru", Gita Press Gorakhpur, "The Bhavan's Journal" Bombay, "Orissa Review" (Odisha), "The Orissa Historical journal", Bhubaneswar(Odisha), "The Mahodadhi", "The Nirmalya", "The Daivi Sakti", "The Niyati" and "The Nakshatra" etc. which brought him state and national repute in recognition. For the achievement of the spiritual goal he was initiated into the path of Kriya-Yoga in 1988 and simultaneously blessed with the divine grace of Sri Paramahamsa Hariharananda Giri, the beloved Kriya-Yoga Master.
Edition : 1985
Language : English
Size & Pages : Size 26 cm, pp. xvi, 192, Illus., 1985
Publisher : Agam Kala Prakashan
Format : Hardbound
Language : English
Size & Pages : Size 23 cm, pp. 96, Illus., 1981
Publisher : Agam Kala Prakashan
Format : Hardbound
