Tantra: The Path of EcstasyToday’s foremost yoga researcher offers a clear and lively introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of the Tantric spiritual tradition Tantra—often associated with Kundalini Yoga—is a fundamental dimension of Hinduism, emphasizing the cultivation of “divine power” (shakti) as a path to infinite bliss. Tantra has been widely misunderstood in the West, however, where its practices are often confused with eroticism and licentious morality. Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy dispels many common misconceptions, providing an accessible introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of this extraordinary spiritual tradition. The Tantric teachings are geared toward the attainment of enlightenment as well as spiritual power and are present not only in Hinduism but also Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In this book, Georg Feuerstein offers readers a clear understanding of authentic Tantra, as well as appropriate guidance for spiritual practice and the attainment of higher consciousness. |
Contents
Cyclic Existence | 20 |
Samsāra Equals Nirvāna | 42 |
The Divine Play of Shiva and Shakti | 70 |
Shiva Incarnate | 85 |
The Ordeal of SelfTransformation | 110 |
O The Subtle Body and Its Environment | 139 |
Nyāsa Mudrā Yantra | 201 |
The Transmutation of Desire | 224 |
Enlightenment and the Hidden Powers of the Mind | 250 |
Tantra Yesterday Today and Tomorrow | 268 |
Select Bibliography | 295 |
About the Author | 315 |
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Common terms and phrases
According Advaita Vedānta aspect attain awakening Bhagavad-Gītā bliss body-mind brahmin Buddhist cakra called chapter consciousness cosmic deity described disciple disciple's divine earth ecstasy element energy enlightenment existence experience female fingers Georg Feuerstein Goddess guru hand gestures Hatha Yoga heart Hindu Hinduism human hymns India initiation inner Kālī kali-yuga kāma karma karmic Kaula known kula Kula-Arnava-Tantra kundalinī liberation lotus Mahānirvāna-Tantra mandala manifestation māyā means meditation mental mind mudrā nādī nature nirvāna nondualism nyāsa one's paranormal powers person physical prāna principle psychoenergetic center realization realms recitation Rig-Veda ritual sacred sādhanā sages samsāra Sanskrit seed syllable seekers semen sense serpent power sexual Shakti Shiva Shiva and Shakti siddha sound subtle body supreme Swami symbolic Tantra Yoga Tantric adepts Tantric path Tantric practices Tantric practitioners Tantric tradition tāntrikas teacher teachings term tion transcendence truth ultimate Reality understand universe Vedānta Vedas Vedic Vishnu visualization Western wisdom word worship yogic yogin