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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.
| Preface | ||
| Introduction: Tantra, the Great Spiritual Synthesis of India | 1 | |
| 1 | Samsara: Cyclic Existence | 20 |
| 2 | Time, Bondage, and the Goddess Kali | 32 |
| 3 | This Is the Other World: Samsara Equals Nirvana | 42 |
| 4 | The Secret of Embodiment: As Above, So Below | 52 |
| 5 | The Divine Play of Shiva and Shakti | 70 |
| 6 | The Guru Principle: Shiva Incarnate | 85 |
| 7 | Initiation: Bringing Down the Light | 95 |
| 8 | Discipleship: The Ordeal of Self-Transformation | 110 |
| 9 | The Tantric Path: Ritual and Spontaneity | 120 |
| 10 | The Subtle Body and Its Environment | 139 |
| 11 | Awakening the Serpent Power | 165 |
| 12 | Mantra: The Potency of Sound | 184 |
| 13 | Creating Sacred Space: Nyasa, Mudra, Yantra | 201 |
| 14 | The Transmutation of Desire | 224 |
| 15 | Enlightenment and the Hidden Powers of the Mind | 250 |
| Epilogue: Tantra Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow | 268 | |
| Notes | 275 | |
| Select Bibliography | 295 | |
| Index | 301 | |
| About the Author | 315 |
Overview
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 ...