Kali's Odiyya : A Shaman's True Story of Initiation [Paperback]

Amarananda Bhairavan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2000

A rare and exciting true story of worship and initiation in an culture that still exists today. Bhairavan writes of his experience of initiation into the world of Kali's odiyyas shamans of the goddess. We learn the goddess tradition first-hand and experience and exorcism, Kundalini training, astral travel, shape-shifting, healing, how to deal with the death of a shaman, and how this matriarchal society governs the devotees. Glossary. Index.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Nicolas-Hays (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892540486
• ISBN-13: 978-0892540488
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,026 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written account of Tantric spiritual tradition, January 12, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Kali's Odiyya : A Shaman's True Story of Initiation (Paperback)

This book is a treasure for a scholar, a devotee, a seeker, or anyone interested in a beautifully written description of an authentic Tantric spiritual tradition. As a Kerala scholar I was astonished and delighted to see this material about the Odiyya tradition, which has been previously almost undocumented, presented in such a readable form. Although it reads like an exciting adventure story and is difficult to put down, the author also presents rich and complex metaphysical material in gorgeous prose. A must for anyone interested in goddess traditions, women-centered culture, shamanism, or tantra.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book, May 8, 2001

By 

"premv60" (Chicago, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kali's Odiyya : A Shaman's True Story of Initiation (Paperback)

This is a classic book on mysticism. It is a lively true story of the author intertwined with a wealth of mystical knowledge. For the first time a benevolent soul has revealed this profound secret knowledge in a way the common man like me can understand. Aunt Preema's discourses to the little boy Shambu clarified a lot of my questions about the human mind, relationships, universe, God, astral beings, other worlds, rituals, true love, evolution, sorcery, shamanism, karma and rebirth, lust and guilt, etc.

After reading this book, I have a major paradigm shift and also a feeling of my heart opening up for life and love. My heartfelt thanks to the author for publishing such an enlightening, healing and a lively book. I highly recommend this book for people inclined towards mysticism and the study of the mysteries of the human mind and life; and off course for one's own self improvement and healing.

...

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saving ancient wisdom from extinction, July 24, 2000

By 

[e-mail] - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kali's Odiyya : A Shaman's True Story of Initiation (Paperback)

Amarananda Bhairavan has done the world a tremendous favor by committing to words his experiences under the tutelage of a hidden Tantric saint in a matriarchal society, one which has regrettably faded into obscurity. In an age where the local newspapers are full of personal ads hawking "tantric counseling," it is refreshing to come upon a work that clearly delineates what Tantra really means in its original cultural context. Bhairavan's book is recommended to anyone who is interested in Kali devotion or an exploration of authentic Tantric practices not yet poisoned by the Western stereotyping one normally finds in works published on the subject.