Customer Reviews

The Paramarthasara of Abhinavagupta and Its Commentary by Yogaraja

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This book is certainly impressive, with Introduction, Notes, and an edited Sanskrit text. I am sure that anyone who buys it will not regret the purchase, even though they may have to go without lunch for a month or so. Like much of what is produced by academic presses anymore, it is way too expensive. The copy I'm looking at is from a university library. There are, however, options, and that is the reason why I'm writing this review. The Paramarthasara has also been translated by Deba Brata Sensharma and published by the Muktabodha Institute (unfortunately not available through Amazon.) This translation also contains the commentary of Yogaraja, but not the Sanskrit text. The text though is available through the same Muktabodha Institute for free download. Just so people know, unless they really want to, they often don't need to spend so much for a text if they look around a little.

This review is from: An Introduction to Tantric Philosophy: The Paramarthasara of Abhinavagupta and Its Commentary by Yogaraja (Routledge Studies in Tantric Traditions) (Hardcover)
When I saw how expensive this book is, I was a little unsure. However, because it is so difficult to get good translations of Abhinavagupta's works, I decided to buy this and I am delighted! It is a dream-come-true for anyone who "loves" Abhinavagupta and who also may be studying Sanskrit.

Lyne Bansat-Boudon has provided the reader with everything you could hope for. The Sanskrit text itself and very deep & insightful explorations into the translations through analyzing the Sanskrit words, their roots, and use in other texts - including the elusive Tantraloka. Now if we could just get her to translate the entire Tantraloka into English, I would be in heaven!

Indian scholars admit that Abhinavagupta was possibly the greatest mind India ever produced. In my extensive studies of the Bhagavad Gita, I always return to Abhinavagupta's commentary (Boris Marjanovic translation) for the straight-stuff, meaning he always provides me with the precise clarity of understanding I need.

I have been reading the B.N. Pandit translation of the Paramarthasara of Abhinavagupta for many years now. It is one of my favorite Sanskrit texts, and I regret to say this book is currently out of print. Thus this recent publication by Lyne Bansat-Boudon is much needed. Honestly, I believe when you see how extensive - and useful to you - her labour has been, you will not mind the price.

Surely this must have been an endeavor of love for her. I wish to express my gratitude. So many of us have been waiting for years in the hopes that more of Abhinavagupta's works will be translated into English. May Lyne live long and bring forth many such wonderful gifts.