Tantra Illuminated [Paperback]

Hareesh Wallis (Author), Margaret Bendet (Editor), Anne Malcolm (Editor), Ekabhumi Ellik (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2011

Tantra Illuminated takes the reader on a fascinating journey to the very heart of Tantra: its key teachings, foundational lineages, and transformative practices. Since the West s discovery of Tantra 100 years ago, there has been considerable fascination, speculation, and more than a little misinformation about this spiritual movement. Now, for the first time in the English language, Tantra Illuminated presents an accessible introduction to this sacred tradition that began 1,500 years ago in the far north of India. Translated from primary Sanskrit sources and offering a profound look at spiritual practice, this book reveals Tantra s rich history and powerful teachings.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher (Hareesh) Wallis teaching balances accuracy with accessibility, profundity with clarity, and intellectual integrity with heart-expanding inspiration. As a gifted scholar, Hareesh holds a Masters in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley, an M.Phil. in Classical Indian Religions from the University of Oxford, and is currently completing doctoral dissertation at Berkeley on the traditions of Tantrik Shaivism, and head Faculty at The Mattamayura Institute.

Product Details

• Paperback: 506 pages
• Publisher: Anusara Press; First Edition edition (December 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193710401X
• ISBN-13: 978-1937104016
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece March 31, 2012

By Mark Genco

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is simply groundbreaking. As a person who likes scholarly material and as a person who likes accessible material, this book is simply like no other. Mr. Wallis's erudition, accuracy, and detail to the latest and most compelling research is matched by his completely approachable and accessibility to very precise and ancient technology that we call the "Tantra". Tantra Illuminated, breaks down misconceptions and stereotypes, and offers the reader the most compelling approaches to understanding this very broad and very mis-understood tradition. Anyone, whether a casual Yoga teacher, to a serious undergrad or grad student in religious studies, or a practitioner in any form of Tantra, NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK. For the serious academic, Chris Wallis uses primary Sanskrit sources, never before seen translations, and precise teachings from his own prodigious education with some of the world's finest scholars in this area (namely Alexis Sanderson, Paul Muller Ortega, and Douglas Brooks). However, he also appeals to the everyday casual student with his courage to use down to Earth language at times, and personal gleamings from his own practice (like practicing directly with Guru Mayi or studying at Oxford University). This book, and the others I'm sure he will put out soon, will be the standard upon which Tantric Studies will rely on.

Sincerely,
Mark Genco
M.A. Buddhist Studies, Comparative Religions, Naropa University
B.A. Religious Studies, State University of Albany

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Must-Have Yoga Philosophy Text March 31, 2012

By Kimber J Simpkins

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're serious about understanding yoga philosophy, Tantra Illuminated is the new essential text. I've read many works about Tantra by modern scholars; most suffer from either excess academic-ese or simply bore the reader to sleep. Wallis' work is the Tantrik manual I've always dreamed of: easy to read but detailed, replete not just with philosophy but with why this ancient tradition matters to us as yoga practitioners in the modern world. His real-life examples and conversational tone make accessible the beautifully profound teachings he shares with the reader. I savored this book page by page, like a bar of delicious chocolate. And best of all, I expect to enjoy it over and over again.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars book should be renamed to "Yet another overview on Non Dual Shiva Tantra" November 2, 2012

By pranaji

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this book is a limited overview of Non Dual Shiva Tantra. Thinking like a scholar and embodied with western perspective, author is trying to implicitly (and wrongfully) convey that Shiva Tantra is 'the tantrik path' for western mind in present times - which in itself indicates a polarized mind. The fact is that path of Shiva Tantra is a drop in the mystical ocean of Tantra. All Tantra are rooted in Oneness. There is no dual tantra. Concept of God originates in judeo-christian-islamic religion, Tantra is not a religion and western religious concept of God is not same as tantric awareness of Shiva. If you want to be a tantrik then I would suggest to dive into as many paths as you can and experience each one deeply until you find your own unique way of realizing the Oneness in your heart. There are as many paths to One as there are souls on Earth. "Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti -- that which exists is One: sages describe it in many ways."

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is what tantra really is... March 31, 2012

By Julia Novina

Format:Paperback

There are many misconceptions in America about tantric philosophy and this book sets the record straight. Moreover, this book clearly lays out the philosophy which is a wonderful world view and one I wish to understand more and live by. This book is clear, articulate, thorough and accessible to any reader, whether the academic, wishing to "set the record straight" or the yoga practitioner who wants to understand and actually be able to live by and apply these teachings.

I am a full time yoga teacher and have read or perused several books on tantra and yoga philosophy in general. I have many hours of study at workshops and retreats with several yoga philosophy scholars. In my experience, this is The Best Book on tantra and an invaluable addition to my yoga collection, in fact, it is now my main source for yoga philosophy for my teaching and my own practice.

If you are at all interested in this subject, for whatever reason (academic / intellectual, personal / practical) this is The Book to have on Tantra.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply Moving and Incredibly Insightful April 1, 2012

By Elaine Hill

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Ever since I received this book, I have been opening it daily to enjoy the deeply engaging style of the writing and the beautifully articulate way in which Christopher Wallis approaches the topic of Tantra. Not only is this book rich in scholarly research, but it is also personal and effective at drawing the reader in. I spent the first few days jumping around, skimming sections and enjoying the way the book made me feel like I was doing my spiritual practice while reading a historical account. This book is both incredibly insightful and informative but also provides a doorway into the practice of a timeless spiritual tradition. I have since bought it for my brother and two of my yoga teacher friends. This book clarifies so much that is confused in our culture about this beautiful tradition.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating March 31, 2012

By kmissoula

Format:Paperback

I have read this book from cover to cover and find it to be one of the most demystifying, comprehensive and knowledgeable writings in eastern religion that I have encountered. Unlike many treatises on eastern thought, this volume squarely places tantra in a contextual framework that allows clears reference to other forms of thought, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, and encourages one to evaluate this lineage without persuasion or force. It clearly states where the Tantric framework begins ends, which further encourages personal exploration and curiosity.

The authors academic credentials appear to be impeccable and he deploys them with candor, humility and authenticity. A must read for anyone pursuing a true understanding of eastern religion or seeking to untangle the myths surrounding Tantra.