The Tantric Way: Art, Science, Ritual (Paperback)

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Product Description

Though its roots are in Hinduism, tantra's goals are the universal ones of self-knowledge and liberated joy. Its methods and effects transcend geography and era, and can be applied to everyday life. This historical survey explains the roles of astronomy, astrology, alchemy, and cosmology in tantrism. It discusses the different viewpoints of "left-hand" and "right-hand" tantrikas and their respective attitudes toward human sexuality and its place in ritual.

The drawings and illustrations serve further to explain and instruct, thus providing a unique opportunity for close contact with one of the world's oldest practical methods of achieving an expanded and creative awareness of oneself. 228 illustrations, 18 in color.

About the Author

Ajit Mookerjee spent many years studying and living according to tantric principles, and his deep knowledge of the West, where he lived, enabled him to provide in The Tantric Way a practical and effective guide to tantra's methods and attitudes. His other books include Kundalini, Ritual Art of India, and Kali. Madhu Khanna is a scholar of Eastern and Western philosophies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500270880
• ISBN-13: 978-0500270882
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #660,243 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tantric Way is scholarly, artistic, and penetrating, May 17, 2000

By	Craig Stern (Flagstaff, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is a rich combination of Makoorjee's scholarly style and an excellent collection of Tantric art, both geometric/diagramatic and visual, including the ever-popular Tibetan yab-yum pairs. I came upon the original edition as an undergraduate in the 1970s and was impressed then by the elaborate and in-depth scientific and metaphysical explanations of a complex and elusive topic -- tantra -- or the science and practice of first "seeing," then experiencing the essence behind form, not intellectually but with the perceptive faculties of one's inner being. His narration is interwoven with the illustrations to give the reader a clear sense of both the culture from which this body of knowledge arises and the subtle dynamics of tantric knowledge as revealed through art, ritual, and practice. Not a practitioner's guide, but an excellent introduction to tantric history, theory, metaphysics, and cultural expression.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In depth view for westeners, September 17, 2007

By	Anonymous (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

I can't believe that there is only 1 review of this book! This is a seminal review of the tantric path written by two scholarly initiates. This book cover the art, spirituality, and practical rituals of both dualistic and non-dualistic paths. This book goes way beyond most "fluffy" books that you see in the marketplace.

Don't forget to read the introduction. Mr. Mookerjee writes one of the best articles on the history and importance of the tantric traditions.

This book is a needed addition to the library of any serious student.