The Tantric Way: Art, Science, Ritual

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.

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.