Synopses & Reviews
Though many practitioners of yoga and meditation are familiar with the Shri Chakra, a sacred diagram, few fully understand the depth of meaning in this representation of the cosmos. The Yoginihrdaya, a Hindu tantric text dating back to the tenth or eleventh century CE, discloses to initiates the secret of the Heart of the Yogini, or the supreme Reality: the divine plane where the Goddess (Tripurasundari, or Consciousness itself) manifests her power and glory, through her yantra, mantra, and worship. André Padoux, with Roger Orphe-Jeanty, offers the first English translation of this seminal text. Padoux demonstrates that the Yoginihrdaya is not a philosophical treatise aimed at expounding particular metaphysical tenets. Rather it aims to show a way towards liberation, or, more precisely, to a tantric form of liberation in this life-jivanmukti, which grants both liberation from the fetters of the world and domination over it.
Review
"This long-awaited English-language edition of André Padoux's classic study and translation of the Yoginihrdaya is a window onto a remarkably sophisticated ritual and metaphysical system. Presented in a clear and engaging format, it is an ideal introduction and guide to the world of Hindu Tantra." --David Gordon White, J. F. Rowny Professor of Comparative Religion, University of California, Santa Barbara
About the Author
André Padoux is Senior Research Fellow (retired) at the French National Center for Scientific Research.
Roger-Orphé Jeanty is an independent practitioner of Kashmir Shaivism and Sri Vidya.
Table of Contents
Note on the Transcription and Pronunciation of Sanskrit
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1, Encounter in the Cakra - Cakrasadketa
Chapter 2, Encounter in the Mantra - Mantrasadketa
Chapter 3, Encounter in the Puja - Pujasamketa
Notes
Bibliography
Index