Tantric text to begin with.

**Baobobtree** · 24 July 2008, 01:45 AM

Namaste all.

I've become increasingly interested in Tantric Hinduism as of late (in particular the Kaula school, and the Natha Sampradaya), and I'm curious to know what text I should begin to study with? I'm interested in both left-handed (Vamachara) and right-handed (Dakshinachara) practices (though admittedly I'm a bit more interested in left-handed practices), so I'll gladly read texts followed by either tradition.

**Arjuna** · 28 July 2008, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by Baobobtree

Namaste all.

I've become increasingly interested in Tantric Hinduism as of late (in particular the Kaula school, and the Natha Sampradaya), and I'm curious to know what text I should begin to study with? I'm interested in both left-handed (Vamachara) and right-handed (Dakshinachara) practices (though admittedly I'm a bit more interested in left-handed practices), so I'll gladly read texts followed by either tradition.

Try David Gordon White, he wrote of both Kaula and Nathism.
If U mean original sources, then Kaulajnana-nirnaya may do, but it is preferable to get sm general idea of the context from academic studies before proceeding with Tantras.
IMHO.

**Srikantha** · 01 August 2008, 04:53 AM

There are a good selection of Kaula and Vama texts that you can read:

1.Dyczkowski. M.S.G. [2004] A Journey in the world of the Tantras. Indica. Varanasi [link: http://www.alltimebooks.com/shop/ind...oductID=97119]

2. Rastogi, N. [1996] The Krama Tantricism Of Kashmir. [link: http://www.alltimebooks.com/shop/ind...oductID=11633]

3. Muller-Ortega, P.E. [1997] The Triadic Heart of Siva. Sat Guru Pub. Delhi [link: http://www.alltimebooks.com/shop/ind...oductID=49963]

Some texts of White have been disputed, although he stands firm with his interpretation; it is not unanimously accepted. Ortega and Dyczkowski have really good references to primary and secondary texts so it is a good idea to pick their texts up if just for that. Dyczkowski utilizes many sources, some of which are only accessible to academics.

I am of the view that when studying tantricism even if it is pancharatra, it is still beneficial to study Tantraloka

**Arjuna** · 06 August 2008, 11:23 AM

I suggested White since he presents numerous references to original sources. His conclusions may be wrong, but studying his books is beneficial

P. S. Dyckowski's books are GOOD, as well as Rastogi's.

**Srikantha** · 13 August 2008, 08:15 AM

Just an addition-

A nice book came to publication "The Yoga of the Maliniviyottara Tantra"- trans by Somadeva Vasudeva http://www.bibliaimpex.com/index.php?String=31270&p=sr&Field=bookcode&Exactly=yes&Format=detail. Its a good book too, Abhinava quotes it quite often in his works.

**Baobobtree** · 04 October 2008, 10:38 AM

Namaste Arjuna, and Srikantha.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions and resources. They are greatly appreciated. I understand however one needs to study Tantric texts under a guru's guidance? I know it wouldn't exactly be beneficial for me to do so, but would it be necessarily harmful for me to study some texts without a guru, or is this highly discouraged?

**yajvan** · 10 October 2008, 07:35 PM

Hari om
~~~~~

Namaste Baobobtree

I have noticed by looking at the fine recommendations above that the Śiva Sūtra-s were not part of the offers. I recommend them if you have the time to study this work.

My orientation is more kaśmir śaivism, so my 'bent' is in this direction. I have some personal favorites e.g. Parā-trīśikā Vivaraṇa,
Spanda-kārikās, Vij�āna Bhairava kārikās, etc.

I have been fortunate to have studied Vedanta for some years, so with that reading the association, conversation or similarities to the readings mentioned above were comfortable. I do not know of this fits in your case. I mention it as having a nice foundation to start really helps with comprehension... along with personal experiences ( sādhana, etc) all the parts then fit together.

pranams