Sri Vijnana Bhairava Tantra: The Ascent

I love this book. It doesn’t get the accolades it deserves. I just wrote a poor review for the “Radiance Sutras” on the same subject matter. And if you are considering this book, you may come across the “Radiance Sutras” warm and fuzzy, spoof interpretation on the same book - VBT. I cannot at all recommend that book. Swami Saraswati, is well versed on tantric texts and a life practioner. The book breaks down the original sanskrit text (sutras aka aphorisms -in concise format and written in sanskrit which is a multi-layered language) into English, so you too, can tie out the translation. Because of the complexity of the language, there may be or is multiple perspectives on the translation. ( I had to grow into this book; being very interested but unfamiliar with the topic). That said - the authors’s 93 page introduction was chocked full of very helpful information. I like her writing style. She is able to present difficult material into bite size , digestable pieces, that are nutritionally dense. I also have the 1,000+ page book “The Secret” by the highly controversial author - Osho. He too, does not provide a direct translation, but waxes prolifically on the subject matter , but i wouldn’t even call his book a translation, rather a rich and vast discourse on the subject He and/or his behavior may be disagreeable, but there is no denying he was well educated and informed on the topic. That said, you may do well to read his highly recommended book, but I would not advise tackling that book without the necessary foundation in the fundamental core knowledge of the VBT, such as Ms Saraswati provides. I guarantee if you can’t understand this book; you won’ the other.

Advanced yoga literature! Intense independent study guide.

Conversation between Bhairava(Shiva) and Bhiaravi(Wrathful form of Kali). Mother is guiding me through these meditations and they are profound. Understanding God/Self is a daunting task that every one of us will endure. This book maps out powerful visualizations that we can do to quiet the mind and start the understanding of Self. Our minds are so active, let's put it to work! Each mediation is wonderfully described and you are walked through such wonderful ways to create an environment to release ignorance and step into what you really are. God. I give this a HUGE 'Hail Sri Bhairavi!' as She has given me such gifts and this book contains such gems. A must for anyone serious with self-inquiry on their path to the Divine. One of the books that is next to my bed ALWAYS. All these Dharanas are powerful and ladders to climb the highest Bliss. Satchidananda. Enjoy this book. Cause if you think about it, you wrote it. You just don't know that ... yet.

The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is one of the most famous books on spirituality in India. It belongs to Tantra, more specifically to the branch of Kashmir Shaivism of Shiva Tantra. Tantra can be divided in many ways, One such way is according to the deity adored, leaving aun with five branches: 1) Shakti Tantra 2) Shiva Tantra 3) Vishnú Tantra 4) Ganesha or Ganupatya Tantra 5) Surya or Saurya Tantra (Surya is the Sun God in the Vedas) Shiva Tantra deals mostly with CONSCIOUSNESS, while Shakti Tantra deals mostly with ENERGY. Shiva Tantra is divided into two main groups: a) Kashmir Shaivism at the North. b) Shiva Siddhanta at the South. The latest authority on Kashmir Shaivisim is Swami Lakmanjoo, who wrote many books. These books that comprise the corpus of Kashmir Shaivism are: - The Vijnana Bhairaba Tantra - The Maha Nirvana Tantra - The Shiva Sutras - The Spanda Karikas Among ohers. Kashmir Shaivism is held in high steem since it is to Tantra what Advaita Vedanta is to the Vedic Religion. And this book is a treatrise on Dharana, or Concentration. Leaving behing all the preparatory practices (asanas, pranayamas, pratyahara) it goes right to the crux and it provides 112 ways of practicing Dharana, for all tastes, temperaments, and levels of spiritual attainment. The commetaries of the author are superb, since she is one of the most knowledgeable persons on Tantra I have happened to read. Thumbs up!

I am so grateful for this book. It arrived well packaged and in pristine condition. Thank you to the seller for making this book available at a reasonable price. Will cherish it

This book arrived in great shape and provides very useful information and descriptions of the subject matter. I shall be referring to it for many years to come. It is a most welcome addition to my yoga library. I definitely recommend the book and the seller.

Shouldn't be your first book in this area, have a bit of background before reading this one.

I recommend this to any seeker . Excellent.

It was exactly what I was waiting for. There is a 92-introduction page that is priceless.

This book was recommended by a friend and described as for the advanced aspirant on the path. Deciding I would jump in at the deep end I was surprised at just how much I could identify with its teachings.It ceratinly takes one deeper into the recesses of the mind far more deeply than any other book I have studied. It HAS to be stuidied, not read; and the practices refered to in the book are for just about every different negative and gross energy which has to be cleared from the mundane body in order to progress along the Spiritual Path. For me it is amazing.

English is a little difficult but very interesting!

Was looking for Vijnana Bhairav Tantra (VBT) book. Saw multiple books by different authors. This book stands out due to indepth analysis, lucid and easy to connect with. Introduction section itself is so profound, it makes a must for any Sadkak looking for meditation. I can't help but quote a section from it's introduction : "This is the uniqueness of tantra; it never seeks to reform. Instead it says there is a path for you, wheather you are a saint or sinner, religious or atheist, enlightenment or ignorant, sensual or abstemious, emotional or intellectual, attached or detached. Even if you are in the clutches of anger, jealousy, hatered, delusion, doubt or hypocrisy, do not wait for the day when you concur these qualities, but start where you are. Utilise these very same forces that cause agony to raise your awareness (VBT sl 101)." Just out of this world analysis.

Glad to have it as Information a really great book