Hymns To The Goddess And Hymn To Kali: Major Works Of Sir John Woodroffe

The works of Sir John Woodroffe, also known by his pseudonym Arthur Avalon, have had a profound impact on the study of Tantra and Hindu philosophy. One of his major works is "Hymns to the Goddess and Hymn to Kali," which delves into the mystical aspects of divine femininity and explores the powerful symbolism of the Hindu goddess Kali.

Unraveling the Concepts of Tantra

Before diving into Woodroffe's work, let's briefly explore the concept of Tantra. Tantra is an ancient Indian spiritual tradition that seeks to achieve spiritual enlightenment through the union of opposites, emphasizing the sacred embodiment of femininity and the interplay between masculine and feminine energies.

Hymns to the Goddess and Hymn to Kali (Major Works of Sir John Woodroffe Book 1)

by Sir John Woodroffe (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	307 pages
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Throughout history, Tantra has often been misunderstood and misinterpreted as a solely sexual practice. However, Woodroffe, through his meticulous research and extensive knowledge, sheds light on the profound spiritual aspects of Tantra, allowing readers to delve deeper into its esoteric teachings.

Hymns to the Goddess: Celebrating Divine Femininity

"Hymns to the Goddess" forms a integral part of Woodroffe's exploration of Tantra. Within this work, he delves into the various forms of the goddess, such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali, chronicling their attributes and significance in Hindu mythology.

The hymns presented by Woodroffe highlight the beauty, power, and wisdom associated with the divine feminine. By worshipping and contemplating upon these goddesses, individuals can foster a deeper connection with the cosmic energy and spirituality that they represent.

The descriptions and translations within "Hymns to the Goddess" paint vivid pictures of the goddesses and their multifaceted roles in Hindu spirituality. These hymns act as a gateway to the realms of divinity, invoking a sense of awe and reverence.

Hymn to Kali: Embracing Transcendental Power

Within Woodroffe's major work, "Hymn to Kali," he specifically focuses on Lord Shiva's consort, the fearsome goddess Kali. Kali represents deep cosmic energy, destruction of the ego, and the transformative power of time.

This hymn captures the essence of Kali's transformative and awe-inspiring nature, urging practitioners to let go of their egos and embrace the divine feminine energy within themselves. The vivid descriptions and powerful imagery allow readers to immerse themselves in the presence of Kali, experiencing her fierce love and profound spiritual significance.

The Relevance of Woodroffe's Works Today

Even though Woodroffe's works were published in the early 20th century, they remain highly relevant in today's spiritual landscape. The exploration of divine femininity and the interplay of energies is of utmost importance for individuals seeking personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

Woodroffe's approach to Tantra and his deep understanding of Hindu mythology, combined with his clear and profound writing style, make his works accessible to both scholars and spiritual seekers alike. His works provide valuable insights into the complexities of Tantra, empowering readers to uncover the transformative potential within themselves.

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Sir John Woodroffe's major works, "Hymns to the Goddess and Hymn to Kali," are significant contributions to the understanding of Tantra and Hindu philosophy. Through detailed translations, compelling descriptions, and profound insights, Woodroffe invites readers to explore the mysteries of divine femininity and the transformative power of the goddess Kali.

These works continue to inspire and empower individuals on their spiritual journeys, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern-day seekers of enlightenment. By delving into the profound teachings of Woodroffe, one can embark on a deeper understanding of Tantra, divine femininity, and the inherent potential within themselves.

Hymns to the Goddess and Hymn to Kali (Major Works of Sir John Woodroffe Book 1)

by Sir John Woodroffe (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1794 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	307 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

About the Book
The Goddess or Devī is God in Its Mother aspect. Devī, who is existence, consciousness and bliss, is thought of as a female, a male or pure Brahman. This volume Hymns to the Goddess is an endeavour of Sir John Woodroffe (Arthur Avalon) to translate the Sanskrit hymns in praise of the Goddess or Devī, scattered in Tantra and Purāṇa texts, Mahābhārata, and in the hymns of Śaṅkarācārya, who was an incarnation of devotion and a great philosopher, Vālmīki and Indra.

After a general , the book starts with a hymn to Kālabhairava, the spouse of Devī, followed by Devī stotras. In these hymns, Devī is praised as Bhairavaī, Bhuvaneśvarī, Ādyakālī, Lakṣmī, Tārā, Mahiṣamardinī, Aṇṇapūrṇā, Sarasvatī, Durgā, Tripurā in Tantra texts; Sarvaviśvajananī, Ambikā, Caṇḍikā, Mahādevī and Jagadambikā in Purāṇas; Durgā, Āryā, Durgā in Mahābhārata; Tripurasundarī, Gaṅgā, Ānanadalaharī, Yamunā, Narmadā and Mahālakṣmī.

Hymn to Kālī (Karpūrādi Stotra), another book within the book, is a celebrated Kaula stotra, having commentary on the hymns. It, in addition to mantroddhāradhārā, contains stotras of dhyāna, yantra, sādhanā, madya, māṁsa, maithuna and phala-śruti matters.

About the Author
Sir John George Woodroffe (1865–1936), also known by pseudonym Arthur Avalon, was a British Orientalist whose work helped to develop in the West a deep and wide interest in Hindu philosophy and yogic practices. A lawyer by profession, he developed parallel interest in Sanskrit, Indian philosophy and religion.
Sir Woodroffe wrote or translated more than a dozen books: to the Tantra Sastra; Tantra of the Great Liberation (Mahanirvana Tantra); Hymns to the Goddess; The Serpent Power; Hymn to Kali: Karpuradi-Stotra; The World as Power; The Garland of Letters; Principles of Tantra (2 vols) and Is India Civilized? Essays on Indian Culture are some of them.