Kundalini : The Energy of the Depths : A Comprehensive Study Based on the Scriptures of Nondualistic Kasmir Saivism (Suny Series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir)
by Lilian Silburn
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Book Summary Information
Author: Lilian SilburnEdition: Paperback
Audio: French (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1988-06
ISBN: 0887068014
Number of pages: 223
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Book Reviews of Kundalini : The Energy of the Depths : A Comprehensive Study Based on the Scriptures of Nondualistic Kasmir Saivism (Suny Series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir)
Book Review: Upon fourth re-read, even GREATER
Summary: 5 Stars
I just thought I'd reprint an updating of my review of years ago, this time with my pen name spelled correctly. (I SWEAR I entered it correctly at the time! I even refer to the Kularnava Tantra in the review.)
As the popularity of hatha yoga increases by quantum leaps, (thanks to popularizers such as Madonna, of all people), interest in Tantra has kept pace. Unfortunately, faddishness can breed mediocrity, as evidenced by hatha yoga's demotion to mock-spiritual aerobics, Tantra's characterization as "the yoga of sex" and the ancient Tantric spiritual practice (NOT theory) of Kundalini equated to a self-induced acid trip. All three views are as accurate as a vote re-count in Florida.
Now, Professor Lillian Silburn brings an academic's / scientist's eye and a novelist's style to her investigation of Kundalini and the result is a masterpiece of clarity, concision and, simple, honest-to-God truth. Without a hint of nastiness, she quickly disposes of popular misconceptions and presents three of the most important views of Kundalini practice - those of the Trika and Krama traditions within Kashmir Shaivism and the Kaula tradition ("Kulamarga"), the most concise presentation of which can be found in the ancient KULARNAVATANTRA. Her achievment ranks alongside the pioneering work in Tantra of Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), although Professor Silburn doesn't let any puritanical inclinations cause her to censor the source material as Avalon did.
Madame Silburn builds her presentation systematically. The book's first part includes a preliminary exposition of yoga anatomy and clearly defines and explains terms such as "chakra" (wheel), "nadi" (energy current), "trikona" (mystical triangle), along with crucial Tantric tools and concepts such as "mantra" and the importance of understanding the outward and inward expressions of vibration and the still centers between the two in which the true yogi resides. Armed with this, even the newcomer to Tantric yoga will be able to follow the mystical and metaphorical rise of the Kundalini serpent through "sushumna" (the subtle middle spiritual channel of the spine), and the means by which it sets the energy centers ("chakras") whirling and vibrating as the yogin journeys ever onwards to final release from the mundane bonds of human life.
The book's second part explains the absolute necessity of the transmission of Kundalini knowledge from Guru to Disciple. The yogin's very safety depends upon this sacred initiation. Then, the processes themselves are described in detail, although Silburn has stated honestly in the Foreward that "Nevertheless, I have left enough points unclarified so as not to incur the wrath of the ancient masters". She means it. And, to underline the point, Silburn allows great Tantric masters such as Somananda, Goraksha and the magnificent Abhinavagupta do most of the explaining in well-chosen and faithfully translated excerpts from their most important works. This enviable practice reaches its apex in the book's final chapter.
The book's third and final part is entitled "The Deeper Meaning of the Esoteric Practice". This sums up pretty well the section's contents. It must be pointed out, however, that even if what preceded this section had been worthless and unreadable (which it definitely isn't), Silburn, in her final chapter presents an English translation of a small, yet powerful section, of that most supremely wide-ranging of all Tantric texts, Abhinavagupta's TANTRALOKA ("Light of the Tantras"). This towering work of sheer philosophical-mystical genius has yet to be translated into English. Silburn humbly turns to this great master, in his greatest work, to give shape, substance and meaning to her own modern masterpiece. Neither the Seeker nor the merely interested could ask for more.
After reading "Kundalini - Energy of the Depths", pick up "Vac" by Andre Padoux. In reading these, you can be satisfied that you are getting the real goods. Leave the trendiness for followers of Shiva Rea and Seane Corn. Let the academics have the terminally-footnoted tediousness of D.G. White's "The Alchemical Body". Lilian Silburn will take you where you want to go.
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