The Canon of the ?aiv?gama and the Kubjik? Tantras of the Western Kaula Tradition

This book serves as an introductory study of Tantric Saivism in its original scriptural sources. It traces the features and content of the canon of the Saiva Tantras, making use of many unpublished manuscripts from Kashmiri Saiva authors.The book is also an introduction to the literature of the Kubjikamata. As Kundalini, Kubjika is worshipped as the Goddess who is curled up and sleeping, waiting to be awakened. The author explores her place in the Tantric literature."This is a sincere, scholarly approach toward exploring a highly significant aspect of Indian thought and culture. Its most striking feature is the exploitation of extensive manuscript material which has remained inaccessible and, therefore, navailable hitherto. It will be useful to all those interested in Tantra, Kashmir Shaivism, and the Hindu religious practice known as Sadhana." -- Navjivan Rastogi, Abhinavagupta Institute of Aesthetics and Saiva Philosophy, The University of Lucknow, India"There are several interesting insights and thought-provoking statements which may prove to be new starting points for futher research. The literature is studied with vigor and almost 'pioneering' courage." -- Teun Goudriaan, Instituut voor Oosterse Talen Rijksuniversiteit, Utrecht, NetherlandsMark S. G. Dyczkowski took his first degree at Banaras Hindu University and then his doctorate at Oxford University. He is presently associated with Sampurnananda Sanskrit University in Varanasi.