The Mahanirvana Tantra of the Great Liberation, translated and annotated by Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe), is a comprehensive guide to the practice of Tantra and the attainment of spiritual liberation. It is considered a classic and one of the most important texts of Tantra, a spiritual tradition that emerged in India around the 5th century CE. The book provides detailed instructions on the principles, practices, and ultimate goals of Tantra, including Kundalini yoga, mantras, and the worship of the divine feminine.The book is structured into four parts, each addressing a different facet of Tantra. The first part introduces the principles and practices of Tantra, including the role of the guru, the use of mantras and yantras, and the importance of meditation. The second part is dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, or Shakti, with detailed instructions on the worship of various goddesses. The third part focuses on Kundalini yoga, a central aspect of Tantra, detailing the awakening of dormant energy at the base of the spine and its ascent through the chakras to the crown of the head, including specific mantras and techniques. The final part describes the process of liberation, or moksha, including the stages of spiritual evolution and the attainment of various states of consciousness.

Comprehensive Guide: The Mahanirvana Tantra serves as a comprehensive guide to the practice of Tantra, covering its philosophy, rituals, and techniques. Accessibility: It presents Tantric teachings in a way that is accessible to practitioners, providing detailed instructions and explanations. Relevance for the Current Age: The text posits that Tantra is particularly suited for the current age, offering a path to liberation amidst challenging social and moral conditions. Synthesis of Hindu Laws: The book includes a summary of Hindu laws (dharma) regarding sexual behavior.

Tantra as a Path to Liberation: The Mahanirvana Tantra presents Tantra as a practical and accessible path to spiritual liberation, or moksha, especially relevant in the current age. It emphasizes that traditional means of liberation are no longer optimal due to deteriorating social and moral conditions. The Divine Feminine (Shakti): The text places great emphasis on the worship of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, recognizing it as integral to spiritual practice and liberation. Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga is a central theme, with detailed instructions on awakening and channeling the dormant energy at the base of the spine through the chakras. The Role of the Guru: The text underscores the importance of the guru (spiritual teacher) in guiding practitioners through the complexities of Tantric practice. Mantras and Yantras: The use of mantras (sacred sounds) and yantras (geometric diagrams) as tools for meditation and spiritual practice is a recurring theme.

Revival of Tantra: The Mahanirvana Tantra played a significant role in the revival and reinterpretation of Tantra in the modern era. Influence on Western Esotericism: Through translations and interpretations by figures like Arthur Avalon, the text influenced Western esotericism and spiritual practices. Countering Misconceptions: It sought to counter misconceptions and negative stereotypes surrounding Tantra, presenting it as a refined spiritual philosophy. Defense of Hindu Culture: Arthur Avalon's work, including the Mahanirvana Tantra, contributed to the defense of Hindu culture against Western criticism and promoted a positive image of Indian spirituality. Conversation Between Shiva and Parvati: The text is framed as a conversation between Shiva and Parvati, his Shakti, which is a common format for Tantric scriptures.

Reeducation of Indian Middle Class: Arthur Avalon aimed to reeducate the English-educated Indian middle class about the value and authenticity of Tantra, countering orientalist discourse. Popularity in the West: The book gained popularity in the West, where it influenced Western converts to Hinduism and Buddhism and contributed to the growth of interest in Eastern spirituality. Promotion of Indian Nationalism: Arthur Avalon's work was associated with Indian nationalism, as he defended Hindu culture and promoted a positive image of India's spiritual traditions. Introduction of Kundalini Yoga to the West: The book introduced Kundalini yoga to the West, contributing to its widespread popularity and practice. Transformation of Tantra's Image: It helped transform the image of Tantra from a despised magical and orgiastic cult into a refined spiritual philosophy. Guidance According to the Mahanirvana Tantra, in this age, one need not trouble, fast, torture their body, follow rules and customs, make large offerings, or be heedful as to time, Nyasa, or Mudra to attain liberation.

\"Mahanirvana Tantra of the Great Liberation\" by Sir John Woodroffe, who wrote under the pseudonym Arthur Avalon, was first published in 1927. This text is a significant work in the study of Tantra, an esoteric tradition within Hinduism.The table of contents for the 1927 edition of \"Mahanirvana Tantra\" is structured as follows:IntroductionA brief overview of the Tantra and its place in Hinduism, the historical context, and its significance. The Tantra of the Great LiberationThe main text of the Tantra, which includes various chapters and sections detailing rituals, practices, and philosophical teachings. Chapter I: The Nature of the AbsoluteAn exploration of the concept of the Absolute or the supreme reality in Tantric philosophy. Chapter II: The Five ShaktisDiscussion of the Five Shaktis (or powers) and their role in the Tantric system. Chapter III: The Doctrine of the Three ShaktisExamination of the three primary Shaktis and their influence on the practice of Tantra. Chapter IV: The Spiritual PathDetails on the path to spiritual liberation as outlined in the Tantra, including various practices and rituals. Chapter V: The Initiation RitualsDescription of the initiation rituals and ceremonies required for practitioners of the Tantra. Chapter VI: The Worship of DeitiesInstructions on the worship of various deities within the Tantric tradition. Chapter VII: The Practice of MeditationGuidelines and techniques for meditation as prescribed in the Tantra. Chapter VIII: The Concept of LiberationDiscussion on the Tantric understanding of liberation (moksha) and how it is achieved.