The Great Liberation (Mahanirvana Tantra)

The Indian Tantras, which are numerous, constitute the Scripture (Sastra) of the Kaliyuga, and as such are a voluminous source of present and practical orthodox "Hinduism". The Tantra Sastra is, in fact, whatever be its historical origin, a development of the Karmakanda (using that term in the general sense of ritual section of the scripture), promulgated to meet the needs of the age. Siva says: "For the benefit of men of the Kali age, men bereft of energy and dependent for existence on the food they eat, the Kaula doctrine, O auspicious one ! is given" (Ch. IX, verse 12). To the Tantras we must therefore look if we would under-stand aright both ritual, yoga, and sadhana of all kinds as they exist to-day, as also the general principles of which these practices are but the objective expression.

**Contents and Sample Pages**