It is always exciting to read reviews of books we produced, and we know that reviews can sometimes provide future readers with insights about a book they are considering spending time with. This review of Kali Kaula, the new title by Jan Fries, is from Living Traditions Magazine (Australia) see http://www.livingtraditions-magazine.com/ for more information about this publication. [see "in review" and then "tantra" for the original review].
“Kali Kaula is a practical exploration of that strange world which is Tantra. Jan Fries takes a critical but informed approach ignored the inanities which are presented by the new age and offering an extremely erudite and comprehensive of the tradition as well as an excellent outline of its practises.
Fries acknowledges that there are many forms of Tantra which includes Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist traditions, but focuses on Kula, Kaula and Krama schools. Opening with a concise yet extensive history of Hinduism the book then moves into the unique characteristics of Tantra. Explaining how Tantra is expressed in a twilight language using many levels of symbolism we come to appreciate the true richness and diversity of the many ways of Tantra. As an example we are offered a comprehensive deciphering of Shiva and Shakti and the various layers of meaning in the Lingam and Yoni.
While acknowledging the use of sexuality within the Tantric tradition, solid coverage is also given to the wide range of other practises which are just as significant. These techniques range from mantra to the use of the heart as a nexus between cognition and form, the use of the body, breath, mantra, Kundalini and lots more. This is highly significant as so often people reduce Tantra to sex and naught else and ignore the mountains of other practises which are part and parcel of this unique path.
Fries explores the many different sects and schools of Tantra including the significant roles Indian goddess traditions have played in the empowerment of women on the spiritual path. This is especially significant with the elegance and terror evoked by the goddess Kali. We are also asked to consider the role of the Guru and the many saints, ascetics and mystics of the Tantric tradition.
This is a book that needs to be carefully and meticulously studied from its outline of Indian history through Sumerian influence, Aryan invasions debates to the caste system to a detailed discussion of the influence of Chinese Alchemy and Taoism on Hindu and Buddhist Tantra. Practises techniques are extensively covered from the power of Mantra and the use of the body and the esoteric use of sex in Tantra. This is a comprehensive work from someone who clearly has an encyclopaedic knowledge of many esoteric traditions and hence is able to make insightful and meaningful comparisons while not ending in syncretism or reducing the focus of the work. There are lots of books on Tantra on the market today, most are new age or worse marriage intimacy manuals marketing as something deeper. This is truly the “real deal” and brings together research which would otherwise require you to read hundreds of books. There is not a redundant word or useless phrase in this work, it is carefully and thoughtfully written.
You can expect to study rather than read this volume, but you will be rewarded.”
Find out more at http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/221/?page_id=354
