The esoteric Hindu traditions of Tantrism have profoundly influenced the development of Indian thought and civilization. Emerging from elements of yoga and wisdom traditions, shamanism, alchemy, eroticism, and folklore, Tantrism began to affect brahmanical Hinduism in the ninth century. Nevertheless, Tantrism and its key historical figures have been ignored by scholars. This accessible work introduces the concepts and practices of Hindu Sakta Tantrism to all those interested in Hinduism and the comparative study of religion.

The city of Belfast tends to be discussed in terms of its distinctiveness from the rest of Ireland, an industrial city in an agricultural country. However, when compared with another 'British' industrial port such as Bristol it is the similarities rather than the differences that are surprising. When these cities are compared with Dublin, the contrasts become even more painfully evident. This book seeks to explore these contrasting urban centres at the start of the twentieth century.

Hindu tantric text on Tripurasundarī, Hindu deity.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1862.

A thousand years ago humanity rebelled against its animal masters and slaughtered their four leaders: the Lion, the Tiger, the Seal, and the Bear. Now men live in the dismal overpopulated City, torn between the remorse for their ancient sin and skepticism that insists that the entire story of the Rebellion is a fairy tale. Mara Raven has the unique ability to journey to the dream-sea, which is a place of unparalleled beauty and terror, holding clues to the crimes committed in the City. But is it a real place? What is its connection with the secret history of humanity? Are there other cities hidden within its depth? When Mara's husband disappears and her mother is savagely killed, Mara has to venture deep into the dream-sea to find the shocking answers.

Among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India, Tantra has been the most difficult to define. Almost everything about it its major characteristics, its sources, its relationships to other religions, even its practices are debated among sc