Discover a wealth of readable, reliable guides to understanding
Kashmir Shaivism and other direct realization traditions.
About Kashmir Shaivism
- Swami Lakshmanjoo: Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism
Teachings given by an accomplished contemporary Master. - Swami Satyananda Saraswati: Kundalini Tantra
A classic practice text by the head of the Satyananda lineage. - The Great Liberation: Mahanirvana Tantra
A late, but key Tantra that has shaped much of contemporary understanding. You can download it for free HERE. - Abhinavagupta’s Commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita
The only English-language translation of the Kashmiri version of the Gita. - The Aphorisms of Siva
A nondual blast. - Naked Song
Down-to-earth revelations in poetry by a 14th century wandering yogini. - Swami Janakananda Saraswati: Yoga, Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life
A practical introduction by one of the more experienced teachers in the Satyananda lineage. - Madhu Khanna: Yantra: The Tantric Symbol of Cosmic Unity
Tantrik cosmology explained. - Ajit Mookerjee: The Tantric Way: Art, Science, Ritual
The introduction to this book is probably the best general intro to the history, View, and basic approaches of Tantra. - Swami Lakshman Joo : Vijnana Bhairava: The Practice of Centring Awareness
Look for this at abe.com if Amazon is out. Be sure to get this version. - The Triadic Heart of Siva
The heart of Kashmir Shaivism - David Kinsley: Tantric Visions of the Divine Feminine
The ten Mahavidyas or main manifestations of the Goddess - Debabrata B. Sen Sharma: The Philosophy of Sadhana
A lovely book about Kashmir Shaivite practice from a philosophical perspective - An Interview with Deba Brata Sensharma.
A lively interview about sadhana, shaktipat, and Guru in the Kashmir Shaivite tradition.
About Other Direct Realization Traditions
- Chogyam Trungpa: Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
If you want to have an authentic spiritual life, you have to read this book ( or channel it). - Heart Drops of Dharmakaya
Profound and beautiful. For the more advanced practitioner. - Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State
Namkhai Norbu’s masterpiece. - See the True Nature, then Let Go and Relax in That (pdf)
An interview with Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche.
Biographies and Autobiographies
- Diana J. Mukpo: Dragon Thunder: My Life with Chögyam Trungpa
An inspiring and profound portrait of life with a Tantrik Mahasiddha. - Ram Alexander: Death Must Die
A riveting, blow-by-blow diary of a Western woman disciple’s life with Anandamayi Ma. Very expensive new. Buy it used! Note: You can download a shorter, .pdf version of this diary published under the title As The Flower Sheds its Fragrance - Quang Van Nguyen and Marjorie Pivar: Fourth Uncle in the Mountain
The autobiography of a Vietnamese Buddhist “barefoot” doctor who eventually travels to the United States as a refugee. If you want to understand the difference between real healing and spiritual attainment versus attachment to siddhis and sorcery, read this book. - Swami Radha: Radha: Diary of a Woman’s Search
Beautiful story of a close disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. - Dark Night of the Soul: An interview with Irina Tweedie. (pdf)
A talk about this infamous aspect of spiritual life. - Daniel Odier: Tantric Quest
A good book to start with if you don’t want to read an academic tome.
Articles
- Shiva Shakti Mandalam
The Web’s most comprehensive set of articles about authentic Tantra. - Exotic India
Great articles about all things Hindu, especially the more esoteric meanings of Hindu epics and teachings stories.
