John George Woodroffe, who published primarily under the pseudonym Arthur Avalon, was an Orientalist with a deep specialization in Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy. His work explored the profound spiritual and philosophical traditions of India. Avalon dedicated himself to the study and interpretation of classical Indian texts, making their wisdom accessible to the Western world. His research illuminated the complexities of Indian thought and spiritual practices.
Exploring the depth of Indian culture, this collection features essays and addresses by Sir John Woodroffe, who delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Indian traditions. Written during a time of cultural awakening, the work emphasizes the significance of understanding India's rich heritage, including its art, religion, and social practices. Woodroffe's insights aim to bridge Eastern and Western thought, celebrating the unique aspects of Indian identity and advocating for a deeper appreciation of its cultural contributions.
Exploring the philosophy of Advait Vedanta, this work by esteemed Sanskrit scholar Arthur Avalon delves into ancient texts that illuminate the principles of non-duality. Avalon's analysis offers insights into the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of this profound tradition, making complex concepts accessible to readers. Through his scholarly approach, he bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding, inviting readers to engage with the transformative ideas inherent in Vedantic thought.
Originally the extended introduction to a translation of the Mahanirvana Tantra by "Arthur Avalon" (a collective pseudonym for Woodroffe and an unnamed collaborator), this is a sufficiently general treatment to repay reading apart from the work to which it was originally attached.
There is a Supreme Reality that is Eternal and Indefinable. It is an Absolute, inconceivable and ineffable- the Brahman. Unknowable in its utterness, this Reality presents itself to us in three supreme terms of its Truth: an absolute Existence, Sat; an absolute Consciousness, Cit; and an absolute Bliss, Ananda. This is the poise of Brahman turned towards self-revelation. It perceives itself as an infinite Existence; not a mere existence but a Being with full awareness of all that It is, an infinite Consciousness. This Consciousness inherent in the supreme Being is no static awareness it is instinct with a Power, a Force dynamic with all the content of the Consciousness. And the nature of this selfconscious Existence is an inalienable Delight. All is a manifestation out of this triune status of the Eternal, Sat-Cit-Ananda. All is contained in the infinite Being of Brahman; it is brought out and released into a plenitude of manifestation by the Consciousness-Power innate in Himself for the sheer Delight of His Becoming. It is His own Consciousness as Power, the Cit-Sakti, that pours out the potentialities held in the infinitude of Brahman, throws up Forms from out of the Formless depths of the Eternal. The Seers of the Veda speak of it as Maya, the power that measures (miyate anena iti maya) out of the Immeasurable, the Force by which all is shaped out. This is the theme of the present book by Sir John Woodroffe.
