Guest guest Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 I'd have to second Len's caution here. Johari is knowledgeable and no doubt an initiated adept, but this very "authenticity" is also apparent in the way he protects the secret tradition -- as you noted, by purposely presenting yantras and mantras that are incomplete or imperfect; and also by skimming over very important information, or skipping essential components altogether. I do not mean to say that this renders his books useless. I simply think he's greatly diluted it so that self-taught non-initiates won't harm themselves or anyone else in using these powerful tools. I think they are meant to help develop an understanding of what sadhana is, and to offer a few basic techniques to get started ... probably with the idea that those who are serious and qualified would eventually gravitate toward the complete teachings and rituals of the initiatory traditions. I agree with Lili, however, that Johari is an excellent resource, and he has contributed a lot toward popularizing and demystifying the Tantric traditions. Reading his work will definitely serve as a useful orientation for beginners, and for casual readers wanting to know a little more. But I would advise against considering his work to be a complete and self-contained exposition of the tradition and its practices. It is not. It barely even scratches the surface. DB , kalipadma@j... wrote: > Although, as someone here (Swastik?) said a couple of months ago, some of > the yantras are purposely drawn "wrong" -- like Ganesha's yantra having > the shatkona (six-pointed star) INSIDE the triangle, instead of the other > way around... or Kali's yantra being upside down... > > -- Len/ Kalipadma > > > On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:48:56 -0800 (PST) Lili Masamura > <sephirah5> writes: > > > > Another excellent source of info that I am surprised > > hasn't been mentioned here is Harish Johari's > > writings..the yantras for the 10 Mahavidyas are given > > in his "Tools For Tantra", as well as the Shri Yantra, > > in full colour. There are also instructions on how to > > draw a yantra, and what symbols are used for what > > purpose, line drawings of the yantras suitable for > > photocopying and colouring in on your own, plus a > > selection of mantras and Gayatris for the various > > Deities.Altogether a very useful book to have! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 Ahh, yeah, there are positive, negative and neutral mantras that should be understood. Don't play with Sanskrit without some real understanding of the tantras. That said, some mantras are good for all people of every prakriti. General the akasha mantras starting with H, S, and N are ok for everyone. Anyone know otherwise? - Devi Bhakta Wednesday, November 17, 2004 9:15 AM Harish Johari I'd have to second Len's caution here. Johari is knowledgeable and no doubt an initiated adept, but this very "authenticity" is also apparent in the way he protects the secret tradition -- as you noted, by purposely presenting yantras and mantras that are incomplete or imperfect; and also by skimming over very important information, or skipping essential components altogether. I do not mean to say that this renders his books useless. I simply think he's greatly diluted it so that self-taught non-initiates won't harm themselves or anyone else in using these powerful tools. I think they are meant to help develop an understanding of what sadhana is, and to offer a few basic techniques to get started ... probably with the idea that those who are serious and qualified would eventually gravitate toward the complete teachings and rituals of the initiatory traditions. I agree with Lili, however, that Johari is an excellent resource, and he has contributed a lot toward popularizing and demystifying the Tantric traditions. Reading his work will definitely serve as a useful orientation for beginners, and for casual readers wanting to know a little more. But I would advise against considering his work to be a complete and self-contained exposition of the tradition and its practices. It is not. It barely even scratches the surface. DB , kalipadma@j... wrote: > Although, as someone here (Swastik?) said a couple of months ago, some of > the yantras are purposely drawn "wrong" -- like Ganesha's yantra having > the shatkona (six-pointed star) INSIDE the triangle, instead of the other > way around... or Kali's yantra being upside down... > > -- Len/ Kalipadma > > > On Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:48:56 -0800 (PST) Lili Masamura > <sephirah5> writes: > > > > Another excellent source of info that I am surprised > > hasn't been mentioned here is Harish Johari's > > writings..the yantras for the 10 Mahavidyas are given > > in his "Tools For Tantra", as well as the Shri Yantra, > > in full colour. There are also instructions on how to > > draw a yantra, and what symbols are used for what > > purpose, line drawings of the yantras suitable for > > photocopying and colouring in on your own, plus a > > selection of mantras and Gayatris for the various > > Deities.Altogether a very useful book to have! > / b.. c.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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