Description: Aghora At the Left Hand of GodBy Robert E. Svoboda This array is about the book "Aghora: At The Left Hand Of God" by Robert Svobod. The book tells the story of Aghori Vimalananda, a practitioner of the spiritual discipline known as Aghora. Aghora can be interpreted as 'deeper than deep', 'gentle', or 'filled with light, illumined'. It is the apotheosis of Tantra, an Indian religion centered around the Mother Goddess.In the West, Tantra has often been misunderstood and misrepresented, particularly in its association with sexual practices. While sex is indeed central to Tantra, it is not about indulgence or licentiousness. Tantra aims for the seeker to achieve Laya, a state of undifferentiated existence and union with the infinite. It is not a religion with tenets and dogma but rather a set of methods for achieving this union.Tantra has been divided into Right-Hand and Left-Hand Paths. The Right-Hand Path involves seeking the Unlimited Reality through external imposition of purity. It aligns with orthodox ideals of religious discipline and is familiar to those who know Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. On the other hand, the Left-Hand Path has gained attention due to the actions of individuals seeking quick spiritual development without renouncing sensory gratification. This has led to a tarnished reputation for the Left-Hand Path, which relies on practitioners' internal purity to protect them during rituals that may involve necromancy, intoxicants, or sex.While most serious aspirants shy away from the Left-Hand Path due to its potential for misuse, there are a few who dare to undertake its rigorous training. Strict renunciation is a prerequisite, purifying the aspirant completely. Only when purity is perfected are rituals assigned, which may appear hedonistic or sinful to the uninitiated. Aghora is not about indulgence but rather the transformation of darkness into light, of limited individuality into the luminescence of the Absolute. Renunciation becomes irrelevant when one reaches the Absolute, as there is nothing left to renounce.Aghoris, often depicted as ash-swathed ascetics with long matted hair, have been stereotyped as wild-eyed wanderers who frequent charnel grounds and wrestle with jackals for carcasses. However, Vimalananda, the protagonist of the book, had his own definition of Aghori that was independent of any doctrine or dogma. He believed that a lineage's practices hold more weight than textual injunctions and that one's opinion of oneself is authoritative. Vimalananda did not adhere to organized religion and had little regard for texts.The author of the book, Robert E. Svoboda, is the only American licensed to practice Ayurvedic medicine in India. He has written several books on Ayurveda and Indian mythology.In conclusion, "Aghora: At The Left Hand Of God" delves into the story of Aghori Vimalananda and the spiritual discipline of Aghora. It explores the misunderstood aspects of Tantra and the distinction between the Right-Hand and Left-Hand Paths. The book challenges preconceived notions and invites readers to consider different perspectives on spirituality and self-discovery. Notice: The displayed image is a symbolic representation of the book, The actual book cover image may differ. ( Why? Sometimes publishers change the cover image with reprints, we have thousands of listings, it is practically impossible to keep track of all those changes.) Book Information:ISBN 13: 9788171673421Publisher: RupaYear: 1993Format: Paperback Author:Robert E. Svoboda is an American author and practitioner of Ayurvedic m
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Author: Robert E. Svoboda
Book Title: Aghora At the Left Hand of God
Language: English
Topic: Theology & Philosophy of Religion
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Rupa
Genre: Religious & Spiritual
Original Language: English
Publication Year: 1993
Country/Region of Manufacture: India
Intended Audience: Adults, Young Adults
Unit Quantity: 1