Crazy Wisdom of the Yogini: Teachings of the Kashmiri Mahamudra Tradition

Description

An experiential journey through the secret teachings and self-realization practices of the Kashmiri yogini tradition * Shares vivid, experiential descriptions of the author's sessions with master Lalita Devi wherein she imparted the essential principles of the Mahamudra to him physically, verbally, and energetically * Presents new translations of the most significant sacred books, including the Shiva Sutras, the Pratybhijna Hrdayam Sutra, and the Spandakarika, each presented in language that preserves their spontaneous mystic flow * Pairs the author's intellectual study of the sacred texts with direct transmissions from his teacher, with each perspective shedding light on the other In 1975, in an isolated Himalayan forest, Daniel Odier met Lalita Devi, a tantric yogini who took him on a mystical journey beyond the limits of sexual experience to transcend the ego, recognize the true self, and rediscover the Divine nature of absolute love. Now, Odier shares the secret teachings and self-realization practices of the Kashmiri Mahamudra (meditation on the mind itself) and the Pratyabhijna (the School of Sudden Recognition). The author offers vivid descriptions of his sessions with Lalita Devi wherein she imparted the essential principles of the Mahamudra and the yoga of emotions to him physically, verbally, and energetically. Lalita Devi knew the principal texts of Kashmiri Shaivism by heart. New translations of the most significant sacred books, including the Shiva Sutras, the Pratyabhijnahrdayam, and the Spandakarika, are provided by Odier along with chants and poems from the yogini tradition. Presented in language that preserves their spontaneous mystic flow and restores their original ancient female origins, Crazy Wisdom of the Yogini offers a profound inside look at authentic tantric teachings.

Recognized as a leading Tantra master of the West, Daniel Odier received a mystical initiation from the tantric yogini Lalita Devi. He also studied with Kalu Rinpoche and received dharma transmission from a Chinese Chan Master. He founded the Tantra/Chan center in Paris, has taught courses on Eastern spiritual traditions at the University of California, and gives workshops worldwide. His books include Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love and Tantric Kali. He lives in Switzerland.

"For all of the lovers of Daniel Odier's thirty years of offerings, Crazy Wisdom of the Yogini is a culminating treasure from one of the great tantric teacher-practitioner- scholars of our time. Daniel's sharing of the heart to heart transmission from Kashmiri yogini Lalita Devi elucidates and enlivens the inner teachings, meditations, visualizations, poetry, dance, and living practices for realizing and embodying the transforming natural state of Mahamudra. Savor this transforming offering and prepare to be pierced by the wisdom from the heart of the yoginis." * Shiva Rea, author of Tending the Heart Fire * "It is rare to find such vivid and beautiful descriptions of the sacred oral teachings and living transmissions of a yogini master to her student. To receive them embedded between translations of foundational philosophical texts of the Kashmir Shaivite traditions as well as the mystical poetry of Lalla is a gift of even more scintillating wisdom. Behind and within such beautiful language, the different voices presented in this precious book weave together a united transmission of the heart that illuminates Mahamudra. Daniel Odier's Crazy Wisdom of the Yogini is an invitation and an opening into a wellspring of ancient embodied yogini heart wisdom." * Laura Amazzone, author of Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power * "Now, more than forty-five years after the teachings of the Kashmiri Mahamudra tradition were first transmitted to him in the Himalayas by his master, the yogini Lalita Devi, Daniel Odier himself has become a master of these teachings. Through a dazzling mix of his vivid recollections of his encounters with Lalita, his erudite exploration of the key ancient Kashmiri Mahamudra texts, and his presentation of the 14th-century devotional poetry of Lalla, Odier eloquently imparts to us in Crazy Wisdom of the Yogini daily practices that create a life of tranquility and insight." * Elliott Goldberg, author of The Path of Modern Yoga *