Welcome to the Tantrāloka Home Study Program:
A journey through Tantrāloka (Chapters 1-37)

A Tour of the Thirty Seven Chapters of the Tantrāloka

Meaning both “Light of the Tantras” and “Light on the Tantras”, Abhinavagupta’s Tantrāloka is without a doubt by far the greatest work of Śaiva and Śākta Tantra. It illumines all that is essentially important in the Tantras of its day, incorporated into the Kashmiri tradition of Anuttara Trika. We may read and reread it, and yet never cease to be astonished by its vastness, depth and power to illumine us, even after a thousand years since it was written. Like a monumental classical Indian temple, it fills us with awe not only for its innumerable details, but also by its structure and form. The Tantrāloka is many things. Abhinavagupta calls it a manual of the ritual of Anuttara Trika. Kṣemarāja calls it a compendium of the secret teachings of all the Tantras. Although apparently the work of a man, in reality it is by Lord Śiva Himself. Thus it is the scripture of Anuttara Trika knowing which one becomes a true teacher, who is both liberated himself and liberates others also. This most sacred text was written by a man who had himself experienced and practiced all that it contains, for the benefit of mankind and the greater glory of Lord Śiva. Speaking of himself and his purpose, Abhinavagupta blesses us at the conclusion of his work even as he offers it to the Lord:

“He concentrated (his) mind and interpreted with his intelligence many ancient scriptures, extracting from them (their) essence. (Thus) he composed this greatly precious (mahārtha) work in which is expounded the essence of the Tantras (tantratattva) in accord with reason (yukti) and the tradition (āgama). Easy is the practice of (their) teachings once (the people of) this world have acquired (its) light (āloka). May you (who are) good receive well (anugṛh) this, his work, but first of all seek to grasp it (grḥ). This is the rule. And may that also lay hold (gṛh) of your mind and soon grace it (anugṛh) by the vision of the reality (it bestows). O Śiva, you who hear (everything) in all respects, listen (graciously) to this essence of the scriptures, composed by Abhinavagupta. This, in truth, is praise (nuti) (dedicated) to You: and, indeed, it is an examination of your nature. (O Lord) satisfied by (this) praise (abhinava), make the (whole) world one with Yourself!” (Tantrāloka 37/82-85)

After close to fifty years in India, sitting at the feet of numerous teachers, Mark Dyczkowski presents by the blessings of his Master Swami Laksmanjoo and the grace of Lord Śiva, for the benefit of all, the teachings of this work. In this series of lectures Mark Dyczkowski takes us on a journey through the vast universe of the Tantrāloka viewing its splendour and riches. He introduces one by one, part by part, to each of the thirty seven chapters of this monumental work, opening the way for those who wish to plunge deeper into its teachings.

(For the background on this text and its relationship to the larger topic of Kashmir Shaivism, please see the Program Overview on this site.  You may also like to listen to the free course on Locating Trika, which provides historical overview.)

Information on content and pricing:

	Content	Price	Buy
	32 lessons, approx. 50 hours in length	100$

Course materials:

• 2 PDF files: “Abhinavagupta’s Exegesis of Trika Saivism” and “Tantraloka Summary” by Dr. Mark Dyczkowski  

• 32 Audio links—downloadable.

• Email support: If you have questions of a more personal or individualized nature, concerns about the course, or complex intellectual questions that go beyond the scope of the Facebook group, please email anuttaratrikakula3@gmail.com, and we will respond to your question confidentially and appropriately.  For more advanced intellectual or content-related matters, we will forward your question to Dr. Dyckzowski to respond to you directly.

 

OM SAUḤ PARĀYAI NAMAḤ