Written as a dialogue between the god Shiva and goddess Shaki, Mahanirvana Tantra describes the chakras (‘disk’ or ‘wheel’, refering to the energy centers in our body), ceremonies, yogic practices and mantras for meditation, as well as a summary of the Hindu laws (dharma) regarding sexual behavior.
Contents:
Questions relating to the Liberation of Beings
Introduction to the Worship of Brahman
Description of the Worship of the Supreme Brahman
Introduction of the Worship of the Supreme Prakriti
The Formation of the Mantras, Placing of the Jar, and Purification of the Elements of Worship
Placing of the Shri-patra, Homa, Formation of the Chakra, and other Rites
Hymn of Praise (Stotra), Amulet (Kavacha), and the description of the Kula-tattva
The Dharmma and Customs of the Castes and Ashramas
The Ten Kinds of Purificatory Rites (Sangskara)
Rites relating to Vriddhi Shraddha, Funeral Rites, and Purnabhisheka
The Account of Expiatory Rites
An Account of the Eternal and Immutable Dharmma
Installation of the Devata
The Consecration of Shiva-linga and Description of the Four Classes of Avadhutas
Mengenai Pengarang
Sir John George Woodroffe (1865–1936), also known by his pseudonym Arthur Avalon, was a British Orientalist whose extensive and complex published works on the Tantras, and other Hindu traditions, stimulated a wide-ranging interest in Hindu philosophy and yoga.