Everything has a point of origin, and the formation of civilization is no exception. For Western culture, the vestigial epoch of cultural birth in Greece contains the best archaeological heritage of societal development, meticulously preserved by scholars.Equally unprecedented is the spectacular rise of Chanakya/Kautilya and the Mauryan Empire in India, which is one of antiquity's most astonishing political systems and continues to exert an enormous influence worldwide.Both ancient Greek and Indian civilizations have left an enduring legacy through Socrates, Plato, and Chanakya/Kautilya. In the West, Plato (and, by default, Socrates) is regarded as the most influential philosopher in history, so much so that many philosophical concepts are mere 'footnotes to Plato.'No less extensive is the influence of Chanakya, whose ideas are still studied today. In the West, Chanakya is often referred to as the 'Indian Machiavelli' due to his political treatise, the Arthashastra.Accordingly, the book is split into two sections - one of which chronicles the rise and fall of Greek aristocracy and the philosophical concepts this relates to; the principles of areté, timé, and hybris.The second section outlines the concept of sacred kingship in India, which arises from Vedic tradition and is continued by Chanakya, who revitalizes and innovates upon older ideas.Both Socrates and Chanakya have a legendary quality, which at times, borders on being mythological more than mortal, such is the extent of their influence. However, they are also much more complex than a casual glance would imply, exhibiting an extraordinary depth of character and spiritual qualities, which this book will explain.

Sovereign Thought: The Philosopher & the Kingdom: From Ancient Greece to the Arthaśāstra

History

Taunton, Gwendolyn

Ancient Civilizations

Manticore Press

Tantra. The word conjures forth a million images - including sex, transgressive practices, and the occult. But how accurate are these portrayals, and how do they compare to actual Tantric practices in India? To the casual observer, Tantra appears to partake of an oppositional role in regard to Vedic teachings, but this conceals a much more conservative core, for the Tantric traditions actually strive to reinforce their Vedic heritage. The Tantras are believed to be the appropriate teaching in the Kali Yuga, and understanding the role that the Kali Yuga plays in Tantric traditions is absolutely vital to interpreting the nature of Tantra itself. Contrary to being opposed to Vedic teachings, Tantra is actually an extension of them - it is a reinterpretation of the Vedas for the modern era. In addition to explaining the complex role Tantra plays within the larger corpus of Hinduism, Tantric Traditions also examines the way in which Tantra is linked to sacred geographical locations, and provides explanations on the nature of Siva, the Devi, the role of the Traditionalist School in the export of Tantric traditions to the West, and reveals secret mantra techniques. Furthermore, Tantric Traditions provides details on magical and esoteric practices from authentic Tantric occult texts such as the Mantramahodadhi of Mahidara (c.1588 CE) and the Vinasikhatantra, both of which make even the most infamous European Grimoires look totally harmless by comparison. CONTENTS Introduction PART I Gods, Sacred Sites, &amp; the Kali Yuga Shiva: Naṭarāja, Śankara, &amp; Higher Consciousness Nataraja | Shankara | Yoga | Shamanism The Devi: From Satī to Kālī Sati | Parvati | Durga | Kali | Draupadi Topographical Religiosity Kashi | Tirtha-Yatra | Shakta Pithas Tantra, the Kali Yuga, and the Occidental Traditionalist Kali Yuga | Yuga Sastra | Traditionalism PART II Origins, Rituals, &amp; Esoteric Teachings The Point of Origin Definition | History | Rta | Dharma | Kali Yuga Sacred Transgression Power | Impurity | Left Hand Path | Right Hand Path Lexicographical Gnoseology Bhaskararaya | Abhinavagupta | Mantra Encryption | Formulas | Rasa | Philosophy of Sound Magico-Religious Practices Charms | Siddhi | Mantramahodadhi of Mahidhara | Vinasikhatantra | Alchemy | Magical Practices Appendix I Occult Formula Appendix II Tables of Correspondences

Tantric Traditions: Gods, Rituals, & Esoteric Teachings in the Kali Yuga

Religion & Spirituality

Hinduism

The Path of Shadows escorts the reader deep into the hidden subterranean world of the chthonic traditions of ancient Greece. The word chthonic refers to the interior of the earth, from where life is born and to which it returns in death. The chthonic traditions represent the paradoxical complexity inherent in life itself, which venerate the earth, the afterlife, final judgment, and the occult. The Gods connected to these primordial forces exist in all traditions – sometimes they are represented as benevolent figures, and at other times malevolent ones. The Path of Shadows concentrates on the Hellenic Gods, but also explores their relationships to other religions and cultural influences. Hades is presented as the brother of Zeus, and an Indo-European God who is identical to Yama. He is portrayed as both the King and Judge of the Dead. Although not antagonistic to mortals, the visage Hades presents to humanity is nonetheless terrifying, because he instills in mortals the ultimate fear of the unknown and the existential dread of a dark, fathomless, void without end. Dionysus is revealed not only as the son of Hades, but also as the ‘Black Sun’ and counterpart to Apollo in both the philosophy of Nietzsche and Greek Myth. Persephone is described as the Queen of the Underworld, and the mother of Dionysus. Persephone reigns as a queen beside her husband Hades, and occupies a prominent role in the Rites of Eleusis, along with her mother Demeter. Together, as a trinity, these deities rule over The Path of Shadows.The Path of Shadows also looks at the forms of the occult which are exclusively chthonic practices. This is introduced first by a brief explanation of the Mantic Tradition, which specializes in all forms of divination, and how it occupied a position of prominence throughout the religions of antiquity. The Path of Shadows then looks at some of the specialized aspects of Hellenic magic, concentrating on oneiromancy (predicting the future through dreams), necromancy (summoning the souls of dead), and curse tablets (utilized for occult purposes), narrating how these practices relate to the chthonic traditions and the hidden aspects of human consciousness.

The Path of Shadows: Chthonic Gods, Oneiromancy, Necromancy in Ancient Greece

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Fate and the Twilight of the Gods: The Norns and an Exegesis of Voluspa

Fate and the Twilight of the Gods: The Norns and an Exegesis of Voluspa contains two sections, the first of which elaborates on the Norns (Nornir) and the concept of fate. In the Traditions of Northern Europe, fate is usually represented as a Goddess consisting of three aspects, known collectively as the Norns, who control the fate of the cosmos, and remain distinct from both the Aesir and the Vanir, but are nonetheless able to control the destinies of mortals and Gods alike. Respectively, the most common names for the Norns are Urdr, Verdandi, and Skuld - each of whom has a special function, weaving a tapestry of words in which the warp and weft of threads become a metaphor for human lives. Together, the three Norns offer a fascinating insight into the nature of magic, language, and metaphysical predeterminism in the Northern Traditions.The second half of the book examines Ragnarok, and provides an exegesis of Voluspa - the prophecy which outlines the inevitable destruction of the world, and the 'Twilight of the Gods'. Ragnarok refers to the doom of the Gods, and by the time Ragnarok concludes, almost every figure featured in the narrative will be dead, and the cycle of time shall begin anew. Ragnarok is examined from the perspective of perennial philosophy and comparative mythology, to explain the esoteric significance of core features in Voluspa and the events which led to Ragnarok, with particular emphasis laid on the Gods Odin and Loki.

Fate and the Twilight of the Gods: The Norns and an Exegesis of Voluspa contains two sections, the first of which elaborates on the Norns (Nornir) and the concept of fate. In the Traditions of Northern Europe, fate is usually represented as a Goddess consisting of three aspects, known collectively as the Norns, who control the fate of the cosmos, and remain distinct from both the Aesir and the Vanir, but are nonetheless able to control the destinies of mortals and Gods alike. Respectively, the most common names for the Norns are Urdr, Verdandi, and Skuld - each of whom has a special function, weaving a tapestry of words in which the warp and weft of threads become a metaphor for human lives. Together, the three Norns offer a fascinating insight into the nature of magic, language, and metaphysical predeterminism in the Northern Traditions.The second half of the book examines Ragnarok, and provides an exegesis of Voluspa - the prophecy which outlines the inevitable destruction of the world, and the 'Twilight of the Gods'. Ragnarok refers to the doom of the Gods, and by the time Ragnarok concludes, almost every figure featured in the narrative will be dead, and the cycle of time shall begin anew. Ragnarok is examined from the perspective of perennial philosophy and comparative mythology, to explain the esoteric significance of core features in Voluspa and the events which led to Ragnarok, with particular emphasis laid on the Gods Odin and Loki.

New Age & Spirituality

Friedrich Nietzsche has had an enormous influence on the arts, politics, and even the occult realm. Moreover, this influence has not waned in the contemporary era. Despite this, Nietzsche remains widely misunderstood, primarily when he discusses religion and politics. Nietzsche: The Antichrist & the Antipolitical highlights the finer points of Nietzsche's opinions on religion, culture, and politics from an unbiased and neutral perspective. The first section of the book explores the specific significance of Dionysus in both Greek mythology and the works of earlier German authors. For Nietzsche, Dionysus is not just a pagan god, but a symbol of the Will, a primordial power that is eternally reborn, which Nietzsche identifies with the Antichrist. Nietzsche: The Antichrist & the Antipolitical then explains how Nietzsche's portrayal of Dionysus is integral to understanding his opinions on religion and how it has altered Western culture. The second half of the book concentrates on how Nietzsche's views on religion and mythology extend into political issues, and ultimately, his antipolitical philosophy. Walter Kaufmann once described Nietzsche as an "antipolitical individual who seeks self-perfection far from the modern world." However, Nietzsche's antipolitical individualism entails much more than merely abstaining from politics and being an individualist. Nietzsche's antipolitical stance is part of his broader cultural agenda, which Georg Brandes referred to as aristocratic radicalism.

Nietzsche: The Antichrist & The Antipolitical: Dionysus, Mythology, & Aristocratic Radicalism

Philosophy

Primordial Traditions was the winner of the 2009 Ashton Wylie Award for Literary Excellence. This new second edition of the original award-winning collection features a selection of essays by Gwendolyn Taunton and other talented authors from the original periodical Primordial Traditions (2006-2010). The new edition of Primordial Traditions features a revised design, layout, and  new content not contained in the original publication.  The first section of Primordial Traditions deals with aspects of perennial philosophy covering the broader applications of the Primordial Tradition in the modern world. Alchemy, philosophy, civilization, the Kali Yuga, and even the problems afflicting the economy are addressed here from a traditional perspective. This section also deals with the nature of the Primordial Tradition and how many spiritual traditions  relate to this via the philosophy of religion. Contents include:Philosophy & Tradition Sophia Perennis & the Doctrines of Ascension (Gwendolyn Taunton)The Primordial Tradition (Gwendolyn Taunton)The Age of Darkness: Prophecies of the Kali Yuga (Gwendolyn Taunton)Mercury Rising: The Life & Writing of Julius Evola (Gwendolyn Taunton) Ars Regia: The Royal Art Revisited (Gwendolyn Taunton) Tempora Mutantur: The Deterioration of Men & the Aristocratic Principle (Stephen M. Borthwick) The Sacred State: The Traditional Doctrine of State Legitimacy (Patrick Boch) Tradition & Money (Krum Stefanov) The second half of the book features a range of articles about different spiritual traditions (both ancient and contemporary) and is organized by their geographic location - European Traditions, Middle Eastern Traditions, Eastern Traditions, and South American Traditions. These articles concentrate primarily on the esoteric components of spiritual traditions instead of exoteric practices.European TraditionsOneiromancy: Divination by Dreams (Gwendolyn Taunton)Of Wolves and Men: The Berserker and the Vrātya (Gwendolyn Taunton)Ancient Goddess or Political Goddess? (Gwendolyn Taunton)Cuchulainn: The Wolfhound of Culann (Tristan Arpe) Knowledge is Power: Rune Magic in Germanic Culture (Stephen M. Borthwick) The Black Sun: Dionysus in the Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche & Greek Myth (Gwendolyn Taunton)Those Who Wander in the Night: Magoi Amongst the Hellenes (Damon Zacharias Lycourinos) Middle Eastern TraditionsThe Sufi Path of the Wayfarer and Lover: A Perspective on Islamic Philosophy and Praxis (Damon Zacharias Lycourinos) Invincible Sun: The Cult of Mithras (Matt Hajduk) The Yezidis: Angel or Devil Worshippers of the Near East? (Damon Zacharias Lycourinos)Eastern TraditionsTantra: FifthVeda or Anti-Veda? (Gwendolyn Taunton) Aesthetics of the Divine in Hinduism (Gwendolyn Taunton) Divine Mortality: Natāraja, Shankara & Higher Consciousness in the imagery of Shiva (Gwendolyn Taunton) Monks & Magic: The Use of Magic by the Sangha in Thailand (Gwendolyn Taunton)Lead Us Not Into Temptation: The role of Mara in the Vinaya (Gwendolyn Taunton)Does Practice Make One Perfected? The role of gTum mo in the Six Yogas of Nāropā  (Gwendolyn Taunton)Clarifying the Clear Light (Gwendolyn Taunton)South American TraditionsMayan Ceremonial Astrology (Bob Makransky)

Primordial Traditions

Tantra.The word conjures forth a million images - including sex, transgressive practices, and the occult. But how accurate are these portrayals, and how do they compare to actual Tantric practices in India? To the casual observer, Tantra appears to partake of an oppositional role in regard to Vedic teachings, but this conceals a much more conservative core, for the Tantric traditions actually strive to reinforce their Vedic heritage. The Tantras are believed to be the appropriate teaching in the Kali Yuga, and understanding the role that the Kali Yuga plays in Tantric traditions is absolutely vital to interpreting the nature of Tantra itself. Contrary to being opposed to Vedic teachings, Tantra is actually an extension of them - it is a reinterpretation of the Vedas for the modern era. In addition to explaining the complex role Tantra plays within the larger corpus of Hinduism, Tantric Traditions also examines the way in which Tantra is linked to sacred geographical locations, and provides explanations on the nature of Siva, the Devi, the role of the Traditionalist School in the export of Tantric traditions to the West, and reveals secret mantra techniques. Furthermore, Tantric Traditions provides details on magical and esoteric practices from authentic Tantric occult texts such as the Mantramahodadhi of Mahidara (c.1588 CE) and the Vinasikhatantra, both of which make even the most infamous European Grimoires look totally harmless by comparison. CONTENTS Introduction PART I Gods, Sacred Sites, &amp; the Kali Yuga Shiva: Naṭarāja, Śankara, &amp; Higher Consciousness Nataraja | Shankara | Yoga | Shamanism The Devi: From Satī to Kālī Sati | Parvati | Durga | Kali | Draupadi Topographical Religiosity Kashi | Tirtha-Yatra | Shakta Pithas Tantra, the Kali Yuga, and the Occidental Traditionalist Kali Yuga | Yuga Sastra | Traditionalism PART II Origins, Rituals, &amp; Esoteric Teachings The Point of Origin Definition | History | Rta | Dharma | Kali Yuga Sacred Transgression Power | Impurity | Left Hand Path | Right Hand Path Lexicographical Gnoseology Bhaskararaya | Abhinavagupta | Mantra Encryption | Formulas | Rasa | Philosophy of Sound Magico-Religious Practices Charms | Siddhi | Mantramahodadhi of Mahidhara | Vinasikhatantra | Alchemy | Magical Practices Appendix I Occult Formula Appendix II Tables of Correspondences

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Taunton, Gwendolyn. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Taunton, Gwendolyn

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Taunton, Gwendolyn. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Sovereign Thought: The Philosopher & the Kingdom: From Ancient Greece to the Arthaśāstra

Tantric Traditions: Gods, Rituals, & Esoteric Teachings in the Kali Yuga

The Path of Shadows: Chthonic Gods, Oneiromancy, Necromancy in Ancient Greece

Fate and the Twilight of the Gods: The Norns and an Exegesis of Voluspa

Fate and the Twilight of the Gods: The Norns and an Exegesis of Voluspa

Nietzsche: The Antichrist & The Antipolitical: Dionysus, Mythology, & Aristocratic Radicalism

Primordial Traditions

Tantric Traditions: Gods, Rituals, & Esoteric Teachings in the Kali Yuga