Philosophy or Pornography? Two radical thinkers tackle the fundamental problems of passion between men and its relationship to spirituality. In a vibrant, erudite, and candid correspondence that spans the 1990s, these two old friends from Oxford explore how the ancient mysticism of Tantra can work in today’s world to bring about the transformation of sexual ecstasy into Self-realization. The writers are equally passionate about shadowy issues that are largely disowned by the mainstream and the gay community: sexual compulsion, self-condemnation, perversion, addiction, self-destruction, jealousy, and possessiveness. Drawing on their own raw personal experience and intense reflection, they use the philosophy and practice of Tantra to probe these enigmas and discover the highest purposes of their sexuality. “... a revolutionary book .... a ‘must read’ for anyone, man AND woman, interested in spiritual awakening through the conscious cultivation of sexual ecstasy.” --Margot Anand, The Art of Sexual Ecstasy VICTOR BLISS is an American who studied Comparative Religion and Philosophy at Harvard, Oxford, and the Sorbonne, and Psychotherapy at the Jung Institute in Zurich. Since 1965 he has studied and practiced Tantra under several masters in India and the West. Based in California, he has a private practice, teaches seminars and leads workshops in America, Europe, and Asia. Victor Bliss has long been a philosophical critic of the anti-sexual prejudice of the Christian tradition. In view of the recent pedophilia crises in the Catholic Church, Bliss is active in initiating a new kind of critique and dialogue about spirituality and sexuality in the Christian tradition. See the Victor Bliss website, which includes e-mail address, "An Open Letter to the Pope" and "The New 95 Theses": http://hometown.aol.com/victorblissmail/myhomepage/business.html NATHAN JAMES was born in London. Educated at Oxford and the University of California, Berkeley, he received his PhD for a dissertation on homoerotic desire in the context of Freudian psychoanalysis. He currently lives in Paris, where he works as an art critic, therapist, and kickboxing coach. Victor Bliss and Nathan James are creating a resource, The MANTANTRA Project, for men interested in evolving their sexuality to a higher level. For information, see: www.mantantra.com.

From rumours about gnostic orgies in antiquity to the explicit erotic symbolism of alchemical texts, from the subtly coded eroticism of medieval kabbalah to the sexual magic practiced by contemporary occultists and countercultural translations of Asian Tantra, the history of Western esotericism is rich in references to the domains of eros and sexuality. This volume, which brings together an impressive array of top-level specialists, is the first to analyze the eroticism of the esoteric without sensationalism or cheap generalizations, but on the basis of expert scholarship and attention to textual and historical detail. While there are few other domains where the imagination may so easily run wild, the various contributions seek to distinguish fact from fiction--only to find that historical realities are sometimes even stranger than the fantasies. In doing so, they reveal the outlines of a largely unknown history spanning more than twenty centuries.

Rinella's most recent collection of essays complements his best-selling The Master's Manual with an array of articles on living and enjoying a healthry BDSM lifestyle. Filled with the common sense, practical, and enlightening wisdom that is Rinella's writing, readers, both old and new, will gain insight and information from this array of kinky information.

Kularnava Tantra is perhaps the foremost Tantra of the Kaula School and is constantly cited as an authority in Tantric literature. It is worthy of close study by those who would understand the tenets and practice of the tradition of which it is a Sastra. It calls upon man to wake up to the rare privilege that has been given to him, e.g., human birth in which the being becomes conscious of himself and is offered a choice, a choice between stagnation and rapid progression towards his Godhead. He is asked to purify himself and told how to do it. In unambiguous terms he is told that a wine-drinker is different from the drinkers of ecstasy; the union of delight is between the ascending Shakti and the presiding Lord above, and not between man and woman. The Introduction by Arthur Avalon (Sir John Woodroffe) gives a concise outline of the work. Sri M.P. Pandit, who is a keen student of the Tantras and Vedas, has rendered the work in English in eleven chapters. The Readings are free transla-tions with annotations where necessary, omitting technical details but preserving the spirit and essential import of the original in his characteristically lucid style. The complete text is given in Devanagari after being duly edited by Taranatha Vidyaranya for those who wish to study the book in the original Sanskrit..

The New York Times–bestselling author’s classic guide to astrology: “What makes Sun Signs different is that much of the writing is done with humor” (The Boston Globe). Before 1968, astrology as we know it had a very limited following in the United States and around the world. The publication of Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs changed that forever. Newspapers began running astrology columns, and soon, an increasing number of people knew their sign (as well as yours) and began to study astrological tendencies. Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs quickly established itself as the worldwide introductory bible to astrology for beginner and expert alike. The book’s simple organizational technique made it easy for everyone to follow and understand themselves and others, sign-by-sign. This updated edition of the groundbreaking classic is an enjoyable way to discover the world of astrology today.

Interpretive study of esoteric sounds (mantras) and symbols (yantras) used in Tantrism.

Introducing Tantra to Modern Man. Today when the whole world is driven by Material Sciences the obvious questions have taken back seat. Hardly anyone is interested in understanding oneself. We seem to be more interested in knowing how to control dead objects but hardly make any efforts to understand the power and Mystery of consciousness, body and mind which we all carry with us. The spiritual practices are time tested means to realize and experience the power of consciousness. In fact there are a lot of things yet unknown to the scientific fraternity about the power of mind and consciousness but the encouraging thing is that off late we have seen science becoming interested in evaluating spiritual practices. It would be quite illogical on our part if sincere efforts in using the resources and knowledge which our ancestors have left with us. It is my conviction that through revisiting our ancient Sciences like Tantra, yoga, Mantras etc. can prove quite Insightful for those who are interested in the subject. This book is definitely a great beginning for everyone, especially if they wanted a peep in to the tantric spirituality. I am sure upon understanding the dynamics and processes of the path more and more rational people shall be interested in experimenting with Tantra. Of course the course and horizon of Tantra is extremely vast and this book focuses on Tattva Shakti Vigyaan - the part of applied Tantra which can be verily used for attaining better health and material abundance. The book shall definitely be able to remove many doubts, especially the fear psychosis around Tantra which prevails in masses. Most importantly the topics covered in the book are the most important ones and definitely open to exploration by each one of you.

We gay folk, who inhabit bodies of the type we naturally desire, require a sex-positive spiritual practice that celebrates and utilizes our gay being instead of opposing it. We need a spiritual practice that teaches us how to use our senses instead of merely shutting them off or repressing them. We need a practice that empowers us to integrate all the rejected aspects of self to form a strong, healthy gay identity, which confers a spiritual advantage in deep spiritual practice. We need a spiritual practice that recognizes that gender and gender identity are fluid, that we all contain elements of the masculine and feminine. We need a spiritual practice that recognizes not only that same-sex love is possible, but that our love can powerfully energize a deep quest for Self-awareness and enlightenment. We need to realize that any feeling of shame or unworthiness connected to our gay being shackles our spirit and blocks us from the full realization of God/dess within, for the Divine Being is gay, too.

Inspirational stories of Swama Rama's experiences and lessons learned with the great teachers who guided his life including Mahatma Gandhi, Tagore, and more.