Mahanirvana Tantra - Tantra of the Great Liberation

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

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.