"The World as Power, Power as Mind" by Sir John Woodroffe, also known by his pseudonym Arthur Avalon, is a significant philosophical work that explores the concept of the universe as an expression of power, specifically focusing on the power of consciousness or mind. In this text, Woodroffe delves into the Tantric view that the material world is a manifestation of divine power, which is essentially consciousness. He presents the idea that the universe itself is not just an inert mechanical entity but is alive with consciousness, which manifests as both the material and the mental. Woodroffe's analysis integrates elements of Hindu metaphysics, particularly the concepts of Shakti (the divine force or power) and Maya (the cosmic illusion), with a focus on how these principles express through mind and matter.
Sir John George Woodroffe (1865-1936), also known by his pseudonym Arthur Avalon, was a British orientalist and judge whose work helped illuminate Tantric practices to the Western world. His seminal text, "The Serpent Power: The Secrets of Tantric and Shaktic Yoga," delves into the Kundalini Yoga philosophy and the chakra system, offering detailed interpretations and translations of Sanskrit texts. Woodroffe's writings, which bridge Eastern spiritual traditions and Western scholarly interest, remain influential in the study of Indian Tantra.
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