Svacchandatantra (history and structure)

by William James Arraj | 1988 | 142,271 words

Summary: The essay represents a study and partial English translation of the Svacchandatantra and its commentary, “Uddyota”, by Kshemaraja. The text, attributed to the deity Svacchanda-bhairava, has various names and demonstrates a complex history of transmission through diverse manuscript traditions in North India, Nepal, and beyond. The study attempts to understand the Svacchanda-tantra’s origins, influences, and transformation over time, particularly in relation to Shaiva philosophy. Kshemaraja's commentary seeks to harmonize earlier interpretations and assert a non-dualistic perspective while responding to rival dualistic interpretations prevalent during his time.

The Svacchandatantra is commonly known as स्वच्छन्दतन्त्र, स्वच्छन्दतन्त्रम् (Svacchandatantram) etc.

Source 1: exoticindiaart.com
Source 2: books.google.com

Contents of this online book ( + / - )

The full text of the Svacchandatantra (history and structure) in English is available here and publically accesible (free to read online). Of course, I would always recommend buying the book so you get the latest edition. You can see all this book’s content by visiting the pages in the below index:

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Acknowledgments

+ Introduction

. 1.1 Internal and External historical evidence

. 1.2 Methods of Textual Criticism

. 1.3 Tradition Criticism

. 1.4 Source Criticism

. 1.5 Redaction Criticism

. 1.6 Reconstructed History of the Svacchanda Tantra

. 2.1 Kshemaraja, a proponent of Monistic Shaivism

. 2.2 Interpretation and Reinterpretation of Ritual

. 2.3 Commentatorial Techniques