Kali Kaula: A Manual of Tantric Magick

In depth, and covers the topic well. Another great piece of work from Jan Fries

I really enjoy the writings of Jan Fries for two major reasons, 1. The length and breadth of his knowledge is impressive and it shows through like a torch in the night in all his books. And 2. His candor, he does not shy away from stating his own personal feelings as well as being willing, able and honest in diving deep into the "darker" more "chthonic" side of topics.

Now Kali Kaula is a wonderful book, especially now a-days for a western and predominately new age audience who has an interest in the subject covered and I share his animosity in that you have to wade through tons of crap before you get to a book that is not some new age fixation on sex and/or westernized interpretations of what actually is taught.

I don't have a large knowledge base in tantric traditions, but its subject has always been a big interest of mine as I have been a great lover of Maha Kali, almost all of my adult life. So I initially purchased this book with the hopes that it would deepen my understanding of not only tantra but also Kali Ma, which it did.

One of the biggest things that I learned is the term Tantra is really just a place holder, for a vast school of Hindu teachings, Tantra we learn means "texts" (basically), and that there are several school most notably Kriya and Kaula which are what most think of when they think of Tantric Teachings.

Fries goes into great depth of the history of Tantra without becoming to drawn out and the original artwork done by the author are great. I particularly enjoyed the Night Side interpretation of Ganesha, as he sat on the cremation grounds. Particularly as one of his notable characteristics is as a remover of obstacles.

- G. Ridgeway, Amazon Reviewer

Kali Kaula is a practical and experiential journey through the land of living magical art that is Tantra, guided by the incisive, inspired and multi-talented hands of Jan Fries. By stripping away the fantasies and exploring the roots, flowers and fruits of Tantra, the author provides an outstandingly effective and coherent manual of practices. Acknowledging the huge diversity of Tantric material produced over the centuries, Jan Fries draws on several decades of research and experience and focuses on the early traditions of Kula, Kaula and Krama, and the result is this inimitable work which shines with the light of possibility. Unique in style and content, this book is more than a manual of tantric magick, it is a guide to the exploration of the inner soul. It contains the most lucid discussions of how to achieve liberation in the company of numerous Indian goddesses and gods, each of whom brings their own lessons and gifts to the dedicated seeker. It is also an eloquent introduction to the mysteries of the great goddess Kali, providing numerous views of her manifold nature, and showing the immense but hidden role played throughout history by women in the development and dissemination of tantric practices and beliefs. Jan Fries explores the spectrum of techniques from mudra to mantra, pranayama to puja, from kundalini arousal to purification to sexual rites, and makes them both accessible and relevant, translating them out of the Twilight Language of old texts and setting them in the context of both personal transformation and the historical evolution of traditions. The web of connections between Tantra and Chinese Alchemy and Taoism are explored as the author weaves together many of the previously disparate strands of philosophies and practices. This book challenges the reader to dream, delight, and develop, and provides an illustrated guidebook on how to do so. Bliss awaits those who dare.