Publisher's Synopsis
This book provides access to the ancient powerplaces of the Indian subcontinent through pilgrimage or academic study. For most of these places geomancy provided the original locations, and then inhabitants of the subcontinent through Vedic, Upanashadic, Hindu and Buddhist Tantric periods, aware of the environment, sought these piṭhasthana, as sanctuaries for meditation and yoga. Aimed particularly at Dzogchen yogins and yoginis with a predilection for pilgrimage and retreat, the sources and information are primarily Tantric Buddhist. The Twenty-four Pithas, and alternative powerplaces, listed here alphabetically in the format of a gazetteer, information is provided under the heads of Location, Shiva/Shakta, historical mentions, Buddhist Associations, etc. Occupied by a variety of sadhus down the millenia, the period of Muslim ascendency in India resulted in destruction and loss of a few of the twenty-four. Whatever information discoverable regarding these sites has been brought together here. No other publication dealing with the Twenty-Four Buddhist Pithasthanas is currently available. 80 pages, with an inclusive index.
