Shakit Rising: Embracing Shadow and Light on the Goddess Path to Wholeness by Kavitha M. Chinnaiyan, MD is a fascinating and instructive book that brings together the strengths of the Eastern traditions of Yoga, Tantra, Vedanta and The Direct Path to assist people to discover the shadow and light parts of one’s being and to harmonize them, to potentially realize liberation from all types of suffering. The book offers easy to apply to daily life practical ways to begin working with these established systems through the Tantric Dasha Mahavidyas (Ten Wisdom Goddesses). Creating a modern day pathway to ancient teachings.

After the two introductory chapters, which give background and explores the differences and strong points of theses traditions, the author explains what are “progressive paths” and “direct paths” to self-realization. In addition, she touches on the female roots of these traditions, bringing to light and crediting the ancient contributions of the feminine in developing the yogic systems of today. A refreshing and much needed reminder of the historical ancestry of these established lineages.

The book then is organized chapter by chapter, focused on each of the ten wisdom goddesses. Whose traditional sadhana (practices) are mantra (repeated sound), yantra(geometric diagram aids for meditation), puja (act of worship) and meditation visualizations. But instead of working with these traditional practices to access the guiding wisdom of these goddesses, Chinnaiyan in Shakti Rising offers us a visionary new approach.

The author presents and relates each goddess to the yamas (ethical values) and niyamas (virtues) of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This is helpful for those new or already steeped in yoga for it gives one a way to relate the teachings of sage Patanjali (dualistic path) with those of Tantra (non-dualistic path).

Also, the identifying of specific yamas and niyamas to each goddess is beneficial because in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali it is not outlined how to realize or apply these qualities to one’s life. That’s been left up to each practitioner to figure out. Chinnaiya book offers just that, a way, a path to honor and apply these Yoga Sutra guidelines to one’s life through the sacred feminine wisdom of the Mahavidyas.

From there, the author explains the symbolism, meaning and specific teachings of each of the Mahavidyas, allowing one to become familiar with each goddess before exploring the shadow and light aspects of what her teachings are trying to transmit and liberate us from. Chinnaiyan offers a clear explanation and way to approach each goddess and her light and dark attributes with the intent to discover one’s already inherent wholeness within, but that is often veiled by diverse and often hidden limiting beliefs.

With this understanding foundation established, Chinnaiyan then presents in each chapter two main practices: “…a progressive path exercise for transforming a shadow aspect into a yama or niyama, and a Direct Path practice of non-dual inquiry into the cosmic force of each Mahavidya.” These exercises help to start exploring one’s relationship with each goddess and her specific signature wisdom. As a way to begin self-inquiry and to discover where one might be limiting oneself and how to approach and shift these self-limiting attitudes.

The book bridges dual and non-dual concepts of these Eastern traditions and presents a holistic route to heal, overcome self-limitations, allowing one to open and embody one’s best-self.

This is a unique book in how it’s brought together these wisdom currents to uphold and support each other to access the sacred female wisdom of the Mahavidyas. And in such a way so that the knowledge of the teachings of the ten wisdom goddesses are applicable to one’s life and daily practice in today’s world. This book meets the modern day needs of people seeking liberation from suffering, to discover one’s inherent inner bliss while steeped in divine feminine wisdom and the supporting traditions.

Throughout the book the author shares wise insights, this being one of my favorite passages: “If we haven’t learned the skills of living in harmony with others, we can unintentionally and unnecessarily continue to cause harm through our words and actions. Our internal state of freedom can remain separate and dissonant from our external behavior.” Such a good reminder that liberation from suffering isn’t just about ourselves, it’s about learning to be in the world in such a way that extends this internal freedom and love-light to all whom we come into contact with.

This was an interesting book.I don't usually read things like this, but I have been talking about this sort of things with friends, so when it popped up I decided to give it a try. It was okay, and I would suggest it to someone else who is interesting in this topic.

I follow a Pagan path, dedicated to a Goddess (Hecate), so this book initially interested me. But even I found this book boring, to the point that I was barely able to finish it.

A fascinating look at liberation/enlightenment through the lens of the 10 goddesses known as the Mahavidyas. Each goddess embodies a shadow (an aspect that keeps us blinded to or bound from liberation) and a light (the lesson or freedom arising once the shadow aspect is overcome). Chinnaiayn explains all of this an a variety of ways, from the symbolism of each goddess' form and features, to explanations and examples, to exercises we can practice to realize or recognize these shadows, lights, and eventually, liberation.

A note: While I found this book engaging, informative and eye-opening, I definitely think it would be overwhelming for beginners. A good foundational knowledge of the concepts and language of the eight limbs (ashtanga) of yoga, Hinduism, or the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a must for really understanding the information presented in this book.

There are a few things I need to mention in the beginning to anyone who might fully appreciate reading this book.

This is not a book to be attempted at one sitting
Having been brought up in a Hindu household, there are multiple things that made sense to me instantly given my previous understanding ( to a degree) . I personally see this as stumbling block for someone reading something like this for the first time.
This book has been written very clearly and has elaborate explanations ( again for someone who is interested in what it has to offer) of the Mahavidhyas, their representations and any further information that goes with it. I must admit I did not completely read all of it ( refer to the first bullet point) but I will definitely be pursuing it at leisure again.

I follow a Pagan path, dedicated to a Goddess (Hecate), so this book initially interested me. But even I found this book boring, to the point that I was barely able to finish it.

Fabulous book!!! I not only totally enjoyed it, but benefited from it as well. I have read the books on the Mahavidyas by Sally Kempton and David Kinsley and this author is right up there!

This is an interesting look at the different aspects of the goddess and her many forms.

Age appropriate material.that is engaging for children.