Pre-Launch-Reviews given by kind readers on the upcoming book
' Dance Of The Divine ' (मातृकाशक्तिविलास).
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12.
Archana Sharma
Research Scholar
Panjab University, Chandigarh
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु चेतनेत्यभिधीयते।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
To that Goddess who resides in all beings as consciousness, I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her, again and again.
मातृका- शक्ति-विलास (Dance of the Divine) is a remarkable exploration of the profound wisdom of Śākta Tantra, Mātṛkā Vidyā and Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana. What makes this work particularly valuable is its emphasis not merely on philosophical explanations but, more importantly, on the practical and sādhānātmaka dimensions of spiritual knowledge.
The detailed discussions of mantra, varṇa, chakra, āsana, mudrā, bandha, prāṇāyāma and Kuṇḍalinī practices offer meaningful insights and practical guidance for sincere sādhakas. The author deserves special appreciation for bringing traditional Tantric wisdom into a meaningful dialogue with contemporary perspectives on physiology, psychology and scientific inquiry.
The author's own profound experiential engagement and long-standing commitment as a sādhaka of the Śākta tradition lend authenticity, depth and experiential significance to this work. His personal understanding and sādhānātmaka involvement are reflected throughout the book, making it much more than an intellectual or theoretical exposition of the subject.
The beautiful divine representations, pictures, sketches, illustrations and explanatory diagrams deserve special appreciation. They make subtle and intricate concepts easier to visualise, comprehend and incorporate into meditation and spiritual practice. The inclusion of practical exercises, chakra visualisations, informative charts and explorations of sound-based applications further enhances the practical and applied significance of the book.
Its underlying philosophical message resonates beautifully with the celebrated Sanskrit verse:
“शिवः शक्त्या युक्तो यदि भवति शक्तः प्रभवितुं
न चेदेवं देवो न खलु कुशलः स्पन्दितुमपि”
— Śiva becomes capable of creation only through the union with Śakti.
Having shared an association with the author for more than a decade, I particularly appreciate the sincerity, dedication and sādhānātmaka spirit reflected in this work. It is not merely a book to be read, but a valuable companion for contemplation, disciplined practice and inner exploration. May this work inspire seekers to move beyond intellectual understanding towards experiential realisation, in the true spirit of the Sanskrit wisdom:
“सा विद्या या विमुक्तये” — That alone is true knowledge which liberates.
The central vision of the book also resonates with the profound Sanskrit expression:
“सर्वं ज्ञानं परं ब्रह्मणि प्रतिष्ठितम्” — All true knowledge ultimately finds its fulfilment in the realisation of the Supreme.
Ultimately, Mātṛkā-Śakti-Vilāsa is a valuable contribution to India's Śākta and Tantric heritage. It invites readers to move beyond theoretical knowledge towards the contemplative and experiential understanding of Śakti. It will serve as a meaningful companion for seekers aspiring to transform knowledge into Sādhanā and Sādhanā into realisation.
The book also enriches my understanding of my research area, Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga, and resonates deeply with my own individual journey from inner awakening to spiritual transformation. It offers a meaningful perspective on the profound relationship between spiritual knowledge, disciplined practice and the evolution of consciousness.
I wholeheartedly congratulate the author for this sincere, insightful and enriching contribution to the spiritual and intellectual exploration of Śākta Tantra.
May this profound work continue to inspire seekers to tread the path of spiritual awakening, deepen their Sādhanā and be blessed with divine grace. May all sādhakas experience the दिव्य विलास (Divine Play) and परम आनंद (Supreme Bliss) of Śakti.
जय मातृका शक्ति। जय आद्याशक्ति।
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11.
Pradeep Sharma,
(Civil Engineer),
Gurgaon.
A Journey into the Mysteries of Consciousness: A Reflection on Sadhana and Spiritual Realisation
Shri Shaktanand Ji’s present work is, in many ways, the culmination of his earlier writings, decades of inquiry and a profound engagement with spiritual knowledge. More than a scholarly exposition, it is a reflection of a lifelong journey of Sadhana, where intellectual inquiry finds its fulfilment in lived experience.
I have known Shaktanand Ji for nearly twenty-five years. What distinguishes him from many other seekers is his rare ability to approach acquired knowledge through the lens of Sadhana—to move beyond intellectual understanding towards experiential realisation. His insatiable quest for knowledge, coupled with an extraordinary commitment to practice, lends his work both intellectual depth and spiritual vitality. His endeavour to interpret the subtleties of spirituality through a contemporary, scientific perspective is particularly remarkable.
One of the most profound dimensions of this work is its exploration of the evolving states of Chaitanya (consciousness), its manifold transformations and its manifestation through different divine powers and deities (मातृका शक्ति). The subtlety with which the author explores these dimensions, particularly on pages 18–19, almost evokes the intellectual rigour of Quantum Physics. It invites not merely reading, but sustained contemplation and an openness to realities beyond the immediately perceptible.
The work also bears the unmistakable imprint of the Guru tradition. The wisdom of his three Gurus—of Mahayoga, Kriyayoga and Tantra—finds a thoughtful synthesis in these pages. This is more than an acknowledgement of spiritual inheritance; it is an expression of profound gratitude and an offering of Guru-dakshina (गुरु दक्षिणा). The philosophical resonance of Pandit Gopinath Kaviraj’s Svasamvedana (स्वसम्वेदन) is also discernible, reflecting the author's engagement with the deeper currents of Indian spiritual thought.
The illustrations in this work, along with the author's earlier book Akhand Mahayoga, containing more than ninety percent illustrations, offer valuable support in understanding its intricate concepts. Together, these works open a wider canvas of spiritual inquiry. I feel that developing shorter modules based on this text would help carry its profound insights to a wider circle of seekers.
What makes this work particularly significant is the convergence of nearly four to five decades of experience, contemplation and spiritual practice. Its strength lies not merely in what it explains, but in what it invites the reader to explore. Here, spirituality is not simply a subject of intellectual engagement; it is an inward journey towards experience and realisation.
Ultimately, the true worth of this book lies in the Tapasya, dedication and experiential wisdom that breathe through its pages. It reminds us that knowledge becomes meaningful when it is lived, that devotion deepens through Sadhana, and that the journey towards consciousness is as much an inward awakening as it is an intellectual pursuit.
My heartfelt appreciation to Shri Shaktanand Ji for this distinctive contribution and for a lifetime devoted to the pursuit of spiritual wisdom. May his Sadhana continue to unfold, and may this work illuminate the path of many seekers. With reverence and humility, my salutations at the sacred feet of Maa Bhagwati. .................................Jai Maa, Jai Maa, Jai Maa!
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10.
Dr Ashwani Gupta, Orthodontist,
MDS, FRACDS.
Melbourne, Australia.
Mātrikā-Śakti-Vilās is a concise yet profound exploration of Mātrikā-Śakti, the subtle power inherent within the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. Drawing from the traditions of Mātrikā Vidyā and Śabda-Brahma Vidyā, the book presents the ancient insight that sound, speech, and language are not merely tools of communication but fundamental principles underlying consciousness and creation itself.
The author examines Sanskrit vowels (Svara) and consonants (Vyañjana) as primordial vibratory forces that shape human perception, cognition, and creativity. Moving beyond purely mythological and theoretical interpretations, he explores their relevance to contemporary fields such as health, psychiatry, consciousness studies, and even modern scientific inquiry.
Particularly intriguing is the discussion of Akhaṇḍa Mahāyoga Jyoti Mudrā, presented as a means of gauging spiritual evolution. The author situates this concept within the deeper esoteric realms of yogic experience while drawing thought-provoking parallels with ideas emerging from quantum physics. This creates a unique dialogue between Tantric wisdom and modern perspectives on consciousness.
Book's practical orientation is noteworthy. Alongside clear illustrations and accessible techniques for working with Kuṇḍalinī Śakti, it presents complex ideas with clarity while preserving their philosophical depth. As a result, the work serves both as an introduction to the science of sacred sound and as a meaningful guide for serious students of Tantra, mantra, and spiritual practice.
Suneet Joshi (Shaktanand) deserves commendation for his clear and insightful presentation of a profound and often overlooked subject. His work succeeds in making complex spiritual concepts both accessible and inspiring to modern readers.
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9.
Rajesh Sharma,
Toronto, North York.
It is a great pleasure to read this book of 'Dance of The Divine' to be launched soon for spiritual aspirants to buy and read. The writer, Shaktanand (Suneet Joshi) has put in his years of hard labour in this path of Yog, Kriya, Tantra to develop a very sound understanding of the concepts of eight limbs of Yog Bindu, Shunya, Kala etc. The book deals in detail on the subject of matrikas, considered as building blocks of the cosmos which normally is not seen on general media platforms, as they are very indepth aspect of Adhyatam. He has discussed all these from the point of view of modern scineces like physics, anatomy, Psychiatry (for application) and Psycholgy, Yog, Tantra, Kriya and Akhand Mahayog of Gyan ganj giving both theoratical and practcal tips for understanding of both initiate and adept. I thank the writer, Shaktanand ji to bring forth these hidden aspects for sadhaks to understand and work on for their spiritual evolution and I also wish him all the success in his future projects.
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8.
Rajesh Sharma,
California, USA.
It gives me an immense pleasure to write a review on this book of ' Dance of the Divine' written by Shaktanand (Suneet Joshi), whom one has known since childhood, going through school and college, interest in sports, entering into engineering profession and then one day leaving everything behind to answer the call of the heart. Have seen him put in decades of hard work in this field and then coming up with this gem of experiential book. The writer has spent years doing sadhana in Hatha yog, Ashtang yog, Kriya Yog and spent more than two decades in field of tantra to understand its real meaning. One is witness to his various Himalayan sojourns and meeting many masters, earning sitting at their feet, clearly shows his complete dedication towards the spiritual path and Sanatan.
Present book carries a great detail on the divine matrika shakti which we understood only as vowels and consonants only through our education system. Its really fascinating to know the details given here by the writer how each one is different and is the cause of creation. The book refers to this difficult subject with great simplicity and takes the reader through Physicist views, Anotamists view, Yogic and Psychological view points to make them understand the subject better. It is a thorough theoratical and practical guide for every one which if followed sincerely will surely attract divine blessings. I wish the writer best of luck in all fields of spirituality. Good luch brother with your new venture.
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7.
Nishant R - (Founder),
Spiritual Gym Foundation,
New Delhi.
Some books are read. Some books are experienced. 'Dance of the Divine' belongs to the second kind. Written by my Guru bhai, my spiritual friend and guide Shaktanand ji, this is not just a book on Kundalini Shakti - it is a 'Love Letter' to Mother Divine.
The central truth of the book is both simple and profound, and the author states it with absolute clarity. Whatever religion one follows, whatever sadhana one undertakes, in the end it is 'Kundalini Shakti' alone who rises in the sadhak to take him to the final goal of 'Self-realization'.
For the author, this is not a borrowed concept but a lived reality. You can feel it on every page - that after years of contemplation, everything has dissolved into 'Her' alone. That sincerity is what gives the book its power.
What I loved most is how he presents the Mother Divine not as a distant, esoteric power, but as the most intimate presence. With great love, She gives birth to her child, nurtures every requirement against all odds, carving his worldly journey - because She alone knows that a strong mind and body are needed to transcend all karmic debts. As the book beautifully reminds us: Without body, no karma can be performed and without neutralizing all karmas, return is just not possible.
Thus, every soul is continuously guided by Her, without even knowing it.
The book brings us back to our foremost duty as a jeev - to recognise Her presence everywhere. Be it as a mother, sister, wife, friend or the silent power behind every bearing, sustaining force in creation - it is all Her.
And yet, the author does not shy away from our human failing. In the realm of ONE, watching the play of many, we get deluded. The curtains of Maya (illusion) in the form of five elements fall upon our eyes, we begin to feel 'I am the doer' and lose sight of Her. The book is a gentle but firm reminder of that ultimate truth: Without Shakti, nothing is possible.
This is not a book of techniques or methods. It is a book of bhava (EMOTIONS). It will resonate deeply with any sadhak who has felt that invisible hand guiding his life, who has at some point wondered who is truly doing it all.
My Gurubhai Shaktanand ji has not written this book as an author. He has written it as a son, as a devotee who is in awe of his Mother.
I bow to the Mother Divine who inspired it, and to my Gurubhai who had the courage and love to pen it down.
A must-read for every seeker, regardless of the path he walks.
Sri Matrey Namah 🙏
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6.
Anil Bist,
Punjab University,
Chandigarh
The book very beautifully unfolds a rich symbolic understanding of the chakras and their associated Devi Shaktis, highlighting the significance of their respective weapons, vehicles, medicinal associations, elements, deities, Rashis, Kalas, and Nyasa practices. It explains the framework in which frequency, symbolism, the human body, and the divine are understood as interconnected dimensions of spiritual experience. For the seekers of spiritual knowledge and readers interested in Shakti Tantra, this book is a must read to experience the raas of matrika shakti as it contemplates the profound journey from the foundational energies of Mooladhara to the transcendental symbolism of Mahabindu. I would like to thanks Acharya Joshi ji for enlightening the readers with this profound knowledge.
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5.
Shalini Sangwan,
Nityanand Dham, Chandigarh.
Spirituality is a mystical subject. It is difficult for a layman to verify the authenticity of any spiritual material. It can also be overwhelming, confusing, difficult to read, difficult to understand and yet more difficult to absorb.
That’s why ‘Dance Of The Divine’ is a book that is a must have, carrying rare research and mystical knowledge presented in a simple, reader-friendly, 320-page hard cover edition. The author, Suneet Joshi, is an erudite and sincere spiritual scholar, carrying the blessings of several Siddha Masters - including Sai Kaka, a great Saint from Maharashtra - which gives this work the ultimate seal of authenticity. Sai Kaka, in a written testimonial, has said that the book has manifested on Earth to raise the global consciousness and would play it’s role to expand global compassion, peace, well-being and abundance.
Going beyond religion, Suneet Joshi’s book, which is divided into three parts - theory, practical and data - essentially explains with great simplicity and detail how Matrika Shakti or Kundalini Shakti alone, is responsible for all creation as well as for any spiritual seekers’ end goal of Self Realisation.
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4.
K K Mishra , IPS ( retd),
Former DGP, Haryana.
I came to know Shaktanand (Joshi ji) a few years back, though i have been taking baby steps on the path of knowledge for past sometime and have met some spiritual gurus but Joshi ji was entirely different.He was not a spiritual teacher or a sanyasi like others, but a trained engineer with years of sadhna behind him, he was a sanyasi, scholar and researcher. At the sametime, he was equally proficient in karmkand also. I learned kriya yog from him. I accompanied him to Dharmshala also when he went to seek blessings of HH Dalai Lama. The experience still lingers on my mind.
His magnum opus, DANCE OF THE DIVINE is in my hands.I will refrain from commenting on the book , which will be a sacrilege. It’s a serious reading and explains in greater detail asanas, mudras, bandhs and kundalini practice in lucid language which will benefit the sadhak.
I pray to the Divine to grant Joshi ji all the Kripa he deserves on his path of sanyas and enlightenment.
Om Tatsat.
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3.
Manjeev Sabherwal,
Chandigarh.
I was mesmerised : The book is a Masterpiece of Spiritual and Visual Devotion.
“Dance of the Divine “offers an extraordinarily comprehensive roadmap for both theoretical understanding and practical realization. By structuring the spiritual journey into clear, systematic phases—moving effortlessly from the diverse lenses of physics, physiology, and yoga into rigorous practices like Shad Adhwa Shodhan and Chakra Sadhana—this book serves as an invaluable guide for both sincere seekers and experienced practitioners.
What truly elevates this text into a deeply immersive, meditative experience is its striking aesthetic presentation. The meticulously crafted visual depictions and eye-catching artwork serve as powerful conduits for contemplation. Rather than acting as mere illustrations, these evocative sacred images possess a profound resonance that effortlessly bridges the gap between the practitioner and the Divine Mother. The arresting beauty and symbolic power of the imagery capture the radiant presence of the Devi, dramatically deepening the reader's intuitive connection and making the internal awakening of Matrika Shakti feel intensely tangible and immediate.
For anyone looking to deeply explore the mechanics of consciousness, energy centers, and the sacred feminine, this work is a visually magnificent and spiritually transformative treasure. Highly recommended.
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2.
सुरेंद्र सिंह मिन्हास,
ऐ जी एम (बी एस एन एल),
यह पुस्तक एक साधक की दशकों की साधना का सार है। आरंभिक अध्यायों में ही लेखक ने तंत्र, योग और अखंड महायोग की गूढ़ बातों को जिस सरलता से प्रस्तुत किया है, वह प्रभावित करता है।
लेखक स्वयं को विशेषज्ञ न बताकर इसे एक सच्चा प्रयास कहते हैं, जो पाठक के मन में उनके प्रति सम्मान जगाता है।
मातृका और वर्णमाला का रहस्य विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय है। 51 वर्णों, चक्रों और उनके स्थानों की व्याख्या चित्रों सहित दी गई है, जिससे जटिल विषय भी सुगम हो जाता है।
यह पुस्तक आधुनिक विज्ञान और आध्यात्मिक तथ्यों, दोनों को भलीभाँति समझते हुए लिखी गई है। परमाणु, ऊर्जा और साम्य जैसी वैज्ञानिक अवधारणाओं को आध्यात्मिक सिद्धांतों से जोड़ने का प्रयास इसे और भी रोचक बनाता है।
यह पुस्तक जिज्ञासु साधकों और अध्यात्म में रुचि रखने वालों के लिए एक अनमोल मार्गदर्शक है। लेखक ने जन-कल्याण की भावना से जो ज्ञान साझा किया है, वह सराहनीय है। ............. सुरिन्द्र सिंह मिन्हास-सोलन-हिमाचल प्रदेश, भारत।
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1.
Sparsh Rana,
Oracle, Banglore.
Dance of the Divine is a remarkable work for any serious spiritual seeker. The author brings together a deep understanding of Tantra, Kriya Yoga, Akhand Mahayog, and various aspects of spiritual practice, presenting them through theoretical, practical, physiological, and biological perspectives.
What makes this book particularly interesting is the way it explores profound subjects such as Kundalini Shakti, mantras, Varna Matrikas, chakra practices, Jyoti Mudra, and kriyas. Rather than limiting itself to theoretical explanations, the book also explores practical applications that can help readers deepen their understanding and incorporate these teachings into their spiritual journey.
One of the most valuable aspects of the book is its attempt to bridge traditional spiritual wisdom with practical experience. It offers perspectives on aspects of life and consciousness that we may not ordinarily reflect upon, encouraging a deeper understanding of the relationship between spiritual knowledge and personal transformation.
The book is relevant to seekers from different backgrounds, irrespective of their religious beliefs or spiritual paths. Whether one is exploring Tantra, Kriya Yoga, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the self, the teachings offer plenty to contemplate and explore.
Overall, Dance of the Divine is a worthwhile read for anyone genuinely interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of spirituality. It invites readers not just to acquire knowledge, but to reflect, practise, and deepen their understanding through personal experience.
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