The Garland of Letters: Studies in the Mantra-Śastra - Hardcover

The Garland of Letters is a significant work by Sir John Woodroffe, an influential British Orientalist, and scholar of Indian philosophy and Tantra. Published in 1920, it delves into the philosophy of language in the context of Tantra, particularly focusing on the Sanskrit alphabet and its spiritual significance in Tantric practices.

The title refers to the concept of "Varnamala," which translates to "Garland of Letters" and represents the Sanskrit alphabet. Woodroffe explores how each letter in Sanskrit is believed to have a specific vibrational quality and a corresponding deity, making the language a key to understanding Tantra's cosmos and spiritual practices. The book is a scholarly exploration of these ideas, combining linguistic analysis with metaphysical inquiry.