

Chanting or listening to the one thousand names of the Lalitā Sahasranāma is a treasured practice among lovers of the red-hued Lalitā Mahātripurasundarī. If we can view this chant through the lens of the philosophy on which it is expounded, the nāmas pour into the moment-to-moment unfolding of life, which becomes infused with Lalitā Devī's radiant presence. Instead of being hindrances to liberation, our challenging life circumstances become the doorways to freedom. Each of the thousand nāmas is a mantra. When we invite the nāmas into our inner landscape, the Lalitā Sahasranāma becomes a garland of mantras, where every life experience is rendered sacred because it can be found in the velvety folds of the chant. This kind of practice opens us to uncommon wisdom and sweetness--this is Glorious Alchemy!This commentary takes a non-traditional approach and provides a primer on Śrīvidyā, exploring concepts such as Kuṇḍalinī, prāṇa, kośas, karma and ācārās. Part II threads together the thousand nāmas on the basis of Śrīvidyā philosophy as it relates to life and personal practice. In addition, suggested contemplative practices are provided for further reflection on the nāmas. This book comes with a recording of the Lalitā Sahasranāma, as well as a guided meditation to facilitate the contemplative practices in Part II. Lnks to the recording are available on the New Sarum Press website. Review: Philosophy made Practical - The LSN called me to her and with it a whole new world opened up to me. This book is a treasure for all those that show any interest in understanding the essence of the Devi, Sri Vidya and/or the LSN. It holds within it deep wisdom of a sacred path that truly is life changing. For all those seeking true transformation and shifts, Glorious Alchemy shares precious jewels of knowledge and practise. I have collected several books which enthral you with their wisdom and knowledge; but this stands apart because it doesn't do just that, but it also offers you a clear path on how to live and access that wisdom. Philosophy on its own has its merit but its becomes magical when we can apply it to our everyday life and this book is that beautiful bridge. Thank you Kavitha for this exquisite sharing of your own lived wisdom. Each time I read it, there is more to discover. Review: Blessed - Good exposition of Namas. At the end its the individual perspective which is revealed to sadakas on one to one basis. My only request to the author is to include original Sanskrit text at the end. It will make the book a complete reference. It definitely helps. By the way, supporting audio is really helpful for practice.


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| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 248 Reviews |
G**T
Philosophy made Practical
The LSN called me to her and with it a whole new world opened up to me. This book is a treasure for all those that show any interest in understanding the essence of the Devi, Sri Vidya and/or the LSN. It holds within it deep wisdom of a sacred path that truly is life changing. For all those seeking true transformation and shifts, Glorious Alchemy shares precious jewels of knowledge and practise. I have collected several books which enthral you with their wisdom and knowledge; but this stands apart because it doesn't do just that, but it also offers you a clear path on how to live and access that wisdom. Philosophy on its own has its merit but its becomes magical when we can apply it to our everyday life and this book is that beautiful bridge. Thank you Kavitha for this exquisite sharing of your own lived wisdom. Each time I read it, there is more to discover.
A**R
Blessed
Good exposition of Namas. At the end its the individual perspective which is revealed to sadakas on one to one basis. My only request to the author is to include original Sanskrit text at the end. It will make the book a complete reference. It definitely helps. By the way, supporting audio is really helpful for practice.
R**L
Glorious Alchemy
An amazing book, has lot of practice based techniques. A must buy if you are a devi bhakta. Thanx for the elaborate description
S**M
It really connect us and teach us many things.
Very nice book. It really connect us and teach us many things to be with Mother Divine. One who believe in Devi ,try to Lives with Mother Divine and learning , can easily connect many dots. writter did not exaggerated anything because on every page you agree with her , Mother has her own ways to teach us individually. May her grace be with all of us 😊 Thank you for Writing book.
A**L
Extraordinary!
The description is absolutely wonderful for each of the Divine name. More that that I loved all the chapters which provide overall background.
K**R
Must go for it if you want to explore LSN
Must go for it if you want to explore LSN... This book is recommended by realised BEING for LSN...
P**V
Thankyou MAA
Your LSN stotra voice is divine
R**A
Actual Tamil version of the text is missing
Kumbakonam Temple in Tamil Nadu, is where Agastya Muni was initiated into this Sahasranama. Publishing without actual Tamil or Sanskrit text is not appreciated. Also, for a paperback shallow content book this is over priced.
J**I
Profound insight and teachings communicated in approachable language. Beautiful artwork.
Glorious Alchemy goes deep into sometimes esoteric concepts in an approachable manner that can be understood bu those new to the Lalita Sahasranama yet also bring new insights to long-time practitioners. The first section on The View again beautifully and logically conveys these teachings and the author’s personal relationship with the Lalita Sahasranama is evident in the love shown in the explanation of the text. This edition is beautifully layed out with stunning artwork on the cover and some interior images as well. Love it!
A**A
Il libro- "Glorious Alchemy - Living the Lalita Sahasranama" di Kavitha Chinnaiyan
I experience Kavitha’s book Glorious Alchemy as a gift from the Divine to the world. As I read the words on each page I feel that, through her, Devi is describing and explaining Herself, coaxing me into a deep reverie of identification with Her - the body of all Creation. I’m fascinated by the fact that Kavitha is not only a practitioner of the esoteric knowledge of Śrī Vidya and the Lalitā Sahasranāma, but also a medical doctor specializing in cardiology who is able to clearly describe the gross and subtle elements and the energy channels through which they flow to make up and animate the human mind and body. I have had the great good fortune that Kavitha was brought to my attention 10 months ago through her illuminating, wise and lucid interactions in the Sanskrit historian and scholar Hareesh (Christopher) Wallis’s Facebook group, opening me through her online course to immersing myself in the Lalitā Sahasranāma, and then through this opening to continue the expansion of my heart and awareness through her awesomely inspiring, demanding and liberating online “Women’s Sādhana Immersion”. And now, through her aptly titled book, Glorious Alchemy.
S**N
Stunning work of art and spirit
Knowing the author from reading her other two books (Shakti Rising and Heart of Wellness) as well as doing several of her online courses, I expected nothing less than a high quality and insightful book. However I wasn't quite prepared for the power emanating from Glorious Alchemy. I was in a word, stunned. From the beautiful cover to the love instilled in every one of its pages, it's a pleasure to read and absolutely absorbing. The breadth and depth of Kavitha Chinnaiyan's knowledge is astounding. But what's even more astounding is that this book is not just a work of scholarly research, but the result of her own dedicated practice and her deep, deep personal insight. Because of these, she is able to open a doorway into the mystery and magic that is the Lalitā Sahasranāma for anyone who wishes to cross it. She is able to explain in simple terms, profound concepts without watering down the content. I cannot praise this book highly enough. I would thoroughly recommend doing her online course on the LSN as the two work together and will take your experience to another level entirely.
H**H
A precious gift to mankind
Kavitha Chinnaiyan’s book is a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the Lalitā Sahasranāma, Śrī Vidyā, the worship of the Goddess and far more. It is the expression of a profound understanding of what true spirituality - and indeed life itself - is all about. Kavitha’s insight goes far beyond scholarship. She reveals the meaning of this ancient wisdom in a congenial manner from the depth of her own heart. Recommended for all those who yearn to live a fulfilled life and to find truth beyond words and limited concepts. “… for this is a naked truth which has come direct from the heart of God.” Meister Eckhart
E**Y
Beautiful book ( and easy to read)
As a student of tantra, I've been wanting to learn more about Sri Vidya for some time now, and Glorious Alchemy does a phenomenal job of explaining- in detail- important aspects of the philosophy and spiritual tradition. It goes into the Lalita Sahasranama and also provides a detailed breakdown of what each word means, and gives a Sanskrit pronunciation guide. The book also explains key concepts like the kosas, prana vayus, nadis, etc I wanted to take a moment to mention something that I think is important: the author says in the section on Kundalini: ' Kundalini awakening is not always a problem. In fact, it most often occurs almost unobtrusively...' I actually disagree with this, based on not only personal experience but also from talking with others who have had what would frequently be called 'kundalini awakening' or kundalini related experiences, plus reading Gopi Krishna's accounts. Kundalini awakening in what Gopi Krishna calls the 'fast form' which can happen spontaneously, has a number of challenges, as well as benefits. What I believe the author may be referring to with regards to when it's 'not a problem' is when it is taking a 'slow process'. Do some people probably have an easy time when stored energy ( prana) is redirected and samskaras melt away? Maybe, and good for them! I don't wish difficulty on anyone. Those are maybe the people who have the 'slower' awakening that Gopi Krishna talks about. However, from my personal experiences to that of those I know, kundalini awakening can be extremely challenging AND can take years. BUT IT'S WORTH IT. Highly suggest everyone read about what happened to Gopi Krishna as it resembles what happened to me. I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I felt when I read his account as it mirrored mine and I felt validated.
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