Tarot

Rating:
Summary: A Contemporary Masterpiece
Review: Mouni Sadhu's book on the Tarot is not an easy read. Compared to many more recent books on Tarot, Psychology and Spirituality it may appear to be outdated and rather difficult. It is important however to place the book in its historical and social context.

Essentially the book contains the philosophical viewpoint of a Russian Esoteric Group at the turn of the 20th Century, which influenced Mouni Sadhu's early thinking. Sadhu in turn, developed the basic material gained from this group to produce this spiritual/esoteric masterpiece of a book which incorporated his later mature thinking. This included his work with Paul Sedir's Society of Spiritual Friendships, as well as Sadhu's acceptance of the great Indian Teacher Sri Ramana Maharishi of India as his Spiritual Master.

The book culturally was written at a time when it was believed that certain techniques (which are now freely written about elsewhere) should not be given to the general public via a book transmission. When this point is understood, it helps to make Sadhu's 'Tarot' much clearer in its approach to esoteric truth. Mouni Sadhu believed that if a person had the right moral and mental abilities this would enable them to understand the meaning of the lessons contained in the book. This may not a popular attitude today when instant information is expected and demanded of readers. But Sadhu wrote all his books with the intention of helping his readers to think deeply about what was being read and to practically experience where possible what he was describing from his own personal experiences.

The book is certainly not easy to follow, but to readers who persevere with the ideas and exercises contained in the book, benefits such as greater clarity of thought, a sense of personal direction and greater inner freedom are a few of the benefits of Sadhu's 'The Tarot'