In the vast, colorful saga of meditation and yoga, a chapter that particularly fascinates is the life of Sir John Woodroffe (1865–1936), also known as Arthur Avalon. He studied at Oxford University, England, and became a judge of the High Court of Calcutta and Professor of Law at the University of Calcutta. His most influential book is The Serpent Power, which refers to Kundalini energy. In his popular book, The Garland of Letters, he expounds on the non-dualistic Advaita philosophy.
The incident that sparked his profound interest in spiritual practices occurred during a court case he was presiding over. Woodroffe found himself inexplicably unable to concentrate on the facts of the case, a situation that seemed to have no logical explanation at the time.
The mystery was soon unraveled when it was discovered that a “tantrik sadhu” had been employed to perform a mantra outside the courtroom. The intention behind this was to cloud Woodroffe’s mind, presumably to influence the outcome of the case in favor of the defendant. Upon learning of this, a police constable was dispatched to remove the sadhu from the premises. Remarkably, Woodroffe reported that his mental clarity returned instantly once the sadhu was stopped, clearing the fog that had hampered his concentration.
This peculiar and unexpected encounter served as a pivotal moment for Woodroffe, igniting a lifelong fascination with the spiritual traditions of India, particularly tantra and the concept of Kundalini energy. It led him to delve deeply into Sanskrit studies and the esoteric aspects of yoga under the pen name Arthur Avalon. Among his most influential works, The Serpent Power explores the intricate details of Kundalini energy, significantly contributing to the understanding and appreciation of this spiritual practice in the West.
Woodroffe’s transition from a respected legal authority to a scholar of Hindu mysticism and spirituality illustrates the profound impact that a single, seemingly unrelated incident can have on the course of one’s life. His work remains a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of India and continues to inspire those on the path of spiritual inquiry and self-realization.