John Woodroffe

Sir John George Woodroffe, also known as Arthur Avalon, was born on December 15, 1865, and passed away on January 16, 1936. He studied at Woburn Park School and University College, Oxford, where he excelled in jurisprudence. Called to the Bar in 1889, Woodroffe worked at Calcutta High Court, becoming a professor and co-authoring legal texts with Ameer Ali. Appointed as Standing Counsel in 1902, he became a judge by 1904, rising to Chief Justice by 1915. Post-retirement, he taught at Oxford.

Woodroffe's interest in tantra began during a court case where he felt mentally clouded, attributing it to a tantrik sadhu. This experience led him to study Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy under a guru who emphasized proper pronunciation through sleeping on a mat. His linguistic precision enabled him to translate numerous texts. Initiated into Kriya Yoga, his guru believed him to be the reincarnation of two Indian historical figures.

Woodroffe translated the *Mahānirvāṇatantraṃ* as Arthur Avalon, drawing inspiration from King Arthur and Celtic mysticism, linking to western esotericism and Theosophy. His notable works include "Shakti and Shakta," "The Serpent Power," and "Introduction to the Tantra Śāstra."