|
ABOUT NIK DOUGLAS |
|
by Tantraworks.com Born 4 November 1944, in Yorkshire, England, under the sign of Scorpio. His father was a civil engineer and his mother was an artist, writer, dance teacher and spiritualist. Nik was brought up and educated in the Middle East (to 1955) and finished his schooling in England. From an early age he studied ancient cultures, archaeology, anthropology, religions and mythologies, specializing in Egyptology, ancient art, symbolism and occult/paranormal phenomena. His other early interests were science, amateur radio, electronics, puppetry and fine art/antiquities. During the early1960's Nik managed and produced English Rhythm & Blues groups and helped pioneer commercial radio in England through his involvement with Radio Caroline, the first "pirate" commercial music station. During this period Nik helped organize and arrange numerous tours and promotions of European and American musical acts. Nik moved to Ibiza, Spain, where he developed inventions using solar energy. By early 1964 he became entirely focussed on Tantra, finding that its' traditional teachings offered relevant solutions to life's mysteries. He dropped out of the business world and focussed on his own art work, exhibiting drawings and paintings in Spain and England, before travelling overland to India. Between 1966 and 1974 Nik spent most of his time in Asia, visiting remote areas of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sikkim, Thailand and Indonesia, building up his knowledge of the customs, beliefs and spiritual practices of Hindus and Buddhists. He researched Oriental medicine, alchemy, art, sculpture and mysticism, studying with Hindu yogis, Buddhist lamas, doctors and Tantra experts. Nik worked with Ajit Mookerjee, author of the important books "Tantra Art" and "Tantra Asana", and helped organize his Tantra art collections and the first large "Tantra" exhibit at London's Hayward Gallery. In 1968 Nik was formally initiated into traditional Hindu Tantra by Durga Das Shastri, a Bengali Siddha yogi. Following this he studied Tibetan Tantra with Dudjom Rinpoche, the Gyalwa Karmapa and Lama Kunzang Rinzin, Indian alchemy (Rasayana) and Ayurvedic medicine with Dr. Bindu Joshi, Tibetan iconography and art with Lama Anagarika Govinda and was furthur initiated into the Shakta Tantra tradition by Gangotri Giri ("Gangotri Baba"), a Siddha yogi and medical doctor with much experience in traditional Tantric arts and sciences. Nik's relationship with Gangotri Baba has continued to the present. In 1968 Nik filmed at the Kumbha Mela festival in Hardwar (with Kenneth Anger) and went on to lead a "magical mystery tour" across North India, filming important sequences in Khajuraho, Benares and at Tantric pilgrimage sites in West Bengal. The result was his movie "Tantra: Indian Rites of Ecstasy", produced with Mick Jagger and Robert Fraser, which was finished and first released in movie theaters in 1969. This fim, now on video, features worship in the Golden Temple of Benares, rare Tantric artworks, a day and a night with Durga Das Shastri in the Great Cremation-ground at Tarapith culminating in an initiation, and an authentic Tantra "Maithuna" ritual. The soundtrack, entirely recorded on location in India, is an initiation into traditional Tantric Mantras and devotional songs of the Hindu Tantric tradition. Nik helped organize the first World Conference of Scientific Yoga (New Delhi, 1969), and published the first issue of "Chakra: A Journal of Tantra and Yoga" at the same time. Nik's first book, "Tantra Yoga" was published in 1970. This and subsequent publications such as "Karmapa: The Black Hat Lama of Tibet", "Tibetan Tantric Charms and Amulets" and "Sexual Secrets: The Alchemy of Ecstasy" have been well received and translated into many languages. Nik is a connoisseur and collector of fine art and antiquities from the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas. He has been a consultant and agent for museums, galleries and private collectors for the past thirty years, and owns one of the largest Tantra photo and reference archives. Tantric Art is his primary interest and illustrations from his archives are featured on this Web Site. In 1997 " Spiritual Sex: Secrets of Tantra from the Ice Age to the New Millennium" by Nik Douglas was published by the Pocket Books division of Simon & Schuster (ISBN 0-671-53739-3). In 1998 Nik participated in the Canadian television mini-series " The Look of Love" . Many of his images from his Asian erotic art archive were used in the " History of Sex" television mini-series which first aired in the summer of 1999; others are scheduled to be included in the forthcoming " Sex Files" television series. In December 1999 an entirely new colorized " 20th Anniversary Edition of Sexual Secrets: The Alchemy of Ecstasy" was published by Destiny Books (ISBN 0-89281-805-0). Celebrating the sale of over one million copies of this title, it features a special full-color illustrated Preface by Nik, entitled " New Discoveries on the Origin of the Secrets" , which introduces startling new evidence of Tantric and Taoist origins in archaic Indian tribal and Chinese Neolithic societies. Nik is currently working on; an art book about the early Taoist jade cultures of North-eastern China; a series on spiritual art in different cultures world-wide; and a new book on Tantra for the popular market. " Spiritual Sex" is currently being updated, reformatted and expanded ready for re-release by a new publisher during 2000. Nik's Publications: Books and Films: 2000-1980 1994 - Nik appeared in interview in "ANCIENT SECRETS OF SEXUAL ECSTASY FOR MODERN LOVERS", a feature-length Tantra "how-to" video produced by Michael and Suzie Heuman, Higher Love Video, Sebastopol, Calif. 1994 - Various feature articles in "TANTRA: The Magazine", especially KALI: The Primordial Goddess by Nik Douglas, Issue #9. 1993 - TANTRA: Indian Rites of Ecstasy, directed by Nik Douglas; produced with Mick Jagger and Robert Fraser, a videocassette re-release of Nik's 1968 film TANTRA. Distributed by Mystic Fire, New York, U.S.A. 1993 - THE PATH OF THE MYSTIC LOVER: Baul Songs of Passion and Ecstasy, by Bhaskar Bhattacharyya, edited and with an introductory essay by Nik Douglas, illustrated with original drawings by Penny Slinger; published in trade paperback by Destiny Books, Rochester, VT., U.S.A. "An intimate and poetic look into the lives of a people whose living expression is communication with the Divine. A must-read for Tantric initiates of all levels". (Tantra Magazine) 1992 - Nik appeared prominently in SACRED SEX, a feature length movie produced by Cynthia Connop for Triple Image Films, Australia. 1990 - ANTIQUITIES OF CHAMBA STATE, by J. Ph. Vogel. A facsimile limited numbered edition of a rare book on Indian culture with introductory essay by Nik Douglas; published in hardback by Buckingham Books, London, England. 1990 - THE EROTIC SENTIMENT: In the Paintings of China and Japan [The Pillow Book, Volume Two], by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger; published in hardback by Park Street Press, Rochester, VT, U.S.A. Also, foreign language editions in France, Germany and Israel. 1989 - THE EROTIC SENTIMENT: In the Paintings of India and Nepal [The Pillow Book, Volume One], by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger; published in hardback by Park Street Press, Rochester, VT, U.S.A. Also, foreign language editions in France, Germany and Israel. 1981 - THE PILLOW BOOK: The Erotic Sentiment and the Paintings of India, Nepal, China and Japan, by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger; published by Destiny Books, New York, U.S.A.; and in French by Presses de la Renaissance, Paris, France in hardback and paperback. "For quality thrills we suggest 'The Pillow Book'". (Playboy Magazine - Jan. 1982) "Douglas' and Slinger's 'Pillow Book' leaves the reader feeling good to have participated, even just by looking at a book, in such open acceptance and celebration of the richness and joys of sexual love. The quality of the 139 color plates is good. A fascinating and heartening glimpse of a way of life." (Yellow Silk Magazine, 1983) "'The Pillow Book' is an exquisitely designed, printed and bound book, worth every cent of its moderately high price. The introductory essays are excellent, providing a considered, informative and fascinating introduction to the art. Like Sexual Secrets this is a tastefully designed, joyous book created in the spirit of celebration of the most intimate and giving act which can be experienced between two people." (Llewellyn's Review) 1980 - THE ENLIGHTENED ONES in Sacred Buddhist Art, by Nik Douglas, with a foreword by Dr. Leroy Davidson; published by Kreitman Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA., U.S.A. 1979 - THE ART OF LOVE, by Nik Douglas; published by Kreitman Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA., U.S.A. 1979 - SEXUAL SECRETS: The Alchemy of Ecstasy,by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger; published in trade paperback, hardback and deluxe silk binding by Destiny Books, New York, U.S.A. Also foreign English hardback and mass- market paperback editions in England and Australia (with Hutchinson/Arrow of London); hardback and paperback foreign language translations in Holland, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia (Serbo-Croat), Poland, Romania and Russia (1981-96). "A most remarkable presentation of the mystic sexual tradition called Tantra. Its wonders are far too abundant to adequately describe here...our best recommendation is that this book broadened our view of sexual experience". (Playboy - Jan. 1981) "The sex book of this year, and one which will be passed around for years to come, is 'Sexual Secrets'". (Penthouse - Dec. 1980) "The authors have the admirable ability to translate the theoretical into understandable practical explanations and description. Their tone is exactly right." (Sexology Today - Oct. 1980) "Monumentally researched, comprehensively detailed and profusely illustrated. No doubt about it, 'Sexual Secrets' is a timely, well rounded masterpiece. This reviewer's reaction can be summed up in two words; Buy it!". (Yoga Journal - Aug. 1980) "Intelligent writing on the sexual mysteries of the East". (Soho Weekly News - Dec. 1979) "'Sexual Secrets' is the most thorough work ever published on Tantra". (Hi Life - Jan. 1980) "A remarkably complete book stocked with the knowledge of esoteric Asian traditions. I predict it will be among this season's opulent cocktailable sexbiggies". (Village Voice - Dec. 1979) "This is sex as a spiritual art form." (Gallery - Sept. 1980) "A learned treatise on the relationship between body and mind, between Eastern religious teachings and sexuality. Buy it." (Club - Sept. 1980) "It is a clearly written and lavishly illustrated compilation. It serves a valuable function in restoring to sexuality its inherent spiritual dignity and playful seriousness." (Forum - Dec. 1980) "A once in a lifetime book. No amount of description is going to do for you what this book will." (Hustler - July 1980) "An intriguingly illustrated and thoroughly researched collage deigned to enhance sexual consciousness. A valuable guide, at once practical and metaphysical." (New Age Magazine - June 1980) "My advice is to buy two copies of 'Sexual Secrets'." (Pickup Times - Feb. 1980) "A bible, if you will, of Tantric sexual practices in the Oriental and Indian tradition. 'Sexual Secrets' should be an integral part of your book collection on sexuality. Years from now, this book will be described as the turning point in Western sexual practices". (Celeb - Dec. 1981) "A better and more important book than 'The Joy of Sex'. It is a beautiful book, a beautiful approach to human sexuality, which should be required reading." (Robert Rimmer,
author of the best-seller 'The Harrad Experiment'. Rimmer's novel, 'The
Byrdwhistle Option' frequently mentions 'Sexual Secrets' and uses it as a
textbook.) No single book has as important an impact on the sexual imagination as Nik Douglas' and Penny Slinger's 'Sexual Secrets'. It is a joyful celebration of all aspects of human sexuality. At the same time it is an important spiritual document. 'Sexual Secrets' cannot be praised enough. It will open doors to pleasure and understanding for thousands. The authors have fulfilled their intended mission. (Llewellyn's Review) 1979 - THE SECRET DAKINI ORACLE BOOK, by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger; published by Destiny Books, N Y., U.S.A.; German edition by Herzschlag, Berlin (1982). 1978 - THE SECRET DAKINI ORACLE DECK, by Nik Douglas, Penny Slinger and Meryl White; published by U.S. Games and Systems Inc., N.Y., U.S.A. "The cards reveal the secret teachings of mystical yoga through the portrayal of sixty-four archetypal energies in contemporary symbols." (Encyclopedia of Tarot - 1979) "Secret Dakini cards are laid out like the Tarot, in a special order. We loved the pictures and they certainly are less obscure than the traditional Marseilles version." (Honey - 1978) 1978 - MOUNTAIN ECSTASY, by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger; published by Dragon's Dream of Paris, France. An interesting and
unique book on Tantra. The illustrations are all color collages, intended
to awaken experiences in the viewer. The authors have opened new vistas to
the modern student. 1978 - TIBETAN
TANTRIC CHARMS AND AMULETS, by Nik Douglas; published by Dover, Inc., New
York, U.S.A. 1977 - THE BOOK OF
MATAN: Automatic Writings from the Brink of Eternity, compiled by Nik
Douglas, with Introduction by Dr. Lyall Watson; published by Neville
Spearman Ltd., Sudbury, England. 1976 - KARMAPA: The
Black Hat Lama of Tibet, by Nik Douglas and Meryl White; published by
Luzac & Co., London, England. Also published in French and Italian (1979)
by Arché of Milan, Italy. A very good example of a genuine, clear and sober account of the first historically traceable succession of Reincarnated Lamas in Tibet. (Bulletin of Oriental & African Studies - 1979) 1970 - TANTRA YOGA,
by Nik Douglas with full color photos by the author; published by
Munshiram Manoharlal, New Delhi, India. This book may well be read with profit by all those who want to discover the sources of any of our beliefs. (The Assam Tribune - 1971) 1969 - CHAKRA, a
Journal of Tantra and Yoga (4 issues), founded and edited by Nik Douglas,
New Delhi, India. 1968 - TANTRA, a 40 minute, 16-mm documentary film, directed and co-produced by Nik Douglas. Released in movie theaters and college campuses in the late 60's and early 70's in the USA. A mystical and eloquent film experience which forsakes all language. A cinematic triumph. (New York Film Festival - 1969)
Back of Book Jacket wrote: Discover the liberating joys of spiritual sex: It's wondrous, exhilarating,
and true: you can use sexual pleasure as a guide to spiritual
fulfillment. Not only is the sensual path to personal enlightenment
enriching and joyful, but it's delightfully accessible with Tantra,
the ancient sexual practice explored and impeccably researched in this
lavish volume.
Dictionary Definition: SHILL 4 entries found for
shill.
|
