The Serpent Power is one of the most influential classical works on the study of yoga and tantra in Indian philosophy, authored by the British scholar Arthur Avalon (the pseudonym of jurist and philosopher John Woodroffe, 1865–1936). This seminal book bridges rigorous academic research with profound spiritual insight, becoming one of the earliest comprehensive introductions of Eastern esoteric traditions to Western readers. The work is based on Sanskrit tantric texts, particularly the Ṣaṭcakra Nirūpaṇa and the Pādukā Pañcaka, two of the earliest writings that elaborate on the theory of energy centers, or chakras, within the human body. Avalon presents these texts in both Sanskrit and English, accompanied by detailed commentary, thus unveiling the esoteric knowledge surrounding kundalini—the “serpent power” said to lie dormant at the base of the spine, whose ascent through the seven chakras is believed to culminate in transcendent states of consciousness. What distinguishes this book is its integration of philosophical explanation with practical spiritual teaching. The reader finds precise descriptions of the chakras—their symbols, colors, and sounds—alongside reflections on their place in the mystical experience. Avalon also provides comparative insights, linking Hindu and Buddhist ideas with other esoteric traditions, thereby enriching the work with a broader perspective. The significance of The Serpent Power lies in its role as a foundational text on kundalini yoga in the West. It profoundly shaped modern understandings of the relationship between body, spirit, and energy, inspiring thinkers, spiritual teachers, and artists alike. Arthur Avalon (John Woodroffe) was more than a scholar; he was a practitioner deeply immersed in the traditions he studied. While serving as a judge in colonial India, he mastered Sanskrit texts and received instruction directly from Indian teachers. This rare combination of theoretical expertise and lived experience lent his works enduring authority and resonance.