Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

a-ha ——-

INTRODUCTORY

like all else, in inchoate state in the Mother-Power, which passing from its own (Svartipa) formless state gives effect to them. Upon the expiration of the vast length of time which constitutes a day of Brahma, the whole universe is withdrawn into the great Causal Womb (Yoni) which produced it. The limited selves are withdrawn into it, and again, when the creative throes are felt, are put forth from it, each appearing in that form and state which its previous Karma had made for it. Those who do good Karma but with desire and self-regard (Sakama) go on death to Heaven and reap their reward in good future birth on earth—for Heaven is also a transitory state. The bad are punished by evil births on earth and suffering in the Hells which are also transitory. Those however who have rid themselves of all self-regarding desire and work selflessly (NishkAma Karma) realise the Brahman nature which is Sachchidananda. Such are liberated, that is never appear again in the world of form, which is the world of suffering, and enter into the infinite ocean of Bliss Itself. This is Moksha or Mukti or liberation. As itis freedom from the universe of form, it can only be attained through detachment from the world and desirelessness. For those who desire the world of form cannot be freed of it. Life therefore is a field in which man, who has gradually ascended through lower forms of mineral, vegetable and animal life, is given the opportunity of heaven-life and liberation. The universe has a moral purpose, namely the affording to all existence of a field wherein it may reap the fruit of its actions. The forms of life are therefore the stairs (Sopana) on which man mounts to the state of infinite, eternal, and formless Bliss. This then is the origin and the end of man. He has made for himself his own past and present condition and will make his future one. His essential nature is free. If wise, he adopts the means (Sadhana) which lead to lasting happiness, for that of the world is not to be had by all, and even when attained is 11