Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

THE PANCHATATTVA

the world (Sangs&ra). Shiva has however prohibited the indiscriminate publication of this. The object of TAntrik worship is Brahmas&yujya or union with Brahman. If that is not attained nothing is attained. And with men’s propensities as they are, this can only be attained through the special treatment prescribed by the Tantras. If this is not followed, then the sensual propensities are not eradicated and the work is, for the desired end of Tantra, as useless as harmful magic (Abhichara) which worked by such a man, leads only to the injury of himself and others.” The passage cited refers to the necessity for the spiritual direction of the Guru. To the want of such is accredited the abuse of the system. When the patient (Shishya) and the disease are working together, there is poor hope for the former: but when the patient, the disease and the physician are on one, and that the wrong, side, then nothing can save him from a descent in that downward path which it is the object of Sadhan& to prevent.

All Hindu schools seek the suppression of mere carnal worldly desire. What is peculiar to the Kaulas is the particular method employed for the subjugation of, and attainment of freedom from, desire. The Kularnava Tantra says that man must be taught to rise by the means of those very things which are the cause of his fall. ‘ As one falls on the ground one must lift oneself by aid of the ground.” So also the Buddhist Subhdsita Sangraha says that a thorn is used to pick out a thorn. Properly applied the method is a sound one, Man falls through the natural functions of drinking, eating, and sexual intercourse. If these are done with the feeling (Bhava) and under the conditions prescribed, then they become (it is taught) the instruments of his uplift to a point at which such ritual is no longer necessary and is surpassed.

In the last edition of the work I spoke of Antinomian Doctrine and Practice, and of some Shakta theories and

rituals which have been supposed to be instances of it, This 363