Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

MATAM RUTRA

be later the Buddha known as the “ Lord of Ashes” in that world which is called “ the immediately self-produced.”” How this came about the legend describes.

The fifth Chapter of the Golden Rosary says that Guru Padma-Vajradhara was reborn as Bhikku Thubkazhyonnu which means the “ youth who is hard to overcome.” He was a Tantrik who preached an abstruse doctrine which is condensed in the following verse :—

“He who has attained the ‘That Which Is* Or uncreated In-itself-ness ls unaffected even by the ‘ four things’ Just as the cloud which floats in the sky Adheres not thereto. This is the way of Supreme Yoga. Than this in all the three worlds There is not a higher wisdom.”

This Guru had two disciples Kuntri and his servant Pramadeva. To the latter was given on initiation the name “Transcendent Faith ” and to the former “ Black Salvation.” This last name was a prophetic predication that he would be saved not through peaceful or agreeable means but through the just wrath of the Jinas. The real meaning of the verse as understood and practised by Pramadeva and as declared to be right by the Guru was as follows :—“ The pure Consciousness ” (Dagpa-ye-shes) is the foundation (Gshi-hdsin) of the limited consciousness (Rnam-shes) and is in Scripture “That which is,” the real uncreated ‘“In-Itself-ness” (Jibshin-nid-dema-bcos-pa). This being unaffected or unruffled is the path of Tantra, Passions (Klesha) are like clouds wandering in the wide spaces of the sky. (These clouds are distinct from, and do not touch the back-ground of space against which they appear). So passions do not touch but disappear from the Void (Shfnyat&). Whilst ascending upwards the threefold accomplishments (Activity, non-activity, absolute repose) must be persevered in; and this is the meaning of our Teacher Thubka’s doctrine.”

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