Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

such subjects) is beginning to speak of Kundalini Shakti “cette fameuse Kundalini” as a French friend of mine calls Her. There is considerable talk about the Chakras and the Serpent Power but lack of understanding as to what they mean. This, as usual, is sought to be covered by an air of mystery, mystical mists and sometimes the attitude; “I should much like to tell you if only I were allowed to give it out.” <A silly Indian boast of which I lately read is “I have the key and I keep it.” Those who really have the key to anything are superior men, above boasting. “ Mysticism,” which is often confused thinking, is also a fertile soil of humbug. I do not of course speak of true Mysticism. Like all other matters in this Indian Sh&stra the basis of this Yoga is essentially rational. Its thought, like that of the ancients generally, whether of East or West, has in general the form and brilliance of acut gem. It is this quality which makes it so dear to some of those who have had to wade through the slush of much modern thought and literature. No attempt has hitherto been made to explain the general principles which underlie it. This form of Yoga is an application of the general principles relating to Shakti with which T have already dealt. The subject has both a theoretical and practical aspect. The latter is concerned with the teaching of the method in such a way that the aspirant may give effect to it. This cannot be learnt from books but only from the Guru who has himself successfully practised this Yoga. Apart from difficulties, inherent in written explanations, it cannot be practically learnt from books because the carrying out of the method is affected by the nature and capacity of the Sadhaka and what takes place during his Sadhana. Further, though some general features of the method have been explained to me, I have had no practical experience myself of this Power, I am not speaking as a Yogi in this method, which [ am not; but as one who has read and studied the Shastra on this matter and has had the further advantage of some oral expla406