Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

In the first place it is necessary to remember the fundamental principle of the Tantra Shastra to which I have already referred viz., that man is a microcosm (Kshudrabrahmanda). Whatever exists in the outer universe exists in him. All the Tattvas and the worlds are within him and so are the supreme Shiva-Shakti.

The body may be divided into two main parts, namely the head and trunk on one hand and the legs on the other. In man the centre of the body is between these two at the base of the spine where the legs begin. Supporting the trunk and throughout the whole body there is the spinal cord. This is the axis of the body, just as Mount Meru is the axis of the earth. Hence man’s spine is called Merudanda the Meru or axis-staff. The legs and feet are gross matter which show less signs of consciousness than the trunk with its spinal white and grey matter; which trunk itself is greatly subordinate in this respect to the head containing the organ of mind, or physical brain, with its white and grey matter. The pesition of the white and grey matter in the head and spinal column respectively are reversed. The body and legs below the centre are the seven lower or nether worlds upheld by the sustaining Shaktis of the universe. From the centre upwards, consciousness more freely manifests through the spinal and cerebral centres. Here there are the seven upper regions or Lokas a term which Satydnanda in his commentary on Isha Upanishad says means ‘‘ what are seen” (Lokyante) that is attained and are hence the fruits of Karma in the form of particular re-birth. These regions namely Bhfih, Bhuvah, Svah, Tapah, Jana, Mahah, Satya Lokas correspond with the six centres; five in the trunk, the sixth in the lower cerebral centre; and the seventh in the upper Brain or Satyaloka the abode of the supreme Shiva-Shakti.

The six centres are the Mal4dhara or root-support situated at the base of the spinal column in a position midway in the perneium between the root of the genitals and the anus, Above it in the region of the genitals,

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