Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

point, that practitioners of this Yoga claim that it is higher than any other and that the Samadhi (ecstasy) attained thereby is more perfect. The reason which they allege is this. In Dhyénayoga ecstasy takes place through detachment from the world and mental concentration leading to vacuity of mental operation (Vritti) or the uprising of pure Consciousness nnhindered by the limitations of the mind. The degree to which this unveiling of consciousness is effected depends upon the meditative powers (Jnanashakti) of the SAdhaka and the extent of his detachment from the world. On the other hand Kundali who is all Shaktis and who is therefore Jnanashakti Herself produces, when awakened by the Yog?, full JnAna for him. Secondly in the Samadhi of Dhyanayoga there is no rousing and union of Kundali Shakti with the accompanying bliss and acquisition of special Powers (Siddhi). Further, in Kundali Yoga there is not merely a Samadhi through meditation, but through the central power of the Jiva a power which carries with it the forces of both body and mind, The union in that sense is claimed to be more complete than that enacted through mental methods only. Though in both cases bodily consciousness is lost, in Kundalini-yoga not only the mind, but the body in so far as it is represented by its central power (or may be its eject) is actually united with Shiva. This union produces an enjoyment (Bhukti) which the Dhy&anayogi does not possess, Whilst both the Divya Yogi and the Vira SA&dhaka have enjoyment (Bhukti) that of the former is said to be infinitely more intense, being an experience of Bliss Itself. The enjoyment of the Vira Sadhaka is but a reflection of it on the physical plane, a welling up of the true Bliss through the deadening coverings and trammels of matter, Again, whilst it is said that both have Liberation (Mukti) this word is used in Vira Sadhana in a figurative sense only, indicating a bliss which is the nearest approach on the physical plane to that of Mukti and a Bhava or feeling of momentary union of 428