Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

Sikshma Samarasya (subtle union). For the benefit of those who read into all things gross meanings, it is necessary to say that Enjoyment (Bhoga or Bhukti) is not merely “ Beer and Skittles.” Enjoyment is the life of and in form; in fact all being except the formless Paramatmé.

The mass of men are worshippers of the Srishtirfipa or creative Devi. Those in whom all worldly desires are burnt, seek the Formless through the worship of the San gharartpini Devi, who leads man back to Herself alone. The one Devi is worshipped in either case and the One gives the fruit desired. In the latter instance, Liberation is directly sought and attained ; in the other it is gained after eating the sweet and bitter fruit of this world. From whatever standpoint the doctrine which I have exposed is tested, it will be found to be all inclusive and profound; and to my mind singularly in accord, or at least in harmony with, some forms of the more “advanced” thought in the West. Vitality there abounds as it once did throughout the East. Large numbers of Westerns (though unconscious of it) are guided in some degree by the principles of the Indian doctrine of Shakti. What the West now wants is a generally recognised foundation on which to base its social and political structure. J speak of the West which has not found in the Christian revelation a sure and understood basis. In this country, on the contrary, there are ancient and massive foundations supporting what is sometimes a weak and tumbling building, like the decaying temples which one sees throughout the land. We all need power, though some speak slightingly of its form as physical force that is Power translated on to the plane of the senses. That form is however, useful and necessary. What is true is that no force can ultimately (whatever temporary success it may have) suppress the truth. Nevertheless physical power may be necessary or useful for its establishment. But physical force (Kriy& Shakti) in bodies must be accompanied by physical energy in the form of knowledge (Jnana Shakti), and all

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