Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

CHAPTER III TANTRA SHASTRA AND VEDA

N writing this Chapter I had in mind the dispute which some have raised upon the question whether the Agamas, or some of them, are Vaidik or Non-Vaidik.

I do not here deal with the nature and schools of Tantra or Agama nor with their historical origin. Something has been said on these points in the Introductions to the English translations of Pandit Shiva Chandra Vidyarnava’s Tantratattva. I have also dealt with this subject in the two Chapters. ‘‘ What are the Tantras and their significance ?” and “Shakti and Shakta.” I wish to avoid repetition, except so far as is absolutely necessary for the elucidation of the particular subject in hand. On the disputed question whether the Agamas are Vaidik or Non-Vaidik I desire to point out that an answer cannot be given unless we keep apart two distinct matters, viz., (1) what was the origin of the Agamas and (2) what they are now. I am not here however dealing with the first or historical question, but with the second so far as the Shakta Agama is concerned. Let us assume, for the sake of argument, that (to take a specific example) worship of Kali and other Devis by the Shaktas indicates the existence of non-Aryan elements in their Agama. The question of real importance here, as always, is not as to what were the facts in remote past ages, but what they are now. The answer then is—let it be as you will regarding the origin of the Shakta Agama; but at present Shakta worship is an integral part of the general Hinduism and as

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