Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra, str. 156

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

therefore better to say with the Hangsa Upanishad and the Christian Gospel that It is the Peace beyond all understanding. It has been drily remarked that “The idea that Yoga means a dull state is due, perhaps, to the misunderstanding of Patanjali’s definition of it.”

Man, however, ordinarily and by his nature craves for modes and forms (Bhaum&nanda) ; and though all enjoyment comes from the pure Supreme Consciousness, it is supposed that dualistic variety and polarity are necessary for enjoyment. What, thus, in its plenitude belongs to the sustaining spirit of all life is transferred to life alone. All knowledge and existence are identified with variety, change, polarity. Whilst skimming over the chequered surface of the sea, we thus, it is said, ignore the unfathomed depths which are in repose and which nothing stirs, wherein is the Supreme Peace (Shanta) and Bliss (Paramananda).

The Brihadfranyaka Upanishad says “Other beings live on a fraction of this great Bliss.” The Bliss of Shiva and Shakti are one, for they are inseparate. Hence she is called (Trishatt IL. 32) Ekabhoga: for Eka=Ishvara and Bhoga =Svasvartipananda.

Nydya and Sangkhya say that the chief end of man is the absolute cessation of pain, but Vedantins, going beyond this negative definition, say that, all pain having surceased on Unity with the Supreme, the chief end is that positive Bliss which is of its essence. The Devi Kalyani, the Mother of all, is Herself Bliss—that is, all bliss from earthly bliss (BhaumAnanda) to Brahman-bliss (Brahmananda). As the Commentator Shangkara in his commentary on the Trishati says (citing Shruti): ‘‘ Who else can make us breathe, who else can make us live, if this blissful Ether were not ?”

If, further, it be asked what is pure Experience which manifests itself in all these diverse forms, it must be said that from Its very definition pure Chit, or the Supreme Brahman (Parabrahman), is that about which nothing in particular can be eros for predication is possible