Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

determination to uphold Dharma and to destroy Adharma, the Sadhaka passes into the third stage or Shaivach&ara which the author cited calls the militant (Kshattriya) stage, wherein to love and mercy are added strenuous striving and the cultivation of power. There is union of faith, devotion, and inward determination (Antarlaksha). Entrance is here made upon the path of knowledge (Jnanamarga). Following this is the fourth stage or Dakshinachara, which originally and in Tantra Shastra does not mean “ right-hand worship ” but according to the author cited is the Achara “favourable” to the accomplishment of the higher Sadhan& of which Dakshina-K4liké is Devi. (The Vishvasara already cited derives the word from Dakshinamfrti muni, but Dakshina in either case has the same meaning. Dakshinakéli isa Deviof Uttaramnaya and approach is here made to Vira rituals). This stage commences when the worshipper can make Dhyfna and Dh&rana of the threefold Shakti of the Brahman (Ichchha, Kriya, Jnana), and understands the mutual connection of the three and of their expression as the Gunas, and until he receives the rite of initiation called Pfirmabhishekha. At this stage the Sadhaka is Shakta and qualified for the worship of the threefold Shakti of Brahman. (Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshvara). He worships the Ady&A Shakti as Dakshina-Kalika in whom are united the three Shaktis. The aim of this stage is the union of faith, devotion, and determination with a knowledge of the threefold energies. (Passage is thus made from the Deva-aspect to the Deva-whole.) Up to this stage the Sadhaka has followed Pravritti Marga, or the outgoing path, the path of worldly enjoyment, albeit curbed by Dharma. The Sadhaka now upon the exhaustion of the forces of the outward current makes entry on the path of return (Nivrittimarga). As this change is one of primary importance, some have divided the Acharas into the two broad divisions of Dakshinachfra (including the first four) and Vamachara (including the last three), 82