Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

Sureshvari, those who in disregard of their Varndshrama Dharma offer to us flesh, blood and wine become Bhfitas, Pretas, and Brahmarakshasas,” that is various forms of evil spirits. This prohibits such worship as is opposed to Varndshramadharma. It is said however by the Vamacharis, who take consecrated wine and flesh as a Yajna, not to cover their case.

It is not uncommonly thought that Vamachara is that Ach&ra into which Vama or woman enters. This is true only to a certain extent: that is, it is a true definition of those SAdhakas who do worship with Shakti according to Vamach4ra rites. But it seems to be incorrect, in so far as

‘there are, I am told, worshippers of the Vamachara division who are chaste (Brahmach4ri}. Vamachara means literally “left” way not ‘left-handed ” in the English sense which means what is bad. As the name is given to these Sadhakas by themselves it is not likely that they would adopt a title which condemns them. What they mean is that this Achara is the opposite of Dakshinachara. Philosophically it is more monistic. It is said that even in the highest Siddhi of a Dakshinachari “ there is always some One above him”; but the fruit of Vamachara and its subsequent and highest stages is that the SAdhaka “ becomes the Emperor Himself.” The Bhava differs, and the power of its method compared with Dakshinachara is said to be that between milk and wine.

Moreover it is to be noted that the Devi whom they worship is on the left of Shiva. In Vamachara we find K4apalikas, Kalamukhas, Pashupatas, Bhandikeras, Digambaras, Aghoras, followers of Chinachara and Kaulas generally who are initiated. In some cases, as in that of the advanced division of Kaulas, worship is with all five Tattvas (Panchatattva). In some cases there is Brahmacharya as in the case of Aghora and Pashupata, though these drink wine and eat flesh food. Some Vaméacharis, I am informed, never cease to be chaste (Brahmachari), such

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