Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

been called idolatrous), devotional rites such as Novenas and the like, (Vrata) the threefold “Angelus” at morn, noon and evening (Sandhya), rosary WJapa), the wearing of Kavachas (Scapulars, Medals, Agnus Dei), pilgrimage (Tirtha) fasting, abstinence and mortification (Tapas), monastic renunciation (Sannyasa), meditation (Dhy4na), ending in the union of mystical theology (Samadhi) and so forth. There are other smaller details such for instance as Shanti-abhisheka (Asperges) into which I need not enter here. I may however mention the Spiritual Director who occupies the place of the Guru; the worship (Hyperdulia) of the Virgin-Mother which made Svami Vivekananda call the Italian Catholics, Shaktas; and the use of wine (Madya) and bread (corresponding to Mudra) in the Eucharist or Communion Service. Whilst however the Blessed Virgin evokes devotion as warm as that which is here paid to Devi, she is not Devi for she is not God but a creature selected as the vehicle of His incarnation (A vatara). In the Eucharist the bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ appearing under the form or “ accidents ” of those material substances; so also Tara is Dravamayi that is the “ Saviour in liquid form.” (Mah&nirvAna Tr. xi. 105-107.) In the Catholic Church, (though the early practice was otherwise), the laity no longer take wine but bread only, the officiating priest consuming both. Whilst however the outward forms in this case are similar, the inner meaning is different. Those however who contend that eating and drinking are inconsistent with the “ dignity ” of worship may be reminded of Tertullian’s saying that Christ instituted His great sacrament at a meal, These notions are those of the dualist with all his distinetions. For the Advaitin every function and act may be made a Yajna. Agape or “Love Feasts,” a kind of Chakra, were held in early times, and discontinued as orthodox practice, on account of abuses to which they led ; though they are said still to exist in some of the smaller 100