Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

doctrine is necessarily true simply because it is old. There are some hoary errors. As for science, its conclusions shift from year to year. Recent discoveries have so abated its pride that it has considerably ceased to give itself those pontifical airs which formerly annoyed some of us. Most will feel that if they are to bow to any Master it should be to a spiritual one. A few will think that they can safely walk alone. Philosophy again is one of the noblest of life’s pursuits, but here too we must examine to see whether what is proposed for our acceptance is well-founded. The maxim is current that there is nothing so absurd but that it has been held by some philosopher or another. We must each ourselves judge and choose, and if honest, none can blame our choice. We must put all to the test. We may here recollect the words of Shruti—‘t Shrotavyah Mantavyah, Nididhydsitaryah,’—* listen, reason and ponder ;” for as Manu says “ Yastarken@nusandhatte sa dharmam veda, netarah ’—‘* He who by discussion investigates, he knows Dharma and none other.” Ultimately there is experience alone which in Shakta speech is SGham—‘* She I am.”

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