Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

of all. She is attached to pure Chinadchéra (ShuddhachinAchararata). She is the initiator (Pravarttika) of Shaktichakra. Her greatness is infinitely boundless, She helps in the crossing of the ocean of the Sangsara. She is Buddheshvari (possibly Buddhishvari, Lord of Buddhi). She is Buddhi (intelligence) itself (Buddhirfipé), She is in the form of the Atharva branch of the Vedas (Atharvavedashakhini. Numerous ShAstric references connect the Tantra Shastra with the Atharvaveda. See in this connection my citation from Shaktisangama Tantra in “Principles of Tantra’’). She protects the beings of the worlds. Her action is spread throughout the moving and motionless. Worship Her my son. Be of good cheer. Why so eager to curse? Thou art the jewel of kindness. Oh son worship Her constantly with thy mind (Chetas). Being entirely engrossed in Her, thou of a surety shalt gain sight of Her.”

Having heard these words of his Guru and having bowed to him again and again the pure one (Vashishtha), versed in the meaning of Veddnta, betook himself to the shore of the ocean. For full a thousand years he did Japa of Her Mantra. Still he received no message (Adesha). Thereupon the Muni Vashishtha grew angry, and being perturbed of mind prepared to curse the Mahavidya (Devi). Having sipped water (Achamana) he uttered a great and terrible curse. Thereupon Kuleshvari (Lady of the Kaulas) MahAavidya appeared before the Muni.

She who dispells the fear of the Yogins said “ How now Vipra (Are Vipra) Why have you terribly cursed without cause. Thou dost not understand my Kuldégama nor knowest how to worship. How by mere Yoga practice can either man or Deva get sight of My Lotus-Feet. My worship (Dhyana) ts without austerity and pain. To him who desires My Kulagama, who is Siddha in My Mantra, and knows My pure Vedéchéra, my Sadhana is pure (Punya) and beyond even the Vedas (Vedanamapyagochara). [This does not mean unknown to the Vedas

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