Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

CHINACHARA

or opposed to them but something which surpasses the Vaidik ritual of the Pashu. This is made plain by the following injunction to follow the Atharvaveda]. Go to Mahéachina (Tibet) and the country of the Bauddhas and always follow the Atharvaveda (Bauddhadeshe *tharvavede Mahéchine sad@ braja). Having gone there and seen My Lotus-Feet which are Mah&bhava (the great blissful feeling which in Her true nature She is) thou shalt Oh Maharshi become versed in my Kula and a great Siddha.” Having so said, She became formless and disappeared in the ether and then passed through the ethereal region. The great Rishi having heard this from the Mahavidya Sarasvati went to the land of China where Buddha is established (Buddhapratishthita). Having repeatedly bowed to the ground, Vashishtha said, ‘“ Protect me Oh Mahadeva who art the Imperishable One in the form of Buddha (Buddharfpa). Iam the very humble Vashishtha the son of Brahma. My mind is ever perturbed. I have come here (China) for the Sadhana of the Mahadevi. I know not the path leading to Siddhi. Thou knowest the path of the Devas. Seeing Thy way of life (Achara) doubts assail my mind (BhayGni santi me hridi: because he saw the, (to him) extraordinary ritual with wine and woman). Destroy them and my wicked mind which inclines to Vaidik ritual (Vedagaminf; that is the ordinary Pashu ritual) Oh Lord in Thy abode there are ever rites which are outside Veda (Vedavahishkrita: that is the Vaidik ritual and what is consistent with Veda as Vashishtha then supposed). How is it that wine, meat, woman (Anggana) are drunk, eaten and enjoyed by naked (Digambara) Siddhas who are high (Vara), and awe-inspiring (Raktapanodyata). They drink constantly and enjoy (or make enjoy) beautiful women (Muhurmuhuh prapivanti ramayanti vardnggandm). With red eyes they are ever exhilarated and replete with flesh and wine (Sadé mdngsdsavaih pirndh). They are powerful to favour and punish. They are beyond the Vedas (Veda107