Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

is Kaulamarga. There is nothing which surpasses it. If there be Shakti, the Vipra becomes a complete Yogi by six months practice. Without Shakti even Shiva can do nought. What then shall we say of men of small intelligence.”

Having said this, He whose form is Buddha (Buddharfipi) made him practise Sadhana. He said ‘Oh Vipra do thou serve Mahashakti. Do thou practise Sadhana with wine (Madyasadhan4) and thus shalt thou get sight of the Lotus Feet of the Mahavidya.” Vashishtha having heard these words of the Guru and meditating on Devi Sarasvati went to the Kulamandapa to practise the wine ritual (Madira-sAdhana) and having repeatedly done Sadhana with wine, meat, fish, parched grain and Shakti he became a complete Yogi (Pfirnayogi).

A similar account is given in the Brahmayamala. There are some variants however. Thus while in the Rudrayamala, Vashistha is said to have resorted to the shore of the ocean, in the Brahmayamala he goes to Kamakhya the great Tantrik Pitha and shrine of the Devi. (The prevalence of Her worship amongst the Mongolian Assamese is noteworthy). It may be here added that this Yamala states that, except at time of worship, wine should not be taken nor should the Shakti be unclothed. By violation of these provisions life it says is shortened, and man goes to Hell.

According to the account of the Brahmayaémala, Vashishtha complaining of his ill-success was told to go to the Blue Mountains (Nilachala) and worship Parameshvari near Kamakhya (Kamrup in Assam). He was told that Vishnu in the form of Buddha (Buddharfpi) alone knew this worship according to Chinachaéra. Devi said ‘ without Chinachara you cannot please Me. Go to Vishnu who is Udbodharfipi (illumined) and worship Me according to the Achara taught by Him. Vashishtha then went to Vishnu in the country Mahachina, which is by the side of the Himalaya (Himavatparshve), a country inhabited by great Sadhakas

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