Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

TANTRA SHASTRA AND VEDA

Let us examine what the Shakta Tantra (to which allusion was made) teaches.

In the first place ‘*‘ Hell” recognises “‘ Heaven,” for the Shakta Tantra, as I have said, acknowledges the authority of Veda. All Indian Shastras do that. If they did not, they would not be Indian Shastra. The passages on this point are so numerous, and the point itself is so plain that I will only cite a few.

Kularnava Tantra says (IJ. 140, 141) that Kuladharma is based on and inspired by the Truth of Veda (Tasmat vedatmakang shastrang viddhi kaulatmakang priye.) In the same place Shiva cites passages from Shruti in support of His doctrine. The Prapanchasara and other Tantras cite Vaidika Mahavakya and Mantras; and as Mantras are a part of Veda therefore Meru Tantra says that Tantra is part of Veda (Pranatoshini 70). Niruttara Tantra calls Tantra the Fifth Veda and Killachara is named the fifth Ashrama (i b) ; that is it follows all others. Matsyasiktamahatantra (XIII) says that the disciple must be pure of soul (Shuddhatma) and a knower of Veda. He who is devoid of Vaidika kriya (Vedakriya-vivarjita) is disqualified (Maharudrayamala I Khanda Ch. 15; II Khanda Ch. 2; Pranatoshini 108). Gandharva Tantra (Ch. 2 Pranatoshini 6) says that the Tantrik Sadhaka must be a believer in Veda (Astika), ever attached to Brahman, ever speaking of Brahman, living in Brahman and taking shelter with Brahman; which, by the way, is a curious demand to make of those, the supposed objects of whose rites is mere debauchery. The Kularnava says that there is no knowledge higher than that of Veda and no doctrine equal to Kaula (III. 113 Nahi vedadhika vidya). Here a distinction is drawn between Veda which is Vidya and the Kaula teaching which he calls Darshana. See also Mahanirvana Tantra I. 18, 19 IT. 8—15). In Mahanirvana Tantra (III. 72) the Mantra Ong sachchidekam Brahma is given and in the Prapanchasara (Ch. X XIX) this, (what it calls) “Secret of the Vedas” is explained.