Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

a test of authenticity can of course only be afforded after the lapse of considerable time. But it does not follow that a statement is in fact without value because, owing to its having been made recently, it is not possible to subject it to such a test. This is the way in which this question of age and authority is looked at on Indian principles.

A wide survey of what is called orthodox ‘* Hinduism ” to-day (whatever be its origins) will disclose the following results :—Ved4nta in the sense of Upanishad as its common doctrinal basis, though variously interpreted, and a great number of differing disciplines or modes of practice by which the Vedanta doctrines are realised in actual fact. We must carefully distinguish these two. Thus the Vedanta says “Soham”; which is Hangsa, ‘ Hakara is one wing; Sakara is the other. When stripped of both wings She Tara is Kamakala.” (Tantraraja Tantra.) The Acharas set forth the means by which ‘“So’ham” is to be translated into actual fact for the particular Sadhaka. Sadhana comes from the root ‘Sadh” which means effort or striving or accomplishment. Effort for and towards what? The answer is liberation from every form in the hierarchy of forms, which exist as such, because consciousness has so limited itself as to obscure the Reality which it is, and which ‘*So’ham ” or ‘‘Shivo’ham” affirm. And why should man liberate himself from material forms ? Because it is said, that way only lasting happiness lies: though a passing yet fruitful bliss may be had here by those who identify themselves with the active Brahman (Shakti). It is the actual experience of this declaration of “So’ham”’ which in its fundamental aspect is Veda :---knowledge (Vid) or actual Spiritual Experience, for in the monistic sense to truly know anything is to be that thing. This Veda or experience is not to be had sitting down thinking vaguely on the Great Ether and doing nothing. Man must transform himself, that is, act in order to know. Therefore the watch-word of the Tantras is Kriya or action.

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