Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

The next question is what Kriya should be adopted towards this end of Jnana. “Tanyate, vistaryate jnanam anena iti Tantram.” According to this derivation of the word Tantra from the root “ Tan” “ to spread ”, it is defined as the Shastra by which knowledge (Jnana) is spread. Mark the word Jnana. The end of the practical methods which these Shastras employ is to spread Vedantic Jnana. It is here we find that variety which is so puzzling to those who have not gone to the root of the religious life of India. The end is substantially one. The means to that end necessarily vary according to knowledge, capacity, and temperament. But here again we may analyse the means into two main divisions, namely, Vaidik and Tantrik, to which may be added a third or the mixed (Mishra). The one body of Hinduism reveals as it were a double frame work represented by the Vaidik and Tantrik Acharas, which have in certain instances been mingled.

The word “Tantra” by itself simply means as I have already said “treatise” and not necessarily a religious scripture. When it has the latter significance it may mean the Scripture of several divisions of worshippers who vary in doctrine and practice. Thus there are Tantras of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Shaktas and of various subdivisions of these. So amongst the Shaivas there are the Shaivas of the Shaiva Siddhanta, the Advaita Shaiva of the Kashmir School, Pashupatas and a multitude of other sects which have their Tantras. If “ Tantrik” be used as Meaning an adherent of the Tantra Shastra, then the word, in any particular case, is without definite meaning. A man to whom the application is given may be a worshipper of any of the Five Devat&s (Sfrya, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti) and of any of the various Sampradayas worshipping that Devata with their varying doctrine and practice. The term isa confusing one, though common practice compels its use. So far as I know those who are named ‘ Tantriks” do not themselves generally use this