Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

carried into other matters as well, such as medicine, law, writing. So whilst the Vaidik Ayurveda employed vegetable drugs, the “ Tantriks ” used metallic substances. A counterpart of the Vaidika Dharmapatni was the Shaiva wife, that is, she who is given by desire (Kama). I have already pointed out the counterparts of the Panchatattva in the Vedas. Some allege a special form of Tantrik script at any rate in Gauda Desha and so forth.

What is the meaning of all this? It is not at present possible to give a certain answer. The subject has been so neglected and is so little known. Before tendering any conclusions with any certainty of their correctness, we must examine the Tantrik Texts which time has spared. It will be readily perceived however that if there be such a double frame as I suggest, it indicates that there were originally two sources of religion one of which (possibly in some respects the older) incorporated parts of, and in time largely superseded, the other. And this is what the “ Tantriks ” impliedly allege in their views as to the relation of the four Vedas and Agamas. If they are not both of authority, why should such reverence be given to the Deshika Gurus and -to Tantrik Diksha ?

Probably there were many Avaidika cults, not without a deep and ancient wisdom of their own, that is, cults outside the Vaidik religion (Vedabahya) which in the course of time adopted certain Vaidik rites such as Homa: the Vaidikas in their own turn taking up some of the Avaidika practices. It may be that some Brahmanas joined these so-called Andrya Sampradayas just as we find to-day Brahmanas officiating for low castes and being called by their name. At length the Shastras of the two cults were given at least equal authority. The Vaidik practice then largely disappeared, surviving chiefly both in the SmAarta rites of

to-day and as embedded in the ritual of the Agamas. These

are speculations to which I do not definitely commit myself.

They are merely suggestions which may be worth consi74