Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

Vedachara is the lowest and Kaul&chara the highest. (Kularnava Tantra I). Their characteristics are given in the 24th Patala of Vishvasara Tantra. The first four belong to Pashvachara (See Chapter on Shakta Sadhana) and the last three are for Vira and Divya Sadhakas. Summarising the points of the Vishvaséra:—a Sadhaka in Vedachara should carry out the prescriptions of the Veda, should not cohabit with his wife except in the period following the courses, He should not eat fish and meat on the Parva days. He should not worship the Deva at night. In Vaishnavachara he follows the injunctions (Niyama) of Vedachara. He must give up eating of flesh (Nitya Tantra says he must not kill animals) avoid sexual intercourse and even the talk of it. This doubtless means a negation of the Vira ritual. He should worship Vishnu. This Achara is distinguished from the last by the great endurance of Tapas and the contemplation of the Supreme everywhere. In Shaivachara, Vedachara is prescribed with this difference that there must be no slaughter of animals and meditation is on Shiva. Dakshinach4ra is said to have been practised by Rishi DakshinAamfrti and is therefore so called. This Achara is preparatory for the Vira and Divya Bhavas. Meditation is on the Supreme !shvari after taking Vijaya (Hemp). Japa of Mantra is done at night. Siddhi is attained by using a rosary of human bone (Mahashangkha) at certain places including a Shaktipitha. VAmdachara is approved of

/iras and Divyas. One should be continent (Brahmachari) at day and worship with the Panchatattva at night (“ Fanchatattvakramenaiva réatrau deving praptijayet.’’) The statement of Nitya (Panchatattvanukalpena rdtrau deving praptijayet) is if correctly reported I think incorrect. This is Vira Sadhana and the Vira should generally only use substitutes when the real Tativas cannot be found.) Chakra worship is done. Siddhi is destroyed by revelation thereof ; therefore the Vama path is hidden. The Siddhantachari is superior to the last by his knowledge “hidden in

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