Shakti and Shâkta : essays and addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra

SHAKTI AND SHAKTA

as-one who has fallen therefrom (Brashta). At other times he seems to be as weird and unearthly as a ghost (Bhfita). Kaul&chara is, it says, the essence which is obtained from the ocean of Veda and Agama after churning it with the staff of knowledge.

In a modern account of the Acharas (See SanAtanasAdhana-Tattva or Tantra-rahasya by Sachchidananda SvAmi) it is said that some speak of Aghorachara and Yog&chfra as two further divisions between the last but one and last. However this may be, the Aghoras of to-day are a separate sect who, it is alleged, have degenerated into mere eaters of corpses, though Aghora is said to only mean one who is liberated from the terrible (Ghora) Sangsara. In Yogfchara was learnt the upper heights of Sadhana and the mysteries of Yoga such as the movements of the Vayu in the bodily microcosm (Kshudrabrahmanda), the regulation of which controls the inclinations and propensities (Vritti). Yogachara is entered by Yoga-dikshé and achievement in Ashtanggayoga qualifies for Kaulachara. Whether there were such further divisions I cannot at present say. I prefer for the time being to follow the Kularnava. The Svami’s account of these is as follows:—Vedachara which consists in the daily practice of the Vaidik rites (with I may add some Tantrik observances) is the gross body (Sthfila-deha) which comprises within it all the other Acharas, which are as it were its subtle body (Sikshma deha) of various degrees. The worship is largely of an external character the object of which is to strengthen Dharma. (This is the path of action) Kriyamarga. This and some other observations may be a modern reading of the old facts but are on the whole I think justified). The second stage of Vaishnavachara is the path of devotion (Bhaktimarga) and the aim is union of devotion with faith previously acquired. The worshipper passes from blind faith to an understanding of the supreme protecting Energy of the Brahman, towards which his devotion goes forth. With an _ increasing

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