Shakti and Shakta (by Arthur Avalon)

 Hello Everyone !!!

Shakti and Shakta is a very important book documenting the tradition of Hindu tantra, authored by Sir John Woodroffe, who wrote under the pseudonym of Arthur Avalon in 1918.  

Here I am writing some excerpts from that book for the readers.

1. Sadhana for spiritual knowledge consists of external control over the 10 senses, internal control over the 4-fold mind, {i.e., Manas (memory), Chitta (cosmic intelligence), Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara (false ego)}, discrimination between gross and spiritual world and the renunciation of both.

2. The 4 Classes of Sadhaka :--

  • Mridu
  • Madhya
  • Aadhimatraka
  • Adhimatrama

3. The disciple's moral qualifications are :-- 

  • Purity of soul
  • Control of senses
  • Following of the 4 Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha)

4. Signs of Unqualified Sadhaka :-- (Matsyasukta Tantra 13)

 Lewd, adulterous, addicted to sins, ignorant, slothful, devoid of Dharma.

5. Qualities of a Good Sadhaka :-- (Gandharva Tantra, Ch.2)

Pure mind, self-control, doing good to others, free from Maya, surrender to God.

6. By study of the Vedas, one is a Vipra. One who has knowledge of Brahma, is a Brahmana. 

7. The 6 Forms of Worship :-- 

  • The realization that Paramatma and Jiva are one.
  • Everything is Supreme Spirit.
  • Only the God has lasting being.
  • Constant meditation and Yoga on the deity in heart.
  • Bhava, of which Japa and hymns of praise are the expression.
  • External worship.

8. The 16 Upacharas (materials and things for worship)

9. The 4 Divisions of Nyasa :--  

  • Inner
  • Outer
  • According to creation
  • Dissolving order

10. The 3 Kinds of Tapas (austerity) :-- 

a) By body -- 

External worship, reverence, support of Guru, Brahmins and wise ones, cleanliness, continence, simplicity, non-violence.

b) By speech -- 

Truth, good, gentle, affectionate, study of the Vedas.

c) By mind --  

Self-restraint, purity of disposition, tranquility, silence.

 

Thanks for Reading !!! 

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