Comparative Study of Mantrashastra

SR No.: 006575
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab
Publication Year: 1944
Total Pages: 376
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, L000, & L020
File Size: 21 MB

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INTRODUCTION
dual approach is made to the seventh considered the highest. The main divisions of Achāra however are Vedāchāra, Dakshinachāra and Vāmāchāra. Vedachāra is not Vaidikāchāra. The latter is outside the sevenfold Tāntrik division of Achāra. Tāntrik Vedāchāra is Tāntrik Upāsană with Vaidik rites and Mantras with Agni as Devatā. Vedächāra is the lowest and Kaulāchāsa as stated above the highest. According to Vishvasāra Tantra in Vedachāra the Sadhaka should not worship the Deya at night and should be celibate except in the period following the courses of the wife, and should not eat meat and fish on the Parva days. Vaishnavāchára is much stricter. Complete celibacy and Ahimsā (non-killing) are to be observed. It is marked by worship of Vishnu Tapascharyā and contemplation of the Supreme. Shaivāchāra is Vedāchāra with the difference that Ahimsā is to be observed and meditation is on Shiva. Dakshināchāra is so called because of Rishi Dakshināmūrti who is said to have practised it. This is preparatory for the Vira and Divya Bhāvas. Meditation is on the supreme Ishvarī after taking Vijayā (Bhāng). Japa of Mantra is done at night. Siddhi is attained by using a rosary of human bone (Mahashangkha) at certain places including a Shaktipitha. Dakshināchāra does not mean "right hand worship" but is the Achara favourable for the worship of Dakshinā Kālikā who is a Devī of the Uttara Amnāya. Approach is here made to Vira rituals. The Sādhaka here starts on Nivrittimārga, worships not merely an aspect of Deva but Deva-whole i.e. Adyāshakti in whom are united the three Shaktis of Brahman viz, Iccha, Kriya and Jnāna. Vāmāchāra also does not mean "Left-hand worship". It is so called because it is adverse to the popular Pravrittimārga or because Vāmā (woman) enters into the Achāra. What is commenced here is completed in Siddhāntāchara and Kaulāchāra. Kaulas are aptly described in the following verse.
8178: hi afe: dai: azi acurat war: 1
नामरूपधराः कौला विचरन्ति महीतले ॥ "At heart a Shākta, outwardly a Shaiva, in gatherings a Vaishnavain thus many a guise the Kaulas wander on earth."
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