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

Page 78

TANTRIK SADHANA: NILA SADHANA-SHAVA SADHANA
69
body. The Abhishta Devată is thus in imagination (expressed by outward acts) placed in each of the parts and members of the Sadhakā's body and then with the motion of his arms, he, by Vyåpaka Nyasa, as it were, spreads the presence of the Devată all over his body. He thus feels himself permeated in every part by the presence of Devatā and identified with the Divine self in that its form." Mudrā accompanies some of the ritual acts. Mudrā may be said to be a kind of manual shorthand to express the thought of the worshipper.
Another point to be noted is that the strengthening of the mental Vritti in Tantrik Sadhanā is by accompanying physical action as also by repetition of words and ideas. Japa of Mantra is an instance. Such repetition has the effect of fixing the idea in the mind. "If the same essential thought can be presented in varied forms the effect is more powerful and at the same time less calculated to tire." "That man is a poor psychologist who does not know the effect of repetition when done with faith and devotion. The inner kingdom yields to nothing but the strong will of the Sadhaka, for it is that will in its purest and fullest strength. The mind of the Sådhaka being thus purified by insistent effort, becomes a fit medium for the manifestation of a Divine Consciousness (Devatābhāva)." "Much superficial criticism is levelled at this or other ritual, its variety, complexity, its lengthy character and so forth. If it is performed mechanically and without attention doubtless it is mere waste of time. But if it is done with will attention faith and devotion it must necessarily achieve the result intended. The reiteration of the same idea under varying forms brings home with emphasis to the consciousness of the Sadhaka the doctrine, his Scripture teaches him viz, that in his essence he is spirit. The object of this and all the other ritual is to make that statement real experience for the Sadhaka."
"Even when in devotion, complete understanding and feeling are not attained the intention to gain both will achieve success by quickening the worshipper's interest and strengthening the forces of the will."
The Tantra Shāstra is full of symbolism of all kinds-form, colour, language, number, action; and Tantrik Sadhanā utilises all these to present the essential principle in full variety.
NILA SÅDHANA-SHAVA SADHANA. We may here mention a peculiar Sadhanā of very limited application being practised by only some Vira Sadhakas in the cremation ground. It is called Nīla Sādhanā or Black Sadhana. There are terrifying things in these rituals and therefore only the fearless practise