Dictionaries Tantrashastra

SR No.: 020799
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ramkumar Rai
Publisher: Prachya Prakashan
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 180
Language: Hindi, English
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 45 MB

Page 4

PREFACE The Tantra literature of India, though in most cases almost lost, is still the only source whence a knowledge of Sadhanā in all its aspects--theoretical, practical and ritualistic-may be derived and understood, because it is a Practical ( Pratykșa ) Science. However, the Šāstra in its literature is not a plain exposition which would reveal its intricacies to anyone who lays a hand on it. The Initiation from a Guru is therefore essential. In fact it has been repeatedly emphasised in the Śästra that it can be fully understood only by such an Initiation - Śrīnatha vaktrat. However, if the subsequent tools which unravel the mysteries of Texts and also assist the process of docoding the Mantras concealed in the Text, are available, a Sādhaka can achieve some practical result. Today when worthy Teachers ( Sadgurus ) are getting scarce such tools become all the more essential. The various Abhidhānas or Dictionaries come under this category.
These Abhidbānas and Koşas contain some of those methods which help deciphering the relationships of Śabda and Artha as they are put forward in the Sāstras. Therefore, when a true knowledge of this relationship is acquired, the significance of Sabda and Artha is fully realised. As Abhidhāna is essentially necessary for the understanding of other Śăstras, likewise Sabdārtha-jñāna is essential for the understanding of Tantraśāstra. The Upāsanā as denoted in the Āgamaśāstra is absolutely impossible without a complete understanding of the significance of Mantras. The particular Upāsanā of a particular Deyatā by means of a definite Mantra as laid down in the Tantras, is not possible to be gone through unless and until the significance of that Mantra is at the very