Comparative Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 90

TANTRIK SADHANA: SHADANGA-NYASA
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SHADANGA-NYĀSA* In Shadanga-nyāsa certain letters are placed with the Mantras Namah, Svāhā, Vashat, Vaushat, Hum, Phat, on the heart, head, crownlock (Sikha), eyes, middle of arms and the front and back of the palms.
KARA-NYASA In Kara-nyāsa the Mantras are assigned to the thumbs, index fingers, middle fingers, fourth fingers, little fingers, and the front and back of the palms. The meaning of Nyāsa thus becomes clear. By associating the Divine with every part of the body and with the whole of it, the mind and body are sought to be made divine to the consciousness of the Sadhaka. They are that already but the mind is made so to regard them.
SHODHĀ-NYĀSASS In Mantramahodadhi (XI Taranga) V. 48 it is stated that Shodhānyāsas and other Nyāsas should be performed for good luck, but are not described for fear of lengthening (of the work) and because they are not compulsory. They consist of Ganesha, Graha (Planet), Nakşatra (Asterism), Yogini, Rāshi (Zodiacal sign) and Pitha Mātrika Nyāsas. They are described fully in the commentary of the said verse 48 of XI Taranga of Mantra-Mahodadhi.
"In the Vira Tantra it is said: "All the sins of a Sadhaka are destroyed if the Shodha-Nyåsa which is the principal of all Nyāsas, is performed. Shodhā-Nyasa overcomes the poison of snakes, prevents death from accidents, and destroys evil Grahas and diseases. All harmful things are destroyed by the force of Shodha-Nyåsa, and enemies are made thereby friendly.
The poems of a Sadhaka who performs Shodha-Nyása sweetly flow in waves like streams of grape-juice. The eight forms of Siddhi, namely Animā and so forth, lie within the hollow of his hands. Contemplation in the performance of Shodha-Nyāsa destroys all sins of body, speech, and mind. All lesser sins are destroyed by recourse to Shodha-Nyāsa. A Sadhaka who has attained Siddhi in Shodha-Nyasa can, if he
* Amongst Jains Shadanga-Nyasa and Kara-Nyåsa appear to be usually employed. Matrika-Nyása is sometimes employed but the other Nyasas are scarcely employed. $ For Maháshodha-Nyåsa see Kulārnava Tantra IV Ullasa.