Comparative Study of Mantrashastra

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

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desires, enter into whatever form he sees. The life of him to whom a Sadhaka who has done Shodha-Nyasa bows is shortened. Even Devatās, not to speak of men, tremble with fear at the sight of a Sadhaka who performs Shodha-Nyasa." P. 375 Principles of Tantra Vol. II.
INTRODUCTION
DHYANA*
In 'Dhyana' or meditation the form of the deity which is being worshipped is contemplated on with such vivid imagination, concentration of thought and devotion that the image becomes vivified and remains before the mind's eye throughout the course of worship. This 'Dhyana' however is 'Sthula' or gross. The 'Sukṣma' or subtle 'Dhyana' is contemplation of the deity in its subtle aspect as formless or as 'Light'. We have already referred to this (See ante pages 33 and 45). The deity in 'Sthula' or gross Dhyana is contemplated on in its natural complexion or colour and with usual ornaments and vehicle.
यस्य देवस्य यद्रूपं यथाभूषणवाहनम् ।
तद्रूपं ध्यायते नित्यं स्थूलध्यानमिदं विदुः ॥ घेरण्ड संहिता, उपदेश ६ श्लो० ८
Such is the contemplation in Niṣkāma worship whether daily (Nitya), occasional (Naimittika) or special (Mahāpūjā). The Dhyāna is the same in 'Purașcarana' also; because 'Purașcarana' by itself is not 'Kamya' i. e. performed with a particular desire. Purașcarana is only a preliminary to Kamya Karma. When the worship is Kamya' as in Shatkarma, Dhyāna varies in colour. (See ante section entitled 'Contemplation Colours and Emotions' page 23 et seq.) The 'Dhyana' in case of 'Santi' (Peace of body or mind) is contemplation of the deity, its ornaments and apparels as white; in case of Vashikarana (Fascination) or Akarṣana (Attraction) it is red; in case of 'Stambhana' (Paralysing or stopping any person, thing, feeling or activity) it is yellow; in case of Vidveşana (Creating enmity between friends) it is of smoke colour; in case of 'Uccatana' (Driving away a person) also it is of smoke colour; and in case of Marana (killing) it is of black colour.
*See the present writer's articles on 'Yogiśvara Sri Hemacandracharya and Dhyana -Nirupana' in Gujarati in 'Suvasa' (a magazine published at Baroda) Vol. I, 12 & Vol. II, 2 for further information on Dhyana.