Comparative and Critical Study of Mantrashastra

Author(s): Mohanlal Bhagwandas Jhaveri, K V Abhayankar
Publisher: Sarabhai Manilal Nawab

Page 78

TANTRIK SADHANA: NILA SADHANA-SHAVA SADHANA
69
body. The Abhishta Devata is thus in imagination (expressed by outward acts) placed in each of the parts and members of the Sadhaka's body and then with the motion of his arms, he, by Vyapaka Nyasa, as it were, spreads the presence of the Devata all over his body. He thus feels himself permeated in every part by the presence of Devata and identified with the Divine self in that its form." Mudra 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 Sadhana is by accompanying physical action as also by repetition of words and ideas. Japa of Mantra is an ins tance. 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 Sadhaka being thus purified by insistent effort, becomes a fit medium for the manifestation of a Divine Consciousness (Devatabhäva)."
"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 Shastra is full of symbolism of all kinds-form, colour, language, number, action; and Tantrik Sadhana utilises all these to present the essential principle in full variety.
NILA SADHANA-SHAVA SADHANA.
We may here mention a peculiar Sadhana of very limited. application being practised by only some Vira Sadhakas in the cremation ground. It is called Nila Sadhana or Black Sadhana. There are terrifying things in these rituals and therefore only the fearless practise