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Review
183
Alcat (for weit-) (144 d), a sizat (180 b), afaa (212 b), gove (367 a), ETUT (391 b), TaT (401 b). At several places we find a for 9. Lines 1-2c, 136b, 203 a (fadlóf ?) contain some error. Verse No. 211 is metrically defective (b and d do not match). In the case of no. 109, the readings 9 a (for 5494 in a) and f (for 7 in c) are preferable, and meaning and metre require fua in c to be emended as Ta. The verse means : 'The prostitute, being afraid of wiping out the charming crimson colouring on her lower lip produced by consuming the betel roll, weeps at her father's death, by crying aloud 'ha tāta, tāta' instead of 'ha pitar, pitar'). In 240 b, TU3355+ is a better reading. 108a may be emended to read #salaos: HEFT.
One of the main aims of the Akhila Bharatiya Sanskrit Parishad, Lucknow is said to be the propagation of 'Sanskrit language and liter ature', but the pricing of the two books reviewed here may run counter to this aim.
H. C. Bhayani
The Ascent of self By B. N. Parimoo, M. A., B. T. Publisher, Motilal Banarasidas New Delhi; p. 217, 1978 Price Rs. 50
Hese is a book on the personal experience as described by a person who initiated herself into Tantra-Yogic practices. In a way it is a revelation of the esoteric side of tantra-philosophy and one more illustration of the efficacy of the practice of that philosophy. The author presents through her interpretation a mystical genius of the 14th century Lalladed, who according to him and many others stands out as a 'conspicuous landmark' in the cultural history of Kashmir and is revered as incarnation of God by the people of all faiths. Her verses are written in quatrains known as lalla-vakhs and are preseated here by the author with traditional background of Kashmir Shaivism prevalent in those days in Kashmir Valley especially with emphasis on its esoteric side i.e. Tantra as an advanced technique of Pātañjala Yoga. There is therefore an air of familiarity though the vakhs are written in Sharada script and composed in colloquial language which bears the distinct stamps of Sanskrit, Persian Arabic and is perbaps the amalgamation - as are all Apabhramba-languages of India-of all the three with local pecularities of intonation. Still however one can enjoy with the help of English translation and notes the medium through which Lalla - uninitiated as she was in our system of education – has communicated her sublime ineffable experience after exploring the immeasurable depths of such mystical experience. What is important is her courage
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