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TRIPURĀ TANTRA (ŚRI VIDYA) : ITS PHILOSOPHY
AND PATH OF SĀL HANĀ
It is a wellknown fact in the history of Indian thought that liberation or self realisation is the highest aim of life for all the systems of Indian Philosophy, barring the Materialist (Cārvāka). Different systems in the field of Philosophical beritage have shown the various paths to achieve the same goal in accordance with difference in temparament, idiosyncrasy, as well as intellectual and spiritual advancement of the people. Tantra Śastra is one of the important branches of Indian thought which truely represents, quintessence of Upanişadic Philosophy, It is mainly practical scripture of Vedanta. It prescribes the means by which the highest aim of tife is fulfilled in an easy way by all, without any discrimination of caste, creed and sex. 1
The word “Tantra' has various meanings. More than twentyfive meanings have been ascribed to this word. In reality this word is originally derived from the root "tan'-to extend or spread out and usually applied to Tantra systems which pertains to the development of man's power, both material and spiritual. This Sastra is also known as Agama End Nigama. It is said that an Agama is so called because it proceeds from the mouth of Siva and goes to Girija, being approved by Vasudevu and Nigama is so called because it emanates from the mouth of Girijā to enter the ears of Śiva, being approved by Vasudeva. 3 The word Agama, which stands indifferently for the Veda and Tantra, shows its authoritative tradition. Tantra Sastra is considered as the fifth Vedat and called Sruti. Kullūkabhatļa, clearly states in his commentary on Manusmīti that Śruti
1. Matrkabheda Tantra-Introduction, ed, Bhattacharya Chintamani, Metropolitan
printing and publishing House, Calcutta, 1933, P. 4-5. 2. Ibid-Introduction, p. 1. 3. Āgatam Sambhuvaktrebhyo gatam ca Girijan ukham. Matamca Vasudevena tasmā
dagama ucyate. Nirgato Girijā vaktrāt gatasca Girišaśrutam. Matasca Vasudevasya
Nigamah parikathyate-Agamūdvaitanirnya, quoted in Mätskābheda Tantra, p, 2-3. 4. Bhagavän Parasurāmopyāha-Pancāmnāyān paramārthasărarūpän pranināya iti-Setu
bandha, by Bhāskararaya, ed : Agashe Kasinath Sastri, pub : Apto Hari Narayana, Anandashrama printing press, Pune, 1908. p. 24.
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