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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailashsagarsuri Gyanmandir
Saivism and S'āktism
621
S'aivas. In this cult, both in doctrine and practice, emphasis is laid on that aspect of the one which is the source of change in Time and Space.
The S'āktas recognise S'iva as the final infinite, omniscient, all-pervading, and omnipotent God, and they do not subordinate the power (S'akti) to God Siva, but give equal importance to Sakti along with Sliva. S'iva equipped with the S'akti is the cause of the world. S'iva's omnipotence cannot be proved without His Supreme Power over all the objects of the world. S'iva without this S'akti represents the static Brahman that is beyond all change of the world and is the immutable and eternal Reality; while S'iva when associated with Sakti represents the dynamic aspect of the Reality which includes all the changing phenomena of the world. In fact, both are the same, the difference lies in the points of view and the attributes that are given importance. S'akti is not always in the manifest form; it remains invisible and does not actualise itself into its manifestations. As Woodroffe says, until there is in fact, change, S'akti is merely Potency of Becoming in Being, as such is wholly one with it. The Power (S'akti) and the Possessor of Power (S'aktimān) are one. As, therefore, He is Being - Bliss - consciousness so is she. She also is the full (Pūrna) which is no mere abstraction from its evolved manifestations. The two are inalienably related to each other. S'iva, so far He is imagined to be the creator and sustainer
1 Woodroffe Jolio : Shakti and Shākta, p. 39,
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