Tantrasara
of

Abhinavagupta
Translation from Sanskrit and Introduction
by H.N. Chakravarty
Edited by Boris Marjanovic

Tantrasara of Abhinavagupta

Tantrasara
of

Abhinavagupta

Translated from Sanskrit
with Introduction and Notes by
H.N. Chakravarty

Edited by Boris Marjanovic

Preface by Swami Chetanananda

Rudra Press

Published by Rudra Press
P.O. Box 13310
Portland, OR 97213-0310

503-236-0475
www.rudrapress.com
Copyright© H.N. Chakravarty, 2012

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced
in any form or by any means without permission
in writing from the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
Cover art by Ana Capitaine - Cover design by Guy Boster

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Abhinavagupta, Rajanaka.
(Tantrasara. English]
Ta~trasara of Abhinavagupta I translated from Sanskrit with
introduction and notes by H.N. Chakravarty ; edited hy
Boris Marjanovic ~preface by Swami Chetanananda.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-915801-78-7
1. Kashmir Saivism-Early works to 1800. 2. Tantrism-Early works to
1800. 3. Ahhinavagupta, Rajanaka. Tantraloka. I. Chakravarty,
H · N ·' 1918-2011, translator, writer of added com men ta ry ·
II. Marjanovic, Boris, editor. III. Abhinavagupta,
Rajanaka. Tantraloka. IV. Title.

BL1281.154.A3513 2012
294.5'95-dc23
2012008126

Contents
Preface by Swami Chetanananda

vii

Foreword by Boris Marjanovic

ix

Introduction by H.N. Chakravarty

Chapter Three

1
51
51
58
60

Chapter Four

67

Chapter Five

79

Chapter Six

87

Chapter Seven

101

Chapter Eight

107

Chapter Nine

123

Chapter Ten

135

Chapter Eleven

140

Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen

148
152

Chapter Fourteen

168

Chapter Fifteen

173

Abhinavagupta's Tantrasara
Chapter One
Chapter Two

IV

VI

CONTENTS

Chapter Sixteen

175

Chapter Seventeen

179

Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Twenty

181
183
186

Chapter Twenty-One

201

Chapter Twenty-Two

205

Notes

215

Bibliography

265

About the Translator

267
269

Chapter Nineteen

About Rudra Press

Preface
One day in May of 1980 in South Fallsburg, I was sitting in my
room in between programs at the Siddha Yoga Ashram reading
some science fiction book, when Muktananda came in the room.
As always, when Swami Muktananda came in the room, everybody's foreheads immediately hit the floor, and that day was no
exception. Mine was on the floor immediately. The first thing
Muktananda did in looking around the room while I was on the
floor was to note there was a book on the bed. He asked me what
it was. I told him, and he said, '"Don't read that; read Kashmir
Saivism." And that began my decades-long interest in the study of
what is now cal led Sakta-Saivism.
One of the great deficiencies that those of us who have an interest in Saivism have suffered under is the absence of qualified
scholars who are willing to engage in translation projects. The
Buddhists are fortunate enough to have living traditions-esoteric
Saivism lost its last living lineage holder with the passing of
Swami Lakshman Joo-and a great deal of reserve of both cultural
and financial capital in the organizations that promote Vajrayana
Buddhism, and none of this has existed in support of those of us
who have great interest in esoteric Saivism. Because of that, I have
caused many different works to become translated.
This particular project has been going on so long, I can't even
remember when it started. After Swami Muktananda passed away,
I began visiting Swami Lakshman Joo in Srinagar. I was never
really able to stay there long enough to really study with him or to
consider myself a student of his, hut I was and am a great admirer

VII

VIII

PREFACE

of him. His blending of intellectual development and a uniquely
human quality of compassion was really extraordinary. and he was
an extremely beautiful person. Sometime in the early 1990s, however, it became too difficult to go to Kashmir, because of the politics of the place. Still intent on continuing my reading and study
of Kashmir Saivism, and having met all the Kashmiri pandits, I
went to Benares to meet Pandit H.N. Chakravarty. In doing so, I
also met many of the people associated with him in Benares, such
as Bettina Baumer and Pandit Kamalakar Mishra, whose work on
Kashmir Saivism I published more than a decade ago. At the time
I met Pandit Chakravarty, I requested him to translate the Tantrasara into English, and he agreed. And so we launched on the
project, and it was a couple of years later that he delivered a manuscript which, in fact, was absolutely unreadable. While his knowledge of Saivism was deep, his English was extremely limited, and
there was really nothing I could do about the publication of the
manuscript; it was just impossible. So it languished for years, until
th~re was pressure from Chakravarty's side and from some of his
fnends in Canada for us to do something about the manuscript.
What eventually came about was that Boris Marjanovic took on
the project, and it was really his effort to bring a readable English
translation of the Tantrasara out that has given renewed 1i fe to this
pr?ject and ultimately brought it to the extremely fine state that it
IS Ill.

Boris Marjanovic deserves an enormous amount of credit for
the existence of this manuscript in the quality that it is. I am grateful to Pandit H.N. Chakravarty and to all of his friends, including
Bettina Baumer, for her support, and I am especially grateful to
Boris Marjanovic.
Swami Chetanananda
January. 2012

Foreword
Tantrasara (TS), as its name suggests, is the summary of important notions, principles, doctrines, and practices found in the Tantras in general and in the Tantraloka (TA) in particular. The TA is
Abhinavagupta's most extensive work on the principles of nondual
Saiva doctrines written in verse, while the TS, which is its summary, is significantly shorter and written in prose.
It was the tradition of some of the ancient pandits belonging
to different schools of Indian thought to write brief and simplified versions of the main principles and doctrines of their schools.
The purpose of this practice was to provide those interested in the
subject but unable to devote years of study to Sanskrit grammar
and logic, deemed prerequisites for the study of any other branch
of learning, with a simplified and comprehensible overview of the
main principles of their respective schools. Abhinavagupta and
his disciple K~emaraja wholeheartedly embraced this practice. As
early as the second benedictory verse of the TS, Abhinavagupta
declares the complexity, vastness, and depth of the topics discussed in the TA as the main reason for writing its short version.
The primary aim of the TS is to make knowledge easily accessible; thus, Abhinavagupta avoids getting into complex and lengthy
philosophical arguments and elaboration, and lays out the subject
matter smoothly and concisely. For us, on the other hand, who
are attempting to study and to understand this text a millennium
later, the brevity of the style of the TS presents a significant challenge. Furthermore, the Sanskrit used by Abhinavagupta in the TS
is not easy, and the notions and practices found in it are obscure

lX

x

FOREWORD

and sometimes incomprehensible. It is because of these difficulties
that this text remains inaccessible not only to the general public
but also to Sanskrit scholars and Indologists whose specialty is
outside of Tantric studies. However, it should be pointed out here
that a reader at the time of Abhinavagupta would have experienced significantly less difficulty in understanding this text than
we are experiencing today, especially when it comes to ritual practices and observances. The reason for this is that the tradition was
alive and its teaching and practices were widespread and therefore
understandable to those interested in learning them.
For example, in Chapter Sixteen, Abhinavagupta speaks of
the application of the net Ualaprayoga), the procedure by which
the initiator catches the departed souls during the ritual of initiation. There he explains that these departed souls, for one reason or another, hadn't received initiation before their death but
deserved to be initiated because of their service to the teacher
or some other devout activity. It is the command of Siva, Abhinavagupta further clarifies, that the teacher, through the appl ication of the net, should bring a departed soul to enter the figure
of ku, a grass that represents a departed devotee, and then perform the initiation procedure. This knowledge, according to Abhinavagupta's own admission, was transmitted to him orally by his
teacher Sambhunatha. It is difficult to fully comprehend from the
available sources what the nature, method, and application of this
practice were. It seems clear, however, that the power of the deep
meditation of the teacher was believed to be the deciding factor for
the success of the entire process.
As already pointed out, the brevity of the style of the TS presents a serious difficulty in understanding this text. Fortunately,
these doctrines are often discussed at length by the same author
in his TA as well as in his other works. The translator then is
required to read the TA along with the TS if intent on grasping
the meaning and wider context of topics discussed. Thus, the TA
and the TS complement each other, although on rare occasions the
translator is fortunate to find additional information or explana-

FOREWORD

XI

tions in the TS itself that were left out and not elaborated on in the
TA. This conforms to the style of Abhinavagupa that he adopted
from his teacher Sambhunatha, which was not to keep knowledge
completely hidden but also not to reveal it all at one place or in a
single book. This. of course, is meant to provide necessary practice for students as well as to test their devotion to knowledge.
Finally. Abhinavagupta refers to a number of Tantric and other
texts that are now lost to us. including the Bhairavakulormi Tan-

tra, Nityti Tantra, Paramesvaranuttara Tantra, Tantrasadbhtiva
Tantra, Yogasmhctira, and other texts which have clearly influenced his thought. Fortunately, in recent years some of these texts,
such as Tantrasadbhtiva Tantra.were edited and made available to
scholars.
My association with Pandit Chakravarty goes back to 1997. At
that time I lived in Varanasi with the intention of reading Sanskrit
texts with Prof. Shri Narayana Mishra. Shri Narayana Mishra was
the first and the most important of my teachers during the time I
worked on my Ph.D. thesis and other projects. It is because of his
selfless teaching style that I learned how to read and understand
stistric texts.
As I was primarily interested in Kashmiri Saiva philosophy
and practices, I began to visit the home of Pandit Chakravarty. a
renowned Tantric scholar with profound understanding of Kashmiri Saivism. His recognition as a scholar was derived from his
1i felong study of Sanskrit and its philosophy. but more than that,
his recognition came from his close association with Mahamahopadhyaya Gopinath Kaviraj. During one of many conversations
that we had. I found out that in addition to already publishing his
translation of the TS in Hindi, he had also completed the English translation of the same text. Furthermore. he told me that he
had suhm itted the manuscript for publication to Rud ra Press many
years ago. However. for reasons unknown to him. the publication
of his work had never taken place. It was only several years later
when I met Sharon Ward. the head of Rudra Press at that time.
that I learned the reason: She explained to me that they felt that

XII

TANTRASARA

the translation was in need of a good editor, which, because of the
complexity of the text, they were unable to provide. It was then
that she suggested that I work together with Pandit Chakravarty
and help him put the translation of the TS into English that would
be understandable to a wider audience.
When we began to work together in the summer of 2004, I soon
discovered that the problem with Pandit Chakravarty's English
translation was not the lack of knowledge of the English language
on his part but his desire and insistence on I iteral translations.
Thus, his English translation preserved the syntax of Sanskrit sentences, which, combined with the obscurity of the text, resulted
in English sentences that were incomprehensible. We spent the
next two years going carefully through the text sentence by sentence. In addition to helping him to express the Sanskrit text in
simple and easily understandable English sentences I have written
explanatory note for Chapters Twelve through Twenty-Two as well
as several notes for Chapter Nine.
Generally speaking, the problem with reading translations of
Sanskrit philosophical texts is that a reader is usually unfamiliar with the style and technical terminology used by the ancient
Sanskrit authors. Sanskrit philosophical literature is specialized
literature, the understanding of which requires training. Thus, the
readers of this translation might find it difficult to grasp the meaning of some parts of this text. In order to overcome this problem,
Pandit Chakravarty conveniently summarized each chapter of TS
and included it in his Introduction. I strongly recommend that anyone who makes the effort to study this text in depth first carefully
read his Introduction.

Boris Marjanovic
Los Angeles
December 18, 2011

Introduction
Chapter One
The Tantrasara begins by stating that perfect knowledge (pflr~ia­
pratha) is the cause of liberation. It is the revelation of Siva-nature
in one's own Self. Siva, who by His power of freedom (svatantrya
sakti) appears to be limited in knowledge and action, removes all
veils by the same power. As a result of this, He shines in His pristine, self-refulgent, pure consciousness. On the dawn of supreme
knowledge of the nature of light (prakasa), marked by reflective
self-knowledge (vimarsa), everything shines nondifferently in the
mirror of consciousness. While describing the nature of mok~a,
Abhinavagupta writes in the Paramartha-sara that there is no
separate region of it, nor is one to proceed toward it, but it is to
be realized by piercing the knots of ignorance by virtue of the
full development of one's own power of freedom. However. mok~a
should not be taken as the effect of knowledge (j1za11a) and the latter the cause of it, but as the manifestation of the real nature of the
Self (atman).
According to this Savadvaya system, ignorance is accepted as
the cause of salizsara, yet the nature of ajiiana is known as a~wva
ma/a, a limitation innate in the individual. It originates from the
absolute freedom of the Lord. The a~zavamala operates in the individual soul in two ways: (i) the loss to consciousness of its freedom, and (ii) the sense of agency without bodha. This limitation of
j11a11a and kriya is known as spiritual (paun1~a) and intellectual/
scriptural (bauddha) ignorance (ajiiana).
Ignorance, known as bauddha ajiiana. is of the nature of indetermination (aniscayasvablzavam) and determination of contradic-

2

TANTRASARA

tory nature (viparltanifraya). Because of the presence of the first,
the individual soul in bondage fails to definitely know the real
nature of the Self, and because of the second one, experiences
and feels himself to be the experiencing subject of what is really
non-self, such as: body, intellect, prarza, etc. Pauru~a ajiiana,
characterized by limited knowledge brought into existence by
til}avamala, is considered by Abhinavagupta and his tradition to
be the cause of worldly existence.
Pauru~a ajfiana can be removed by initiation (dlk~a), but a
person cannot avail himself of it while the impurity known as
bauddha ajfiana lying in his intellect remains. This is because
initiation is necessarily preceded by the firm conviction regarding right knowledge of the things to be avoided, and right knowledge of the things to be accepted (heyopadeyaniscaya). Right
knowledge can only be obtained from the sacred literature (sastra)
taught by Paramesvara. He is the highest authority and origin of
all sacred literatures. These revealed texts are the givers of release
to the souls in bondage. The number of the revealed texts known
as agamas are ten, eighteen, and sixty-four. For Abhinavagupta,
the essence of them is the Trika system, and the most important of
them is the Malinlvijaya Tantra.
Abhinavagupta writes that he will give an exposition of the
1:fa!inlvijaya, for he argues that unless the real nature of things
Is determined, one will be unable to attain liberation. It is pure
knowled~e alone that possesses the quality of bestowing relea~e.
The highest principle, which is of the nature of light, is Siva.
He, the most desirable of all, is one's own unique nature (sva~hava). Light (prakasa) is pure consciousness, which is the very
hfe of everything; though shining in all, it shines as blue and jar
distinctly, separate from each other. This notion of separateness,
the knowledge of duality, is considered to be ajfiana, but pure
consciousness (caitanya) is really knowledge (jnana). It is universal (sarvasamanya). It is present everywhere, and possesses
absolute freedom of wisdom and activity (jiianakriytivan). The
non-shining of this universal light to the person who is limited is
the primary ignorance of the Self.

INTRODUCTION

3

The light of which we have spoken above is independent. Its
independence means that it depends on nothing. It is all-encompassing, eternal, has the nature of assuming all forms, and at the
same time it is without any form (sarvakaranirakara svabhava).
Its absolute freedom is the "power of bliss" (ananda sakti), the
relish of one's own bliss (ananda) is iccha sakti, its self-reflective
light is j11anasakti, its unifying relation with all is kriyasakti.
Siva, though associated with all His principal saktis, always
remains free from limitations and rests in His blissful nature.
When, by His absolute freedom of will, He manifests Himself as
limited, He is then known as the bonded soul or limited knowing subject (a~zu). Then, as a result of self-recognition, He again
shines as Siva, marked by absolute freedom and unlimited light.
By virtue of His absolute freedom, He either shines without any
means (anupaya) or sometimes with means (upaya). These upayas,
the ways of absorption of the individual consciousness into the
divine, may be of the nature of iccha, jiiana, or kriya. These
ice ha, jiia na, and kriya are the saktis of Siva. When a yo gin
is able to grasp any of them, it becomes easy for him to attain
Siva. As the means (upaya) are three, so the forms of absorption
(samavesa) are also three; hence they are known as sambhava,
sakta, and a~zava samavesas.
This, in short, is the summary of the first chapter of the Tantrasara.

Chapter Two
The second chapter begins with a brief presentation of anupaya.
Anupaya is not counted under any upaya on account of its subtlety,
and even more, because the person on whom the most intense
descent of grace (saktipata) has fallen does not have any need for
internal or external help in order to realize his identity with Siva.
The word of the teacher, heard only once, places him on the transcendent path (anuttarapatha), the stable ground of the blissful
nature of Sakti, upon which he at once realizes the self-manifest
Lord as his own very Self.

4

TANTRASARA

Siva is eternal; therefore there is no possibility of realizing
Him by any means (upaya). As He is self-manifest, the means cannot add anything to Him. If it is said that some means would assist
in the removal of the veils, then this is untenable, for there is no
~ltimate existence of any of the veils. In the same way, the question of the merger of the one into the other cannot stand, for there
is the total absence of two separate entities. This chain of reasonable arguments causes a firm conviction to manifest in the aspirant. As a result of this conviction, he realizes that the Absolute,
mass..o! bliss, is the single Truth, and that Siva is the UI~iversal
am ~e m whom everything shines inseparably in the mirror of
~onsciousness. Thus, when firmly contemplated, he finds himself
m absorption, in oneness, with the divine.
, _ In the Tantraloka, Jayaratha comments that in the sa mblzava,
sa~ta, and a~1ava upayas, there is a possibility that duality may
anse because of the functioning of icclul, jiitina, and kriya saktis;
for example, iccha becomes externally inclined because of the
phresence of something desirable (esaniya) in the core of icclul. On
t, e other
han d , ·m anupaya because
· of the funct1onmg
· ·
Ia
.
o f' ananc.
Sakt1 Wh · h ·
.
'
.
·
ic Is said to be Brahman Himself, there IS not even a tint
'
of an upay
. .
.
a ex1stmg as separate from 1t.

..tte

Chapter Three
The atman h
· f
f rom all th as the characteristics of light and , freedom, and 1s ree
is .
ought constructs (vikalpa). It is Siva, the absolute. It
Without Parts, the integral whole of infinite light that encompasses everyth·
·
·
h d
mg-the smgle realm of hght where thoug t oes
not reach (ni ·k l .
·
I · ·
· rvz a pcukadhaman). Although an ordinary sou . 111 Its
contracted t
.
· ·
sate as a result of the influence of the three impurities
(malas!, is not different from that light, it is unable to conceive this,
and fails to realize its identity with that light. As soon as grace
descends on it, even a little he begins to realize the truth, and by a
5
.udden flash. he is able to ~erceive that light without the intervention of any upaya. This perception is direct and immediate.

INTRODUCTION

5

In this perception of light there is no separate entity to be
reflected upon. It is of the nature of self-reflection and has the
characteristic of vibration. Here the yogin resorts to icchti sakti as
a means for realizing his identity with that light.
The absolute freedom of the Lord (svatantrya sakti), mentioned above, causes the images of entities (bhavas) to manifest in
the clear mirror of pure consciousness. The bhtivas cannot shine
by themselves; they shine in the void of consciousness as reflections. For this reason, the Lord is said to be immanent. As this
sakti is sentient, not inert, so too is its timarsa or cognition; that is,
her self-reflection continues ceaselessly. Her self-reflective nature
is known as paranada, which in the agama literature is represented as a goddess called partivtik, the Supreme Sound.
Speech (vak) is sakti and is not different from reflective awareness (vimarsa). The saktis which extend and assume the form of
the universe are chiefly three: anuttara, iccha, and unme~a. Basically, they are nothing but the nature of reflection (partlmarsa),
assuming the syllabic form of the letters, such as: "a," "i," "u." It
is from them that all the saktis originate. The fifty syllables of
the Sanskrit alphabet come broadly under two groups: the sixteen
letters from a to visarga are known as vowels, and the rest, from
ka to ha, are consonants. The vowels are the seeds (bijas) and the
consonants are the receptacles (yonis) for receiving the seeds.
Primarily, the Lord who is anuttara becomes ananda, which
is the self-reflection of universal consciousness (cit). As cit in
its slight vibration becomes intent on externality, it is known as
ananda. Similarly, iccha becomes isana when it rests in icchti. In
the same way, llrmi is the reflective unme~a. As syllables, these
three are indicated by "a," "i," "u." From u onward, kriya sakti
begins to function. The former three paramarsas have the characteristics of praktisa. Hence, they are of the nature of the sun, and
the latter para ma rsas. the long vowels "tt," '' r." "fl," are of the
nature of soma or moon, with the characteristic of rest.
When icchti and lsana become inclined toward activity, or, in
other words, when activity enters them, disturbance sets in, which

6

TANTRASARA

causes a break within that tranquility. Then iccha and I.Sana are
known as i$yama!:za. In one, the light is predominant. while the
other is of the nature of rest. They are known as "r," ""r." "I,"
"!." They are the only semivowels, and are unlike the consonant
sounds of ra and la; therefore they are not considered consonants
as such. Since they retain both the vowel and consonant sounds,
they are considered to be neuter.
The creative movement which proceeds to flow from anuttara
gives rise to different syllables. The impelling force of kriya sakti
terminates after giving rise to the var~zas like "e," ''ai," ··a," and
"au." After that, the inward movement begins to operate. As a
result of this, the resultants are then put to rest in anuttara. It is to
be noted here that this anuttara is different from anuttara known
as akara, the supreme Bhairava. It manifests as a1.n, which is pure
consciousness in essence. From that anuttara, visarga unfolds .
.Visarga, better known as visarga sakti, is the creative force
which manifests herself as the universe. She remains inseparably
united with the Absolute before the rise of agitation in it. The unive~se as we see it is the manifestation of light as indicated objects
(vacya~, and in turn, the reflection of that light stands for each
of th.e Indicative sounds as represented by "a," "a," "i," etc. The
~a?ifestation that occurs in this twofold way (vclcya and vacaka)
is, 10 reality, the manifestation of vak, the supreme speech. The
s~pre~e, known as akula, is possessed of power (sakti) which
give.s rise to th~ universe. This power is called kaulikl sakti. She
retams the umverse within herself in a very subtle form. but
because of the creative impulse expands herself in three stages.
These stages of creation are internal but are projected externally
by t?e Lord by means of His visarga sakti. Creation, as known to
us. IS predominantly of the nature of difference or duality (bheda)~
this is the gross form of creation. In the language of the agamas, it is known as c7~wva visarga, creation on the objective level.
The creation in which difference and nondifference (bhed{/bheda)
shine is called sakta visarga; this is the subtle form of creation.
The creation of nondual nature is known as sambhava visarga. the
subtlest of all creations.

INTRODUCTION

7

A~wva visarga shines externally in a gross form. The entire

creation consists of the instrument of knowledge and the object
of knowledge (pram{u:za and pranzeya), and knowledge with its
limited nature shines as mutually different and also different from
the Self. In sakta visarga, however, the universe shines in a dualnondual relation. In a~wva visarga, difference is predominant. It
is of the characteristic of ha' while in sakta visarga, all that is
experienced (seen, heard, touched, etc.) by the self is obliterated.
The universe becomes perfectly intent on pure consciousness. It is
the awakening of citta toward cit. Citta, though cit by nature, in
its empirical consciousness becomes the experiencing subject, and
in its view all objects shine as different from it. This occurs due
to the subject-object relationship. Because of this relationship, the
universe shines with a variety of objects. At this stage, cit, the
experiencing subject of the world-picture, descends down to the
level of citta by imposing upon itself the limitations of objects.
In sakta visarga, citta is not shining as the subject and its
objects with their mutual differences, but rather, it is shining as
one with consciousness. In the former case, the resting and terminating of citta is in objects having limitations, while here it
is submerging all sorts of limitations into all-inclusive pure consciousness. For this reason, it is known as citta sambodha, the
awakening of citta; that is, in this stage, citta becomes intent on
offering itself in the partless nature of Siva, who is characterized
as integral Light.
In sambhava visarga, however, there shines neither difference
nor non-difference; even the universe is absent there; moreover,
not even the slightest trace of citta is perceptible. It shines as universal consciousness (cit), free from all limitations, and remains
completely refulgent in its perfection. This is the highest visarga,
characterized by ananda.
The person who has realized his identity with that light experiences that everything from the earth to Siva shines in the mirror
of consciousness. The very nature of sambhavopaya is this kind
of comprehension. Abhinavagupta has presented this idea in the
Tantrtiloka in this way: Bhairava, the clear void of consciousness,

8 TANTRASARA

creates the picture of the universe in Himself. He manifests it and
experiences: "I am the universe." Thus, He assumes an immanent
nature; this is His function of creation. Then, He maintains the
six-fold paths and experiences them as being reflected in Himself.
Thus, He is the one who manifests maintenance. Lastly, the entire
universe is withdrawn and dissolved into the flame of all-consuming fire; this is His function of dissolution.
The person who is able to realize the partless one as the
single, integral unity of consciousness in which these three
functions-creation, maintenance, and dissolution-have their rise
and rest, is absorbed in the supreme by means of sambhavopaya.

Chapter Four
The highest end for human beings is to attain the very nature of
Paramasiva, who is ever free from determinacy or "thought constructs" (vikalpa). One is able to rid oneself of thought constructs
by means of pure reasoning (sattarka), by listening to holy texts
known as agamas, and by following the teachings of a spiritual
teacher · Th e practice
· of contemplating or v1ew111g
· ·
·
everyt h mg
as
the essential reality (Siva) is the means by which one is able to rise
abov_e impure thought constructs (asuddha-vikalpas). The Tantrasara states that one considers oneself bound because of vikalpas. The wrong conception of one's true nature as body, etc., is
the ca.use of mundane existence; however, when a vikalpa of the
?PP.OSite nature pure "thought construct" (suddha-vikalpa) is born,
1
~ dispels the wrong kind of thought construct, places one on the
right path, and enables one to attain the highest good.
Though pure thought constructs are of no avail in revealing the
natu~e of Paramasiva, the supreme reality, for it is everywhere
and lil every way ever luminous, it is the considered opinion of
the author that pure vikalpas remove the sense of duality from the
Self. The sense of duality is not something positive, but is only
ignorance (aklzyati) of one's essential nature. This sense of duality
is removed by pure thought constructs (suddha-vikalpa).
Pure knowledge (suddhavidya) leads to sattarka, or pure rea-

INTRODUCTION

9

soning. One should bear in mind that sattarka is distinct from the
form of gross reasoning as understood in the Nyaya system, for
it is said that sattarka arises by itself in a person whom sakti has
keenly touched. This tarka leads to the continuity of ideas similar
to suddha-vikalpa. It is stated in the Tantrasara: The supreme
reality is unlimited by nature and consists of an undivided singularity of consciousness. It transcends all the principles of limited
nature which terminate in Siva. This renders stability to all and is
the vitality of universe. Through it the universe "throbs" with life,
and that is "I" (alzam).
The continuous practice of sattarka regarding the nature of
reality brings about the purity of "thought constructs." The highest excellence of sattarka terminates in blzavana, by which one is
able to make manifest as distinct even the most indistinct.
In some, sattarka may arise by itself, without the need for
recourse to any spiritual guide or the reading of holy texts. When
it is enlivened in a person, he is considered to have been initiated
by the luminous goddesses of his own consciousness (smrzviddevis),
the deities personifying consciousness itself.
However. the person on whom the grace of the Lord has
descended less keenly should be initiated by the spiritual teacher,
after which he is able to secure the right of listening to agamas,
which by their proper understanding help one to become free from
doubts. Afterwards. the truth that is contained in the agama gives
rise to sattarka in him.
Sattarka is the light of '"pure knowledge" (suddlzavidya). It is
considered to be the most excellent and direct limb of yoga. It is
stated in the Tantrasa ra that yoga is also a kind of vikalpa, but
that it is characterized by intensive awareness (anusandlzanatma)
regarding essential reality. For the purpose of keeping the essential reality ever luminous in his view, the _vogin takes recourse to
this form of vikalpa for the maturity of his awareness.
Paramesvara is by nature pure consciousness and is ever ful 1.
His fullness is His Sakti. the Divine I-consciousness. By the grace
of suddhavidya. one has recourse to cit §akti, which finally leads
the aspirant to Sambhu, the Lord.

10

TANTRASARA

Chapter Five
When a thought construct (vikalpa) cannot become pure hy i tseI f,
and one has to depend on other means for its purification, the
aspirant is decidedly staying in the lower stage of spiritual development; in other words, in him saktiptita has occurred to a lesser
degree. Therefore, for the purification of vikalpas, and because he
is limited himself, he resorts to means that are also Ii mired. Hence,
the individual takes up practices of the intellect (buddlzi), vital
energy (prru;a), or the body itself for this purpose.
Among these kinds of aspirants, those more advanced proceed
on the path of meditation (dhydna). The Tan trasti ra gives a brief
account of how this contemplative meditation is to he performed.
Though it is called dhyana, it is quite distinct from the dhyanas
f00 n~ in va_rious_holy t~xts, especially those in ~h ich the as pi rant
magmes his desired deity as having a face and limbs.
The Tantrasara describes dhyana in the following manner: In
the core of his conscious heart the aspirant meditates upon the
s.elf-luminous essential reality 'which abides in all. This meditatio ·
'
~is to be performed in such a way that the three-namely, the
s~bJect, the instrument of knowledge and the object, representing
fire ' th e sun, and the moon respectively-have
'
coalesce d to get h er
and
· of a single
'
·
TI11s
· me d mass of consciousness.
. . be co met he unity
ltat1on
is
t
b
h
.
0 e continued as long as they have t eir separate i"d en. .
tities, until they shine as one light and blaze up as the fire of the
Lord. This fire is to be meditated upon as surrounded by
tgrealt
we
ve
Kalis
Th
I ·
f
.
· ese Ktills are none but the flames of the whee of
Ire. This fire should be thought of as emitting rays through out1
ers such as the eyes, which take their rest on the object of external
sens~s. The object is to be thought of as being nourished hy the
creative energy of the moon, then it is maintained and made mani;est
the sun, and finally it is dissolved by the energy of fire so
hat Jt may be drawn inside and made transcendent (a 11 u ffa ra).
Wh~n this type of dhycina is continuously performed, the aspirant quickly realizes that every object and idea is nothing hut the
essence of pure consciousness. He further realizes that c re at ion
and other functions are essentially the play of the Lord.

?Y

INTRODUCTION

11

After dlzya na, the text gives a description of ucca ra. The
upward movement of pra~za is commonly known as uccara; however, ucctira has the characteristics of spanda, which is the very
soul of it.
Prti ~za is of two kinds, one general (samtinya) and the other
specific (vise~a). In the former, difference of any sort is totally
absent, while in the latter. because of distinct activities the same
'
pra~w shows itself in five forms, known as pra~za, apana, samana,
udllna, and vyclna. It is quite evident that these five have their
base in the general prti ~za.
Because of the vibrating movement of prti ~za, inarticulate
sound. known as the '"unstruck" sound (antihatanada), becomes
manifest. It sounds continuously, without any break, in the heart
of every living being. This nada is associated with two bi}as,
namely sr!jtiblja (sa) and salizharabi}a (ha).
The activity of pra~za functions without any conscious effort on
the part of the I iving being. Usually prd ~za moves along the channels of ida and pingala. The middle path remains blocked for the
ordinary human being. When, by the grace of the spiritual teacher.
the middle path opens up, then the aspirant's journey toward the
supreme begins.
The aspirant realizes that the movement of pra~za is associated
with Sak ti. It is she who, in the form of ha1J1sa, is moving forward
and is the real mover of pra~w. At that time, the aspirant realizes
that she gets the two bljas nourished in the two places of their
origin, namely, the heart (11rdaya) and dvadasanta, the top of the
head. Upon this realization, the yogin feels that the pra~za, before
its rise, takes rest in the void of the hearc then, by its externalization as apana, the external objects not only shine forth but also get
nourished by apana, the moon. The yogin then experiences the
all-pervasive nature of pra~w. On account of specific activities of
prd ~za in various parts of the body, the yo gin experiences various
kinds of delights according to his aptitude in causing the prti~za to
rest in these spots. These delights (llnanda) are named 11irtina11da
and others. They are six in number.
By the experience of these delights in different parts of the

12

TANTRASARA

.
. hest place of rest is somebody, he finally realizes that the_ h1g Ultimately, he realizes the
where other than the body and pra~w..
bliss (J·agadananda),
.
k
s umversa 1
highest form of delight, nown a . h. s in all directions and
in which there is no limitation, for it s we emains. It expresses
. .
·
s alone r
ledge and the known
where ever-shmmg consc10usnes
'
0 f know
d. ·ne J· 0 y of absolute sovitself as the knower, the means
f the ivi
objects. It expands by the nectar 0
templation.
ereignty in which there is no need for con nd apana are two fac,
h
rana a
.
It should be noted here also t at P_ · ·on and creation, while
·
f disso 1uo
tors which perform the functions o
in the inner vi$uvat, the
samana balances the two pulls of energy . ns to flow a long the
void. Then udana, the upper current, b:g~omes vyana, the allmiddle path. Finally, the vital e.nergY e their end.
pervading one in which all limi~ations h:V:servation of. two ~l!as
The yogin, by means of his clo~e
free from 1mpunt1es.
5
mentioned above, should make his vikafpaering the place of rest
Then, according to his proficiency of. en~ first experiences the
in different parts of the body (vi§rantt ), e d by udbhava, ka mpa,
delights (anandas) mentioned above, followe they are experienced
nidrai, and ghlirni. The bodily centers wher~elu, and dvadasanta.
are known as muladhara, kanda, hrdaya. ktmdalinl, is the place
Dvcidasanta, which is known also as urdh~L
is of the characterwhere the difference of Sakti and Siva en ~t~panda).
1
· · of " v1·b ration
· of consciousness " (s am
1st1c
· v . s ever present, but it
The inarticulate sound (anahatanada) ~of pra~w, which gives
becomes manifest by the rhythmic moverne; be borne in mind that
rise to var~za, or syllabic sound. It sh
is the cause of syllables.
1
this nada is not properly called vanza, as . hara (sa and ha) are the
1
Seed mantras (bljas) known as sr$ti_ and 5 ~ ~ anahtit~nada becomes
two chief syllables in association with w~tc his mind 111 them so that
manifest. Therefore, the yogin tries to ft~ 5 hearing the nada by
he may get the touch of nada. H e Pr acuce
. a vowe l 01. no t en ct·1ng 1. n
U ttering different syllables either ending in ·n all the var~ws, latent
·des t
any voweL for he knows that nada abt
mind the ever-sounding
in an undivided form. Even by calling to ciousness.
nada he experiences identity with pure cons

It

0U\

INTRODUCTION

13

Chapter Six
Chapter Six describes the method for the realization of essential reality by external means. In the preceding chapter, Abhinavagupta describes a~wvopaya, which helps the aspirant attain
absorption into the divine Self through the means of uccara,
dhyana, var~w, and kara~za. The present section discusses how
a yogin adopts pra~zavayu as the means for attaining his or her
desired goal.
From this chapter onward, whatever is described up to Chapter Twelve comes under the "formation of the place" (sthanaprakalpana). The locations are three: the vital energy, the body, and
other external objects.
The six paths (adhvas) are immense. They have their base in
general pra ~w, while the adhva known as time (kala) has its base
in a specific pra~w.
The objects shine in two ways, either with sequence or without any sequence. The act of confining anything within limits
(kalana) is the function of time (kala). Although pure consciousness is free from all limiting adjuncts, the universe in the form
of the knower and the known is made manifest by its freedom of
will. As a result, they shine forth with their distinctive and limited
character. The agency of the delimiting power of consciousness is
known as kala sakti, which is power in the form of time. However,
before the apparent externalization of objects, sequence and nonsequence remain latent in its pure nature. The entire universe not
only remains inseparably one with the light (prakasa), but in order
to show itself as limited, praktisa at first negates the universe
and experiences '"I am transcending the universe.'' Thus, the void
(frinya) transcending everything is known as sanya pramtita, the
knowing subject of the void.
Because of its association with impurity (ti~wva mala), the
knowing subject of the void (sunya pramatcl) becomes externally
inclined. and the universe that was previously rejected or negated
is now thought of as the most desirable object. Then a vibrating
upsurge occurs in it, which shows itself as pra~za.

14

TANTRASARA

Pra~w is the first expansion of consciousness. It shows itself as

spanda, the very nature of self-reflection. For this reason. pra ~za
is said to be predominantly of the nature of the power of activity
(kriya sakti). Therefore, though it is inert Ua(la), it is primarily of
the nature of consciousness. For this reason, by resorting to pro ~za,
the aspirant is able to attain the supreme reality.
Pra(la is the very life of every living being. It is always on the
move. Because of its activities in different locations of the body,
the universal pra~w is known as pra~za, apana, samana, udana,
and vyana. Of these five, pra~za and apana function as the activity
of inhaling and exhaling. The incoming movement of the breath
starts from the heart and ends "twelve fingers above one ·s head,"
known as dvadasanta, while the outgoing movement of the breath
starts from dvadasanta and ends at the heart. This movement continues and goes on functioning 21,600 times in a single day.
Pra~za is the manifest form of sakti, and al 1 the six adhvas
-namely, var~za, mantra, and pada on the one hand, and kala, tattva, and bhuvana on the other-have their respective locations in
it. ~tis to be noted here that adlzvas are generally known as paths
which lead the aspirant in a sequence to the supreme. In the end,
however, for the one in whom the right view of nonduality has
developed, these adlzvas become absorbed in I-consciousness. For
this :eason, adhvas are not simply paths but are also something
that is absorbed.
. Hence the yogin makes an effort to realize the supreme reality by resorting to pra~za, and thus puts an end to the mutations
caused
the impelling force of time .
. By Its nature pra~za is constantly vibrating. This vibration
anses spontaneously in the location of kanda (bulb) below the
~enerat~v~ organ. The spontaneous movement of pra ~w bestows
IJttle sp1ntual result in comparison with the movement of the vital
energy that is caused by the conscious effort of the yogin. Hence,
by his deliberate effort in association withjyenha sakti, the yof!,ill
tries to impel his prcl~za from the center of the heart along the
path upward so that it may reach the dvadasanta, twelve fingers

?Y

INTRODUCTION

15

above one's head. After letting it rest there, it is made to move
again toward the heart. This ingoing and outgoing process is simply known as inhaling and exhaling, but to the yogin it means
something else. In the primary stage, the yogin with keen observation watches each movement of pra~1a rising in the heart, proceeding upward and coming back into the heart again. He divides the
whole course of pra~w into sixteen divisions. Each of these sixteen
divisions is known as tufi, representing a day. Similarly, the exhalation represents a night. When the yogin becomes sufficiently
proficient, he then takes each movement of pra ~za and apana to
represent a month.
The course along which pra~w and apana move measures
thirty-six digits (a1iguli). The yogin assumes that the hour, the
tithi, and other long and short units of time get their rise in pra~za.
It should be noted here that kriya sakti, which operates externally
as kala sakti in pra~w, is without any definite form. For this reason, whatever shines in pra~w as measures of very small amounts
of time, such as k~ana, lava, and so forth, may shine as a year or
more than several years. Not only do they shine and rise in it, but
they also terminate in the highest equilibrium.
When pra~w runs the course of two and one-quarter digits, the
duration is known as a tufi. Four of such tufis make a prahara,
while half of a tufi is known as gap (sandhya). The exhaling and
the inhaling represent the day and the night.
In the same way, the yogin also conceives that a month, consisting of thirty lunar days (tithis) with broad divisions of two fortnights, rises in pra~za. All the titlzis from the first day of the lunar
fortnight (pratipad) to the night of new moon (amavasya), and
then again from pratipad to the full moon day (par~1ima), lie along
the course of the inhaling and exhaling movement of pra~w and
apana. The sixteenth tithi, consisting of half a tu ti at the start and
another half at the final resting place, is considered to be the sandhya, the meeting point of the day and the night. These two halves
of tufis are free from the influence of time, and for this reason
sandhycls are considered to be very auspicious. Similarly. during

16

TANTRASARA

the dark fortnight, the moon or the aptina offers its digits (kalti)
one by one to pra~za, the sun, and the final one is offered near
the dvadasanta at the fifteenth tu,ti, after which the moon itself
gets dissolved into the sun. This is known as amtivasya, when the
moon remains latent in the kalti known as ama. When the span of
one half of the tufi occupied by amtivtisya gets into the portion of
pratipad, the duration of the tithi is cut short and therefore a solar
eclipse occurs. The eclipse obliterates the difference of the knowing subject (pramata), the instrument of knowledge (prama ~za),
and the objects known (prameya). Therefore, the occasion is considered to be auspicious because it bestows otherworldly results.
Similarly, a year is supposed to get its rise in a single movement of prcz~za. For this reason, the entire course of the movement
of pra~za and apana corresponds with uttartiya~1a (the progress
of the sun to the north) and daksinaya~w (the progress of the sun
t~ the south). In this case, the tithis occupy only one-fifth of a
digit and the "sun's passage from one sign of the zodiac (rasi) to
another'' (smizkranti) occurs every six digits.
For the purpose of minimizing the influence of time, the yo gin
fur_ther strives to get twelve years to rise in a single movement of
prw:za and apana. He locates sixty tithis in a digit, and the passage
of_ one ra~n to another is supposed to be the duration of a year. In
this way, he is able to observe the duration of twelve yea rs in the
singl~ movement of pra~za and apana.
Like prafJa, time is thought to arise in aptina. It arises in the
heart and goes down to muladhara. Just as Brahma and others are
supposed to be the causal deities residing in different locations,
namely, in the heart and other places as mentioned above, in the
same way, they are said to have their locations in the heart and
other places down to kanda, etc. The yogin meditates upon the deities as the causal agents of the stages of childhood, youth, old age.
death, rebirth, and liberation of the embodied soul. From Brahma
to Anasrita, these six are considered to be the cause of different
states through which a living being must pass. As they give rise
to these stages of I ife, in the beginning they are accepted by the

INTRODUCTION

17

yogin, but are ultimately rejected by him. To him, the most acceptable object is the supreme Goddess, the seventh, called unmana.
Once the aspirant is united with unman a, it is possible for him to
reach beyond these states.
The movement of apana ends in the dvadasanta, otherwise
known as the yoginivaktra. If the yo gin is able to find rest there, the
distinctions of the upper and the lower will be put to rest forever.
This method is followed similarly in samana. Samana arises in
the navel, flows along the 72,000 nadis of the body, and becomes
manifest in the heart. It flows along the ten principal nadis: i(l.a,
pi~1gala, su~wnna, gandhari, !zastijilzva, alambusa, pusa, kuhu,
and samkhini; but of these, the first three are the most important.
The heart is like a lotus with eight petals pointing to eight directions. Because of its association with eight directions, it imitates
the activities of the Lord of directions, and appears to be cruel
or placid. It is known as samana because it remains uniformly in
the body. Just as an equinox (vi~uvat) occurs in pra~za, similarly,
the yogin ascertains five passages (sanikrantis) and two equinoxes
(vi~uvats) during one day. They also occur during the night in the
same way. It is well known that vi~uvats are the equinoxes, when
the day and night are of equal duration. This time is considered to
be very auspicious.
The movement of udana proceeds from the heart up to the
dvadasanta, a center of pra~za twelve fingers above the head. The
yogin tries to watch the entire measure of time from one tufi to
sixty years in the single movement of udana. It is thought to have
the characteristic of vibration (spandarapa). Vyana is all-pervasive by nature, and so it is free from sequence; still, time arises
there in the form of a subtle vibration.
The subtle forms of the vowels of the Sanskrit alphabet
(vanrns) arise without any effort, but in their gross forms, the
var~zas rise through personal effort. The syllables are of three
kinds: transcendent, subtle, and gross. The transcendent are of
two kinds: paratama is the highest form that preserves a distinction among the vowels, while nada is an uncreated sound, hence

18

TANTRASARA

it is known as anahata, a sound that resounds ceaselessly without
beginning or end. It is united with all the syllables as their source,
and in this sense is the supreme transcendent form of sound without distinctions.

Chapter Seven
In the seventh chapter, the text presents destidhva, the path of
space. It consists of objects of multifarious forms made manifest
by the Lord by means of His power of activity. The form of any of
these objects, such as house, courtyard, market, temple, garden,
or forest, which are different from one another, shines to a limited
subject only as being mutually distinct from one another, and also
from the subject himself. To the Lord, who is perfect and therefore free from all limitations, all subjects and objects shine as his
very Self. In reality, these forms have their substratum in pure
c~nsciousness, and so they shine nondifferently from it. In its free
Will, consciousness (sarfzvid) veils its pure nature and manifests
before the view of the limited subject as sanya, prti!Ja. and buddhi,
and from this the embodied soul sees pictures of objects as distinct
f~~m the experiencing subject. Thus, f!lnya, prti~rn, and buddhi
s me externally as objects but really they are not different from
the Self.
'
_ ~he adhvas have their locations in sanya, pra ~za, in a II the
n~dt cakras, and in the body itself. As they proceeded from cons~wusness, they are to be dissolved into it by involutionary meth5
o : As the adhvas are vast, it is practically impossible, even for a
yogm, to do so in an eon of ages.
Therefore, one should know, first of all, the real nature of
these adhvas. They have their real resting place in consciousness,
and. through it smnvid. the entire adhva (consisting of the void,
~he 111 tellect, the vital energy, and everything), whether it abides
111 the body, the image of a deity, or the sacrificial altar, becomes
comp~ete. When the aspirant is able to realize this, he dissolves
them 111to Brahma, the Lord of Brahmaf)(la; then, the tattvas from

INTRODUCTION

19

puru~a to kala are dissolved into Vi~I).u, who is their Lord; then,

may a, the knot (grant hi) into Rudra, upon which maya is to be
dissolved into Isvara, who is its Lord; then, suddhavidya should
be dissolved in Sadasiva, and Anasrita Siva is to be dissolved in
Sak ti and Siva; and finally all of them are dissolved into Parasiva,
the all-pervading One.
The Tantric text called Trisira Bhairava presents pure consciousness as if it were a tree, consisting of three portions. The
extreme fringe, the root, is known as bodhamula, where "thisness" is predominant; it is the gross form of bodha (consciousness). The middle portion of that tree is not predominantly dual in
nature because, though it shines as "this-ness" here, it has merged
with consciousness. The most perfect is bodha, the uppermost part
of that tree, where there is no separate existence. This state is
known as bodhagra, the highest consciousness, where everything
has its existence without any separate distinction but shines nondifferently from pure consciousness.
From this, it is evident that all the adhvas, consisting of thirtysix tattvas, are not different from Parasiva, the Supreme. One who
is able to realize the most delightful adhvas as nondifferent from
his own consciousness can attain Sivahood without delay.
This chapter gives a detailed account of all the tattvas from the
earth onward, and the bhuvanas contained in each.

Chapter Eight
In the previous chapter we saw that worlds (bhuvanas) are the
expansion of Sakti, which keep all the multifarious forms of subjects and their objects of experience within herself. Permeating
them all is the highest universal. known as Paramasiva. who
remains ever shining. That which is less pervasive than the highest universal, present in some bhuvanas but absent in others. is
defined as a tattva: for example. solidity, firmness, and grossness
are all qualities found in Bralmzti~z(la alone.
The next discussion in this chapter is the relationship of cause

20

TANTRASARA

and effect (ktiryaktira!J.abhava). According to this system. the
relation is of two kinds, namely, the transcendent (para ma rth i ka)
and the artificial or fictional (kalpita). The transcendent relation
is such that, because of the Lord's freedom of wi 11, because He is a
free agent, everything beginning with Siva and ending in the earth
shines nondifferently from Him and rests in Him. The artificial
relation of the cause and the effect, however, is such that everything follows a regular sequence. The relation of cause and effect
is created by His power of niyati. According to this system. the
rod, the wheel, and clay, considered essential for producing a jar,
are only expedients. The real cause is the Lord, for He remains
associated with all of them as the cause and the effect. In order to
support this view, it is stated that it is He who brings al 1 the causes
together and sets them apart. The impelling force of universal
consciousness is considered to be the real agent of everything.
When the potter makes a jar, he himself is one with that universal
consciousness who is the real doer.
Parasiva is perfect and full with His five saktis. These .\(aktis
are inseparably united with their Lord and are manifested in five
aspects by His free will. These five are: cit, ananda, iccha, }Flana,
~?d kriya. The five principles, namely siva, sakti, sculdsiva,
z~vara, and Suddhavidya, are the manifestations of the .\(aktis mentioned above. It should be noted here that Sakti is one and affluent
with all the Saktis, but due to the dominance of one over the other.
distinctions are also observed among them. For example. in .Siva
tattv~, con:ci.ousness (cit) is predominant~ when (111anda becomes
d?mmant, ~tis called §akti tattva. The lords of the five pure principles are Siva, Sakti Sadasiva Isvara. and Ananta. These five
beginning with Siva ~nd endin~ in Ananta have their respective
ga~ws or hosts. They are named sambhava, sakta, mantrefvara,
and mmz.tra. This is known as pure path or adhva.
The impure adlzva is created by the wil I of the Lord for f u 1fil ling the desires of limited souls. Aghora is the creator of the
impure adhva by causing agitation (k~obha) in maya.

INTRODUCTION

21

The principle called mayo is the material cause of the insentient universe. It should be remembered in this context that the
mayo. sakti, belonging to the Lord, is that which manifests mayo,
the material cause, and is quite different from mayo, the principle
or tattva. The entire universe is born of mayo tattva, from which
kala is born. It, in turn, is responsible for the rise of limited power
of action in the limited soul. Maya veils the pure conscious state of
the self for which it loses its power of knowledge and activity.
Ka lti, though born of may ti tattva and being impelled by its
force, becomes attached to the limited soul. These two, that is,
kalti and a~w, remain firmly attached to each other, so they cannot
be easily differentiated. Those who remain under the influence of
mayti tattva fail to get release so long as they do not receive grace
from Ananta, the Lord of maya tattva. Only then can puru~as
differentiate themselves from mayti, and as a result they become
vzjFzanczkala souls. Similarly, when one realizes his distinction
from prakrti, he never goes below prakrti; and when one realizes
one's distinction from kala, one doesn't go beyond kala tattva.
When the residual trace of the malas become totally absent from
the soul, he becomes one with Siva.
It is to be remembered in this connection that the kala tattva is
the giver of limited activity to the limited soul. The impure vidyti
bestows on the insentient subject a limited cognitive power. Only
because of its presence is the limited subject able to see the real
nature of the intellect, and distinguish happiness and others from
the mass of objects which are reflected in the mirror of buddhi. "I
know something" and "I do something" are the forms of judgment
aroused by vidyti and kalti, respectively.
These rczga, vidyti, kala, kala, and niyati are of two types;
because of grace, they are considered pure and therefore function
as means for the attainment of Sivahood. Kala tattva becomes
pure when it consists of activities like worshipping, etc.; raga tattva becomes so when it gives rise to attachment to the Lord. Vidya
becomes pure when it causes discernment regarding the Lord. In

22

TANTRASARA

the same way, ktila provides potency to the teachings regarding
the Lord (tadupadesadi vi$aymneva kalanam), while niyati supports the soul in remaining steadfast in His worship.
The group of kala and other tattvas are different according to
the difference of the individual souls, for the activity in them is
seen to rise differently in different limited subjects.
It is noteworthy that the agenthood with the characteristic of
limited nature gives rise to pradhana, the equilibrium of the three
gw:zas, i.e., sattva, rajas, and tamas. The supreme Subject in the
beginning is made limited by maya, which takes away all of His
glory. He is bestowed again with a little of His glory by means of
kala tattva and so on. Thus, He becomes a pasu, a limited subject,
an.ct the maya, kala, raga, vidya, niyati, kala tattvas serve Him as
veils (kafzcukas).
. The author further points out that prakrti is of two kinds. One
is ~he equilibrium of the gu~zas; the other is gw:w tattva itself
which, being disturbed by the predominant Lord of the tattva,
ca~se.s agitation (k$obha) in prakrti, which in turn gives rise .to the
prmc1ple of buddhi. Prakrti should be accepted as the recipient of
the agitation, otherwise it would not be possible for the 1i berated
soul ~o remain uninvolved in bondage. According to this system,
the disturbance (k$obha) inprakrti is caused by the Lord Himself.
~h.O!.nkara arises from buddhi, which sees the 1ight of pu ru~a
1
as . f m a mirror that has become slightly impure, and because
of its contact with objects it makes one experience "I know this"
an~ "I do this." Thus it feels identity with the object and thinks
of Itself as "I." Buddhi receives the reflection of objects and at
the same time, though insentient, manifests the light of puru~a.
Fro~ ah.wnkara that is predominantly sattvika in nature come
th~ five mner and external sense organs, from rajasa aha1J1ka ra
anses manas, and from the tamasa nature of aha171kti ra the five
tanmatras are born. Thus the tanmatras give rise to five gross
elements: ether (nabhas), air (vayu), fire (tejas), water (apa>. and
earth (prthvl).
This chapter discusses all thirty-six principles, which are mutu-

INTRODUCTION

23

ally related to one another. These are classified in a threefold division consisting of nara, Sakti, and Siva. Siva pervades all by His
characteristic nature of luminous consciousness. The principle in
which this characteristic of light is more prominent is considered
more extensive than the other. For example, Siva is more extensive
than Sakti, while the latter is more so than nara.

Chapter Nine
This chapter classifies all the tattvas grouped under fifteen
aspects as viewed by the seven kinds of knowing subjects: siva,
mantramahesvara, mantresvara, mantra, vijiianakala, pralayakala, and sakala. These subjects each possess one of seven saktis;
thus counting the saktis and the possessors of these saktis, the
number becomes fourteen. Including svarflpa, which refers to the
"object in itself," with these fourteen, each of the tattvas from
prthvl to prakrti has fifteen aspects.
The Lord possesses three saktis in the form of the goddesses
as para, parapara, and apara para. The transcendent sakti functions as the subject (pramatti). She is para sakti, who is inseparably united with the supreme Subject. The goddess paraparti
sakti is the instrument (pramti~W), and tiparti sakti operates as the
object of experience (prameya).
The earth and other tattvas have their distinctive svarapa;
that is, they are objects in themselves. In other words, the tattvas
from prakrti down to the earth shine as objects without having
the reflection of any of the limiting adjuncts of the subject and its
instruments. This is said to be the pure nature of each object; its
existence does not rest in the subject. The object has its rest in
itself, meaning that it exists independently of the limits of ordinary sense perception.
It should be noted in this context that the object as such shines
in this distinctive way by the grace of tiparti sakti. The pure objective aspect of all the tattvas from the earth to prakrti broadly
comes under the nara group, the basic concept of Trika as charac-

24

TANTRASARA

terized by nara, Sakti, and Siva. When saktis related to different
subjects become predominant, however, and the object in its turn
rests in them, this is known as its sakta form. It shines thus by the
grace of parapara sakti. These sakta forms are seven, because
the numbers of saktis related to the different subjects are seven
in number; but when the subject possessing these saktis becomes
predominant and the objects rest in the knowing subjects. it is
known to be of the form of Siva, who is the possessor of the saktis
(saktiman). They shine thus by the grace of para sakti. The subject
characterized as possessing a particular sakti, that is, a saktiman,
is of seven kinds.
The first of these seven subjects, known as sakala, has vidyti
and kala as its saktis, but they lie dormant in pralaytikala souls,
and though they are abiding in vijFzanakala, it is as if they are
disappearing. In the subject known as mantra, vidyii and kala
function as pure knowledge (suddhvidya), about to become awake,
but the residual trace of it is still there. Mantresa knowing subject
is free from the above residual traces and suddhavidva has awak~ned fully in them. This very suddhavidya is going to become
zcchasakti in mantramahesvara, while in siva it becomes fully
manifest icchti with the characteristic of svatantryasakti.
The whole scheme may be presented by the following chart:
(I) Prameya

(2) Pramana

(3) Pramata

(i) Prthivi to Prakrti

Vidya!Kala

(a) Saka/a
(b) Pralayakala

Svarllpa = 1
7+7+1=15

(c) VijFz(inaka/a
(d) Mantra
(e) Mamre.Sa
(f) Mantramalzesa

(g) Siva
(ii) Puru~a to Kala

Vidyti and
Kala are dormant. (a) Pralaytika/a
(b) Vi}Fulnaka!a

INTRODUCTION

Svarupa = 1

(c) Mantra
(d) Mantresa
(e) Mantramahesa

6+6+ 1=13

(f) Siva

(iii) Pralayakala

Ma~w is without

object.

Svarupa = 1

5+5+1=11
(iv) Vi}Fzanakala

(a) Vijiianakala
(b) Mantra
(c) Mantresa
(d) Mantramahesa

(e) Siva
prama~w is about

Svarupa = 1

(a) Mantra
(b) Mantresa
(c) Mantramahesa

4+4+1=9

(d) Siva

to disappear

(v) Mantra

25

Suddhavidya

Svarapa = I
3+3+1=7

(a) Mantresa
(b) Mantramalzesa

(c) Siva

(vi) Mantresa
Svanlpa = I
2+2+1=5

Awakened
Suddhavidya

(a) Mantramahesa
(b) Siva

(vii) Mantramahesa
Svariipa = 1
1+1+1=3

Ice ha

(a) Siva
(b) Sakti

(viii) Siva

Svarflpa = Svatantrya

It has been stated before that the universe is characterized by
the three: nara, Sakti, and Siva. The aspect known as svarapa is
the sentient object in which objectivity is predominant and where
the subjectivity of consciousness is totally absent. Siva is of the
characteristic of pure consciousness; He is the supreme Subject
(parapramata). His Sakti, which shines as iccha, jilana, and
kriya, manifests herself as six knowing subjects (pramatas). Of
the six, the first three, mantramahesvara, mantresvara. and man-

26

TANTRASARA

tra, do not have any objects, so therefore are known as pure subjects (suddha grahaka), but vijnanakala, pralayakala. and sakala
are considered as impure subjects.
The author shows, as an example, how the earth principle
(prthvi tattva) shines in relation to pramata and prameyas. The
light that shines nondifferently from the Earth (dhara) is Siva. He
supports his view by quoting the fruti Dharamantramahesvara:
being impelled by the will of Siva leads to dharamantre.frz for
bestowing siddhis on those who are desirous of it, and who are
connected with dhara. Mantras are the vacakas of the superintending deities of different bhuvanas under prthivl tatti'a, in
accordance with the procedure prescribed by the non-Saiva doctrines. He remains as pralayakala knowing subject abiding in the
earth principle (dharapralayakevali) and will have his egoism
abide in dhara.
Then, the author shows how all the tattvas abide as pra ~za .frzkti,
r~l~ted to the knowing subject (pramata). One single pr[z~w, consistmg of sixteen tufis, extends until the emergence of the (vedya),
the ~hing to be known. Among the sixteen tufis, the first is the
undifferentiated one, the second is the one that manifests the grahak~, the last tufi is inseparable from the object, and the one precedmg the last has the form of a fully manifest grahaka. Thus,
twelve tu.tis out of sixteen are divided broadly into two divisions.
The first six are of the nature of nirvikalpaka and the next six are
the characteristic of parapara, from where vikalpa begins to rise.
All the subjects from mantramahesvara down to sakala shine
along the twelve tufis, two for each subject, while the first tu.ti. it
should be remembered, is the location for sakti.
The fifteen aspects with their varied distinctions are observed
in two tu/is each. Just as in the cognition of a jar, the characteristics of the fifteen aspects can be watched, in the same way, this
is observed in the vital energy when it is engaged in grasping any
object. It has been hinted earlier that when a knowing subject.
such as a sakala, does not participate as a subject-that is, when
it is taken as a svarupa-the aspect of fifteen becomes thirteen.

INTRODUCTION

27

Thus, the number of aspects diminishes gradually by twos. Then
finally, as distinction disappears, the number of tufis diminishes.
At last, the yogin is able to attain absorption in Siva. Here, the
time unit consists of two tufis-the first tufi is considered as being
fulL and the other has the character of Siva-Sakti. It has been
stated in the Tantraloka that one who is able to absorb oneself in
the second tuf i is sure to attain the power of omniscience.
Now the author explains the nature of states known as waking,
dreaming, deep sleep, the fourth (turya), and beyond the fourth
(turyatita). All subjects, along with their saktis, are knowers of
the objects of all the tattvas. These states are the manifestations
of consciousness conditioned by knowables (prameyas). The
prameya state is said to be the chief characteristic of the waking
state Uagrat), otherwise known as (addlzi~i;;fheya), the locus.
In the Ma !in ivijaya it is known as pi~z(lastlza, for the yo gin,
taking his stand on dhara and others as the base, is able to identify himself with them. But to thej11a11i11 who is well advanced in
meditation, it is known as sa rvatobhadra, for to him, the jag rat
state is one which fully pervades the objects of experience. Technically, the waking state is the object of experience (prameya) or
adhi~'f lzeva, the base, while the dreaming state (svapna) is known
as prama~w or adlzi~flzana. and adlzi~flzauz or the subject is the
pramMd in deep sleep (su~upti).
All the states have subdivisions of their own: (1) jagrat-jagrat,

jagrat-svapna. jiigrat-su~upti, andjagrat-turya: (2) svapna-jagrat,
svapna-.\TO/J/la, svapna-su~rnpti, and svapna-turya; and (3) su~­
upt i-jag rat, su ~i;;upti-svapna, su~upti-su~upti, and su~upt i-tu rya.
Jagrat is known to have four portions. The object that is experienced is ahuddlza. insentient, and the instrument of experience
is called huddlw; right knowledge, born from instrumentality. is
known as prabuddlza and suprabuddlza. Of these two, prabuddlza
is of the nature of lmddhi, while suprabuddlza is free from impurities of the object of experience and therefore is of the characteristic of resting in the self. This chart may be of some help for the
understanding of the scheme:

28 TANTRASARA

I
Prameya
Jag rat

Prama~w

Sarvatobhadra

Svapna
Padastha
Vyapti

u

y

Pi~z¢astha

T
M

A

3
Pramtitti
SU$Upti
Rapastha
Malzavytipti

2

R

H

A

p

A

T

R

A

c

I

4
Pramiti
Turva
Rapatlta
Pracaya
T

A

y

A
A

Pi~z¢astha may be explained as that which abides in the body.
The abode of all paths (adhvas) is the vital energy (pra~za) and
intention/thought (swizkalpa). Everything lies in the vital energy
and sa1izkalpa, hence it is known as abiding there, and therefore
it is also known as padastha. Rupayati is the one that gives form
to the respective objects, and then withdraws them into the Self,
which is none other than the atman. The Self, where they abide, is
identical with the object. This identification and merger is known
as rupastha, but the form which is beyond all these is cal led
r~ipatlta. To the jifrinin, svapna, whose nature is vika lpika, is consi.d~red to be vyapti, for his jizana is then free from external cond1t10ns, and he is the active agent in changing and arranging the
order of his thoughts. In the state of deep sleep, the }iltinin feels
freedom from limitations; therefore, it is considered as mahlivyapti. Th~ j!lanin in the turya state sees the universe collected
together hke an amalaka fruit in the palm of his hand; therefore,
the name is pracaya.

lagrat is the state which a sakala knowing subject enjoys,
w~ile svap~a is enjoyed by a pralayakala, and su~rnpti by a vi}iltinakala subject. Mantra and mantramalzesvara subjects have their
abode in the turya level, but in the turyatlta state, al I beings,
~hether they are prameyas or pramatas, become one with SivaSakti and shine nondifferently with it.
The fifteen aspects mentioned above are also observed in five
states known as jag rat, etc., thus:

INTRODUCTION

(1)

From dhara
to prakrti

(a) Svarupa-Sakala-Sakti
(b) Pralaya kala
( c) Vijiianakala
(d) Mantra and others
( e) Siva-Sakti

Jag rat
svapna
SU$Upti
turya
turyatlta

(a) Sakata
(b) Pralyakala
( c) Vij!ltinakala
( d) Mantra and others
( e) Siva-Sakti

Jag rat
svapna
Sll$Upti
turya
turyatrta

(a) Pralayti kala
(b) Vijiitintikala
(c) Mantra
(d) Mantresvara

Jtigrat
svapna
SU$Upti

Mantra1nahesvara
( e) Siva-Sakti

turya
turytitlta

(a) VijFzti ntikala
(b) Mantra
( c) Mantrasvara
(d) Mantramalzesvara
( e) Siva-Sakti

ltigrat
svapna
SU$Upti
turya
turyatrta

(a) Mantra
(b) Mantresvara
(c) Mantramalzesvara
(d) Sakti
(e) Siva

ltigrat
svapna
SU$llpti
turya
turyatrta

(2)

From Puru$a
to Maya

(3)

Maya

(4)
Above Mtiyti

(5)
Suddhavidyti

29

30 TANTRASARA

(6)

ltvara

(a) Mantresa
(b) Mantramahesasakti
(c) Mantresa
(d) Sakti
(e) Siva

lclgrat
svapna

(a) Mantramahesvara
(b) Kriyasakti
(c) Jiianasaktis
( d) Icchasakti
(e) Siva

Jag rat
svapna

(a) Kriya

Jczgrat
svapna

SU~Hlpti

turya
turivatlta

(7)

Sadasiva

(8)

Undifferen tiated
stage

(b) Jiiana

(c) lccha
(d) Ananda
(e) Cit

su~rnpti

turya

su~rnpti

turya
turyatlta

Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten begins with a description of the general features of
the :ubtle units constituting the manifested universe called kaUis.
Abhmavagupta defines a tattva as that which threads through all
the worlds (bhuvanas), and kala is that which invariahly abides in
the group of tattvas.
The number of kalas are four, i.e .. nivrtti, prati~f)f/za, vidya,
and sanM. The four a~uj,as: parthiva, prakrta, maylya, and sd kta
are made of these kalas.
Nivrtti kale! operates in the earth principle (prthivl tattva),
prati~'fha from the water principle ()ala) to prakrti. vidyd kala
~rom above prakrti to nuiya, and from above mclya ..frlktcz operates.
Siva is considered to be beyond the kaltis, for He is ni5/ka/a; how-

INTRODUCTION

31

ever, for the purpose of meditation, He is said to possess a kala
named santatit(/. The sphere or egg (a~1(ia) is a kind of covering
which exists up to Sakti, and though the bhuvanas exist under the
Siva tattva, they are said to be of the form of the void and therefore do not serve as a covering.

Chapter Eleven
This chapter discusses saktipata, but before givmg a detailed
account of it, the text deals with issues concerning the occurrence
of the descent of grace in a particular individual. This has been
dealt with in detail in our translation of the text and the additional
notes. The author presents and critiques three standard views
regarding saktipata: (1) bondage, or smhsara, has ignorance as
its root. When the rise of right knowledge occurs, the descent of
grace also comes into being. This view has been refuted by the
author. (2) Next, the view known as karmasamya, that is, the balance of two opposing actions, is summarized. According to this
theory, when karmasamya occurs, saktipMa is sure to take place.
The author does not accept this view either. (3) The third view
considers the ripening of mala (mala paripaka) as the cause of
saktipMa. which is also rejected by the author.
According to Abhinavagupta, these views may be acceptable
to the fol lowers of dualist philosophies, but according to the nondual system known as Paramesvaradvayavtzda (known to modern
scholarship as Kashmir Saivism), they are not tenable. According
to this system. the Great Lord, in the course of His play, veils His
true nature and assumes a limited nature. When the concealment
of His pure nature disappears, the limited self becomes the recipient of ,fo kt i p iU a and is ab 1e to a tt a i n the pro x i rn it y of s var ii pa .
the true form of the Lord, either by fol lowing a sequence or by
attaining proximity to the Lord without sequence. The Great Lord
(Malzesvara) is in essence free, and the causal agent of ,foktipata,
for which he does not depend on anything or anyone. The person
who is eager to have worldly and otherworldly enjoyment (bhoga)

32

TANTRASARA

can also attain saktipata, but for the bhoga to be manifested, some
actions must be performed. Likewise, the person who has the
desire for both blzoga and mok~a is also required to perform certain acts in order to attain them.
It has been stated in the Tantraloka that saktipata is, in
essence, the descent of the highest light on the limited soul. It is
free from all limitations and is of the characteristic of pure consciousness. However, saktipata of a slightly lower nature, though
shining with all the fullness of consciousness, is conditioned with
the limitations of bhoga.
It should be remembered in this context that saktipata is
really the nature of the iccha or will of the Lord. It is He who,
by His freedom of will veils Himself and manifests all subjects
and objects as limited' entities. Due to His activity of concealmenL known as tirodlzana, the objects to be enjoyed shine before
t~e view of the limited subjects. Thus, He willfully and playfully
bmds Himself, then removes these bonds, and finally shines in
the fullness of j!lana and kriya. His play of freedom is such that.
though He assumes limited forms in an outward journey of concealing Himself by manifesting and sustaining the universe, He
makes a return journey to Himself through the descent of grace
an? revelation of Himself to Himself, ultimately shining in His
pristine pure nature.
Grace is said to be of two types: the higher, that is, the more
pure and potent form, is called para; and the less potent form is
a~ara. The para form of saktipata is bestowed only by the Lord
!-"hmse~f, but the apara kind of grace is bestowed by the superintending lords of the domain over which they have control. The
forn: of_ Saktipata bestowed by them does not lead the sou 1 to
attam Szva-hood, hence it is inferior to the one which flows from
the Lord Himself. This apara grace is further divided into ma~z(la,
less keen, and tivra, exceedingly keen. When apara sakrip(lfa is
ma ~1 (/a, it gives bi rt h to right judgment in the sou L upon w h i ch
the ability to distinguish between prakrti and puru~a occurs. The
result of this type of discrimination is that the soul does not a hide

INTRODUCTION

33

in the worlds below prakrti. When the descent is exceedingly keen
(tivra), however, the soul by its merit is able to discriminate his
own being from kala tattva, and as a result becomes one of the
Vijiianakala souls. He even arises to the level of mantra when the
Lord wills it so.
After .foktipMa, the author explains the nature of concealment
(tirobhavaa) as one of the five functions (paficakrtya) of the Lord.
Tirobhava is of two types: niyati krama, when the Lord is seen as
the one who ordains the law and the one who bestows the fruits
of action in accordance with the merit and demerit of the soul.
Here, He takes recourse to niyati, and therefore the functions of
creation. maintenance. and dissolution flow from Him. But above
ma_vcl ~1(/a' that is, at the level of sakti, which is beyond the sphere
of karma, there continues creation of immense nature. This creation is known as malzasr~fi. Similarly, the pralaya of greater
nature. that is, the highest form of dissolution, is also performed
at this stage. Creation and dissolution of this nature are performed
by the Lord without taking recourse to niyati, but those which are
performed from the level of mava downward are accomplished by
his taking recourse to niyati. Therefore, at that stage, though He
is, in essence, always prabuddlza, the enlightened one, he behaves
in the worldly level as an unenlightened one.

Chapter T·welve
In th is chapter, the author presents and substantiates the reasons for the performance of initiations (dfk~a). In addressing the
question of the necessity of drk~a, the author states that initiation alone is the means that leads the soul to enjoyment (bhoga)
and finally helps one to attain liberation. Primarily, drk~ti sanctifies the soul and produces in it the competency for receiving
knowledge (jiiana), yoga. etc., for without obtaining drk~ti following the course of Saiva Yoga would not be possible. Therefore
drk~\'{[ is considered to be the preliminary step in the progression
from sa1izskara. to the proper practice of yoga, to perfection in

34

TANTRASARA

yoga, and finally to liberation; or, to put it another way: initiation
sariiskara, perfection in mantra, worldly and otherworldly enjoy~
ment (bhoga), and finally, liberation.
It should be remembered that the highest kind of knowledge
is obtained from the holy texts (sastra). One who is uninitiated is
not considered to be the right person to receive instruction in the
sastras; therefore, dlksa is essential. On the other hand. those who
have received the highest kind of grace, and thus earned competence, do not require any formal dlk~a, for their innate knowledge
serves as dlk~a for them. To those who are unable to fol low the
path of knowledge, however, the easier path is rec om mended; it is
predominantly of a ritualistic nature.
S~ana, bathing, is the preliminary step to dlk~a. Ge.nerally,
bathmg cleanses impurities of the body, but esoterica! ly 1t helps
one to become absorbed into Paramesvara. Ordinarily, bathing is
performed with water; according to this system it is a little bit dif~~ren~: one who goes to take a bath should think of the presence of
Siva, m h.is eight
·
forms. By uttering a mantra one should perform
ones bath with the eight prescribed materials. Bathing is of two
~h~es, external and internal. The former is done by earth, water,
sacred ashes, etc., but the internal one is performed by one's
concentrat
· m
· various locations of the body. The o b~ect
·
·
.
ion
with
wh ich one periorms
+
•
one's bath is charged with a mantra and thus
he1ps the bod
b
.
cl
. Y to ecome steady in reality,
refreshes the body, and
eanses It of impu n.t.ies.

Chapter Thirteen
Here the author explains the necessity of and reasons for the ritual
procedures that are to be performed on hilltops, river banks. and
o~her holy spots. Though those places are considered to be auspic~ous,. th~y are really external, and thus of little help for attaining
szddhzs, m contrast to the internal seats (plfhas), which are much
more use_ful, ?ecause they concentrate the vital energy in different locations m the body, and through this one is able to attain

INTRODUCTION

35

liberation. Just as there are many sacred places existing externally,
in the same way, there are many sacred places located inside the
human body, and are divided into groups known as plfha, upaplfha, sandohaka, k~etra, and upak~etra. The group of plfhas consists of three sacred locations: ktimarupa, pur~wgiri, and ut;i.t;l.iyana. The ktimarupa plf ha is of the form of iccha; the other two
are of the nature of nada and bindu, respectively, and have their
locations at the right and left side of the body. The following chart
shows further details:
(b) Upaplfhas are three
1. Devikoffa: Stikta 2. Ujjayini: Bindu
3. Kulagiri: Vytipinl
(c) Sandohaka are also three
1. Pu~z(fravardhana: Ltilana 2. Varendra: Vaindava
3. Ek ti mra: Vyapti
(d) K~etra are the petals of the heart lotus
1. Prayaga 2. Vara~zti 3. Affahtisa 4. Jayantika
5. Vara~zasl 6. Kali1iga 7. Kulata 8. Lahu[{l
(e) Upak~etra: the eight tips of the lotus
I. Viraja
2. Eru(lika
3. Hala 4. Elapz1b
5. K~lrika 6. Purl 7. Mayapurl 8. Marudesa
(f) Upasandohaka are the junctures of the eight petals of the
heart lotus with the center
I. Jalandhara 2. Naipala 3. Kasmlra 4. Gargika
5. Harab 6. Mlecchadigdvaravrtti 7. Kuruk~etra
8. Khefaka
Although outer sacred places are of no help in attaining release,
they are suitable places for worship, because deities who are well
versed in jiiana and yoga are born there and have sanctified the
place. Moreover, by staying in those places, devoted people may
become recipients of }Ilana and yoga; therefore, aspirants make
pilgrimages to sacred places. The author further clarifies that such
places are to be selected as the setting for rituals as they bestow
satisfaction to the heart lotus.

36

TANTRASARA

For the purpose of worship, one should attain the state of a pure
heart and stand outside the ritual space and perform nyrLr;;a With
either the matrka or mtilinl orders of the Sanskrit alphabet, or both.
The nytisa of matrka is performed in the following way:
k
right shoulderforehead a
mouth
a
kh
eyes
forearm
i/I
g
hand
gh
ears
finger
u/u
n
nails
c
nostrils
left shoulder r/rL
ch
cheeks
left arm
!I.I..
teeth
hand
J
e/ai
jh
fingers
11
nails
lip upper right hip
t
0
lip lower th
thigh
au
top of
the head _
d
foot
am
tip of the
tongue dh
fingers
ah
I)
nails
left hip
right and left
t
thigh
p/ph
arm pit
th
foot
b
d
back
finger
bh
dh
belly
nails
111
n
heart
skin
s
y
bones
nails
r
fat
~
meat
s
§ukra
mqjja
h
v
pra ~wko~a
The nyasa of malinl is:
n ~ r I J !I th c dh ID u u bk kh g gh n i a v hh y c;l <) h th jh
n J rt P ch I as al) h $ k$ m s arp t e ai o au d ph.

INTRODUCTION

37

Performing nyasa with the malinl order is quite different from
matrka nyasa. Nyasa is performed first in the fingers, which is
followed by nyasa in the body. Malinl and matrka both are Siva
and Sakti by nature. The supreme form of Siva in this tradition is
Bhairava; the mass of phonemes (sabdarasi) is contained indivisibly and inseparably within Himself. This sabdarasi is also Sakti
Herself, because it is she who, like a mother, gives birth to her
creation in its differentiated forms; therefore, she is called matrka,
the mother. Malilll is put on by the Rudras like a mala, or garland, by which they bestow enjoyment and liberation. In deriving
the word mala, the author says that the phoneme "ma" represents
salizhara; that is, withdrawal. The phoneme "ra" means granting,
and since "ra" and "la" are identical. "la" means to receive.
Nyasa should be performed in order to bring into predominance the sakta body in the worshipper. It is done in the sacrificial vessel (arghapatra). The teacher (acarya) then purifies all the
articles of worship with a few drops of water from the arghapatra.
After worshipping the external deities outside the door, the acarya
enters within and watches the interior with the vision of the Lord.
If the disciple is desirous of release, the acarya sits facing north;
if otherwise, he sits facing east. The highest light of consciousness is the middle, from which the other directions proceed. Just
as the Lord manifests the respective distinctions of directions, so
does the sun. It is the sun which represents the Lord'sjiiana sakti.
While deciding directions, one should think of the unity of the
three-namely, the self, the sun, and the Lord-as coalesced into
one. It is followed by the ritual practice of burning of the physical
and the subtle bodies. and by this relinquishing I-consciousness
in the physical body. However, it should be pointed out that the
physical body is not actually burned: rather, offerings representing the body, etc. are consigned to the fire. Afterwards, whatever
remain as ashes are regarded as nothing but the residual traces of
the former bodies.
Then, the acarya should remain steady in the state of pure
consciousness. It is like a tranquil sea from where the creative

38

TANTRASARA

consciousness (smizvit) begins to break into waves. The first creative impulse of consciousness causes the pure body to rise. This
newly born body is characterized by the unlimited power of Bhairava. This body is really the supreme form (para marti) of the
Lord and is characterized by the mantra "0171 ha17z." Other nyasas
are performed so that all the tattvas may rise there. All the saktis
associated with nine principles are to be worshipped, after which
the sixfold nyasa follows.
There are five states, namely, waking Uagrat), dream (svapna),
deep sleep (SU$Upti), the fourth (turya), and beyond the fourth
(turiyatlta); but anuttara is beyond them all. This is called the
state or condition of one's own nature (svabhavadasa). These
states have Brahma Visnu Rudra, Isvara, Sadasiva, and Siva
as their lords, and a're th~s 'are associated with the real cause of
thirty-six categories. Because of this, when nyasa is performed in
the body, the entire universe becomes one with the real cause of
the
n - tattvas, from which pure creation begins to manifest. Miirti
ya~a. and other practices are performed only for the purpose of
attammg nonduality
I
.
t_ may be asked: Is there any use of further nyasa after the
b,~rnmg of the body once one has attained steadiness in tranquil
iva? To an
h.
h s'.
.
."
swer t is question the author states t at 1va is not a
.
'
d
static realit h ·
f
Y t at is entirely separate, transcendent, and exclude
r~m all the other tattvas. Rather, Siva is the great I ight of consc10usness wh · h h.
.
. .
Af
Ic s mes m mult1fanous forms.
~er consecrating
the body the worshipper then performs
sulab1
- ·
'
.
a nyasa m the vital energy. One should think of earth, water.
f ire
a d ·
' n Wmd elements as located above, and supporting the
energ~ which .is situated four digits below the navel. One digit
each is occupied by earth and the others. The bulb (kanda) is
su~posed to be like a boat that helps one cross the ocean. The air
ab.ides there, and the sky is lying within it. Then the worshipper
th mks of the staff named ananta going up to lambika, the aperture below the palate (Mlurandhra). It contains all the tanmatras,
subtle elements, etc. Above it is the knot of maya, where four legs

5

INTRODUCTION

39

of the sidzhasana, in the form of a lion, stand. Dharma, jflana,
vairagya, and aisvarya assume these forms, whereas adharma,
ajiiana, avairagya, and anaisvarya are the joining planks. They
occupy southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast, respectively; adharma and others occupy the east, south, west, and north.
Above maya and below the trident, the silizlzasana is covered
with two sheets of cloth: the lower one represents maya for veiling the real nature of manifestation, and the upper one is for the
purpose of covering maya itself. The worshipper then meditates
on the vidya lotus; that is, suddhavidya as a white lotus. Its petals are occupied by the saktis known as vama and others, with
Brahma, Vi~~zu, and Rudra representing creation, maintenance,
and dissolution. Object of knowledge (meya), knowledge (ma~a),
and subject (matr) are superintending, seated on three ma~z(lalas,
one above the other, from lambika onward. Isvara is located above
Rudra, and further above, Sadasiva is lying, like a corpse, but he
is ever awake and is of the nature of reflecting nada, primal sound.
Three lotuses have grown from his navel, consisting of a threepronged trident, piercing three apertures of His head; the trident
is of the nature of nadanta and made luminous by the three saktis,
i.e., sakti, vyapinl, and samana. Above them is the aunnzanasa,
where one should meditate on the supreme Goddess as having been
made of all the tattvas as her seat. In the process of worship, one
offers the entire universe to her. Meditation (dhyana), mantra repetition (japa), etc., are to be performed internally.
This is followed by external rituals. If the disciple desires initiation, he is given consecratory rites (adhivasana). This is performed in order to make him worthy to receive various smizskaras,
and to cause the deity to become intent on him.
Then the author explains in detail how adlzivasana is performed.
It is to be noted here that both guru and the disciple pass the night
in the place of adhivasana. If the disciple sees any inauspicious
dream, he reports it to the teacher the next morning. The teacher
then allays the inauspicious elements by performing certain rituals.
Then, the teacher worships the Lord. When this is complete,

40

TANTRASARA

the teacher enters inside the body of the disciple by the outlet of
the pra,1:za in order to come in contact with the six presiding deities located in the six centers. Then, meditating on the forty-eight
sarhsktiras, rites are performed in the body of the '"newly born
child"; that is, the disciple, through contact with Brahma, Vi~r:iu,
Rudra, Isvara. Sadasiva, and Siva, located in the hrda)'a, kantlza,
talu, ghrumadhya, lala,ta, and brahmarandhra, respectively. The
eight rites of purification are meditated upon differently in each
of the six centers. Thus the number becomes complete, and as a
result the disciple becomes twice born (dvlja). Then, causing the
pra7Ja of the disciple to rest in the respective places for a while,
the teacher comes out and gives him the mantra along with flowers. Then he tells him the code of conduct (samaya) which he
should follow as long as he lives.

Chapter Fourteen
This chapter describes the procedure of initiation called putraka.
On the third day after anointment, a ma~ifi.ala or diagram consisting of three tridents with a lotus on each prong is drawn on
the ground. All the rituals described in this chapter are to be
performed in relation to it. Those groups of deities called the
"external retinues" and the "deities at the door" are worshipped
outside. Then, in front of the mandala, moving from northeast
to southeast, Ganefa, one's teach~r· (guru), the teacher's teacher
(paramagurus), the lineage of previous teachers, the yoginis. the
Goddess of Speech (VagISvarI), and k!jetrapalas are worshipped.
After receiving their permission, the teacher worships the nine
paths (adhvas) in the tridents. On the middle prong of the middlemost trident, ,the Goddess Sripara and Bhai rava are worshipped:
the Goddess Sriapara is worshipped on the left, and the Goddess
Sriparapara on the right. On the trident to the right, Srlparapara is
placed in the middle prong, while on the trident to the left Srrnpara
is placed in the middle. Bhagavan is the supreme Goddess, and
because of her presence everywhere, all activities become perfect.

INTRODUCTION

41

and therefore all the rituals should be performed in the middlemost prong of the middle trident.
Then, the teacher meditates on the unification of the jar
(kumbha), kalasa, ma~z(lala, agni, and the self as one. He cognizes the all-pervading aham as being present everywhere through
the method known as mantranadi prayoga.
He sees to it that all the articles for the ritual are not collected
in a miserly way. If the person is poor, on the other hand, mahama~z(lala yaga is not recommended.
Then, the author describes animal sacrifice (pasu homa).
When it is complete, the teacher brings the disciple in front of him
and performs al 1 the adlzvanyasas in his body, and purifies his
inauspicious deeds, provided he is desirous of blzoga. In the case
of the disciple who desires mok$a, both his auspicious and inauspicious deeds should be purified. Then, the teacher, reflecting on
the main mantra, purifies all the adhvas abiding in the disciple's
body, meditating on the nondual nature of Siva.
After attaining oneness of consciousness, the teacher abides
in the body of the disciple from his toes to the top of his head,
and having absorbed the consciousness of the disciple's body, the
teacher rests, along with the disciple, in the ocean of bliss, which
is in essence the wealth of freedom. The teacher merges along
with him into the Lord, resplendent with icclza, jiiana. and kriya.
Thus, the disciple becomes non-different from the Lord. If the
disciple is desirous of blzoga, the teacher unites him with that particular principle. Finally. the teacher bestows on him a pure body
for performing deeds in mundane life.

Chapter Fifteen
This chapter describes the initiation given to a dying person. The
recipient of such a dik$ti is a person who has been suffering from
an incurable disease. The teacher, after making nyflsa of all the
adlzvas in him and purifying them one after the other, performs
a ny{/sa called marmakartanl, by which he severs all the delicate

42

TANTRASARA

joints and brings his consciousness to brahmarandhra. For the
purpose of unification (yojana), he then offers the final oblation
into the fire. Thus, the disciple becomes one with Paramasiva.

Chapter Sixteen
In this chapter, the author describes the method of initiation that
is given to those who are dead and who are not present during the
procedure. For the purpose of bestowing it on the departed soul,
the teacher brings nearby a device known as mahajala prayoga,
the application of a large net. To the person who is absent but not
dead, this procedure is not followed.

Chapter Seventeen
This chapter gives the procedure known as liligoddhdra: it simply
means "rescuing a person from a fallen state." It is performed for
o_ne who has gone away from the right track by receiving i nitiation from persons belonging to other systems, such as Vai~1)ava,
Bauddha, and other lower Saiva schools. However, the teacher will
~ran.t this type of initiation only when he becomes convinced that
saktzpata ~as definitely occurred in a prospective disciple.
Accord,1?g to the author, the Trika is the superior system, for all
the oth~r sastras, as preached by Kapila and others, lead the seeker
to attam release from prakrti, but they do not help him attain
release fr.om n1llya. On the other hand, Saivcigamas. as expounded
by the Tnka, lead everybody to the ultimate immediately.

Chapter Eighteen
In this chapter the method of abhiseka is described. Abhiseka is
given both to putraka and accirya types of disciples, provided they
have received the sablja form of initiation. The term sabzja means
"with seed," but it really signifies that this form of initiation is
given to those who are competent enough to follow certain strict

INTRODUCTION

43

rules of conduct during their lifetime. On the other hand, the nirbija form of initiation is given to old and decrepit persons who are
less assiduous and therefore unable to follow strict codes of conduct as enjoined by the holy text.
Ahhi~eka is restrictive in the sense that not everybody is considered competent enough to receive it. In particular, acarytibhi~eka is given to those who, after receiving initiation, have attained
proficiency in tigamic knowledge; those who have restraint over
their body, mind, and speech; those who follow the duties as
enjoined by the scripture; those who have become proficient in
unification of the adhvas in their respective order (adhvtinusandhana); those who have gained perfection in the highest knowledge by 1istening to it from their teacher; and those who continue
mental exertion for retaining it, followed by meditative thought
(fruta, cinta, and bhavana) terminating in identity with Siva. The
author categorically states that even after receiving abhi~eka, only
one who has really attained perfection in the highest knowledge is
worthy of bestowing grace to others.

Chapter Nineteen
The funeral sacrifice is the final rite for every human being. Initiation is given during that period only to a person who, though he
belonged to the highest Saiva order. on account of some unknown
factor lost the tradition and expired without performing the rites of
atonement before death. Such a person is given initiation when his
body is placed on the funeral pyre.
For the purpose of rescuing the deceased, all the rituals are
performed upon the body. The final offering into the fire (pllrnahuti) is performed by burning the body. In order to convince
ignorant people, the person who initiates causes the dead body to
shake. He does this by means of kriyll, j1hlna, and yoga. though it
is not necessary for the release of the soul.
If the deceased person cannot he given initiation during the
burning of his corpse, he may be given initiation during his frad-

44

TANTRASARA

dha rite. The teacher takes a ball of rice in his hand and meditates
on it as the form of the energizing Sak ti, and by doing so, the soul
of the dead person is possessed. This food is considered to be the
portion of animal-like quality of the soul and is really the thing to
be enjoyed. When both the bhogya and bhogya sakti become unified by the meditation of the acarya, it becomes fit to be offered
to the supreme enjoyer, the Lord. Thus, leaving the animalistic
portion behind, which is the essence of the bhogya, the bhogya
sakti, along with the self, is offered to the supreme bhokta, the
Lord. In this way, the soul becomes identical with Him. It should
be remembered that the final procedure is preceded by the homa
sacrifice and other rituals.
In this chapter, the author raises a relevant question: whether
for the knower of reality (tattva jnanin), rituals such as sraddha
and others are necessary or not. He answers saying that when, by
the light of true knowledge, darkness has been totally removed
from the enlightened one, there is no need of a final ritual like
antye~ti fraddha, etc. But, for the people who had been closely
associated with the departed one, the day of his unification with
the Supreme is observed as a day of parva, the day which causes
fullness of consciousness in him.

Chapter Twenty

~he present section discusses the disciple's obligations, known as

se~avartana, the duties that should be carried out unti 1 the end of

h.is life. T~e~e ?uties are of three kinds: obligatory (nitya}, occas10nal (namzztttka), and krunya, those performed for the fulfillment of some desire.
The nitya procedure is described in the following way: One
should get up early in the morning and call to mind one's desired
deity first. After completing his essential activities, 1i ke washing, etc., and cleansing himself, he should take his seat facing
north. He then purifies his body, the place where he sits, and his
mind. Then he performs nyasa upon the appropriate places with

INTRODUCTION

45

the mantra, followed by displaying an appropriate mudrti. Then
he performs dhyana in two ways: first, abiding in duality, and
then in a mixed dual-nondual way. Next, mental worship of the
deity is performed in the body, then in pra~w, in the intellect, and
finally in the void (vyoma). This is followed by japa, and finally
the completed sequence of worship is offered to the deity. All this
is to be performed every day, in every sandhya, for the purpose of
achieving identification with the deity. Four sandhyas have been
mentioned in Chapter Six. According to the author, through meditation during sandhya, endless absorption (anantatanmayi bhava)
in the Supreme comes about, which in turn gives birth to a lasting
state.
The worshipper should worship his deity in the altar (sthm:z(1.ila). He should view it as a clear sky with the characteristics
of consciousness, where all the deities are shining as reflected
therein. Viewing bare open ground really signifies invocation
(avahana). This practice ensures that the disciple identifies with
the desired deity and the highest mantra.
Invocation of the all-pervading Lord is not possible; only
desire (vasana) for the Lord is invoked and drawn within, since
the great Lord can neither be invoked or withdrawn.
The person who is totally absorbed in the highest mantra in the
way stated above becomes free from the stains of animal proclivities and is finally able to put an end to all bonds by the blow of
bhakti. After that, whatever remains is the most agreeable object
for the worshipper.
Then, the author describes the activities related to the parvas,
which are performed occasionally by the disciple.

Chapter Twenty-One
This chapter presents the authority of agamas. In the Tantra/aka,
agama has been defined as a well-known fact of old, as prasiddhi. It also emphasizes the point that even agreement and contrariety (anvaya and vyatireka), which are the very life of inference.

46

TANTRASARA

also depend on prasiddhi. Similarly, perception looks for prasiddhi as its support; for without its help, which is thought to be of
the nature of self-reflection (svtitmavimarsatmika prasiddhi), it
would not be possible to consider anything as acceptable or avoidable. Therefore, prasiddhi lies at the root of every worldly transaction. The great Lord, who is all-perfect, with the characteristic of
I-consciousness, and who is omniscient, is the source of all prasiddhis. He, the Lord is adorned with a multitude of prasiddlzis
with the form of enjoy~ent (bhoga) and release (apava rga).
The entire universe is of the nature of consciousness, which is
nothing but reflective nature, and that again is, in essence. sound.
The reflection (vimarfanam) of objects contained hy the univers_e.
and of the diverse relations of past deeds and their result~. is
known as holy texts (sastra). All the sastras are not really d1ffere~t from the nature of Paramesvara. The holy texts have a single
aim; yet, because of the limiting condition of niyati, people are
strongly attached to only a portion of them. Therefore, some follow the dual system and others are attached to the nondual. In
the end, the author concludes that a particular agama should
be resorted to only after it has been shown to produce excel Jent
results.

Chapter Twenty-Two
.
l
Id b
apter explams the nature of Kulacara. It s 1ou
e
noted at the outset that this form of worship is not meant for everybody b ·1
the.' ~t ~ only for those who are well advanced, and in whom
mchnat1on for performing such rituals has grown strong: only
b~c.ause of this are they entitled to perform th is worship of the
divme according to this method.
. When a person becomes free from determination (vikalpa) and
IS able to attain steadiness in the indeterminate state (nirvikalpa),
?n.ly then is. one entitled to worship according to kulakrama, for
It .Is s.tated In the Tantraloka that if, during the performance of
this ntual. one thinks of the object of worship as different from
This last ch

INTRODUCTION

47

himself, he fails to attain either siddhi or mukti. One who has
plunged into the secret of this ritual and follows its course is really
endowed with the highest knowledge. Therefore, Jayaratha writes
in his commentary on Tantraloka 29: 102 that those great souls
who are really free from vikalpas take up this course, as prescribed by the Kula system. Particularly, they follow the course
only to see if their mind, in the presence of allurements, is truly
steady in pure consciousness (Sa!Jzvidadvaite) or not. For this reason, they do not think it immoral to practice in the company of
female partners (duti).
Kula ritual is performed in six different ways, namely: (1)
externally, (2) in sakti, (3) in one's own body, (4) in the unity of
both male and female, (5) in the vital energy, and (6) in consciousness. The worshippers are of two kinds: those who desire enjoyment (siddhis) and those desirous of liberation (mukti). Those
desirous of siddhis should perform kulayaga according to the
methods listed as second, fourth, and fifth, while those who desire
liberation should perform the sixth.
The author gives a short description of each of the methods in
a cryptic way. In the past, the tradition was to be handed down
orally, only to those qualified; therefore, many of the matters are
not very clear to us. Therefore, we prefer to say little about this
secret cult.
H. N. Chakravarty

Tantrasara of Abhinavagupta

<i"""?tfll{:

~ i:p•n ™
Cf5J1

'

fc:t A C1 d5C1 ISITT:rrft:F1 cffl ~A t5 I ~
~ Ra ai ~ q sa ':!)'© lJca '6 ru Jf T01 Cf):
%~~~ IAC'ifl])')Ra~ lctfaflJfAd
@G:~ A ii1'<1 'ici C1x1 Bli ti f\j)'J'<ci Ia, I 9 I I

Chapter One
May my heart (hrdaya) pulsate in the form of emission
(visarga) embodying the nectar of supreme transcendence by the close union of the pair: Siva and Sakti
(ytimala). One of the pair is Vimalakala, the mother
who has taken within herself a new creation (Abhinava) in the form of light, and the other is the father,
Pancamukha Siri1hagupta, who is the embodiment of
perfection and is intent on expressing himself in the
fivefold activity.
Exposition: The above benedictory verse hints at a number of
technical terms or concepts commonly used in the doctrine of
Trika Saivism. In this context, the word heart (lzrdaya) indicates
universal hliss (jagadananda), which unifies everything into an
undivided singularity of consciousness. Its form is an ever-shining light, knowing neither rising nor setting. Restfulness is its
very nature. The author as pi res to attain and realize that heart of
C()nsciousness.
Another technical term found in this verse is vamala, which is
described as the highest equilibrium, [a union] .of both Siva and
51

52

TANTRASARA

Sakti. This is a union in which Siva is neither Siva nor Sakti, and
Sakti is neither Sakti nor Siva, but each is the combined union
of both. This union is also known as coitus (salizgaf,fa). In the
creative process, [expanding from] this union, all the principles,
known as tattvas, emerge. Throughout this process of creation,
the nondual nature of the absolute equilibrium remains tranquil,
like a waveless ocean. This process of creation is the result of a
slight impulse of creativity, an upsurge in the form of a vibrating
agitation, causing the unity to break. This absolute union (yamala,
smizgaffa) remains in its pristine state, even in the process of crea~~on. Dur!ng that process of creation, 'It' first shows itself as two
[Siva and Sakti], expanding outward into three, and then many.
The word kula ordinarily means 'body,' but in this context it
refers to the seventeenth kala, the immortal phase of the moon.
The word visarga is the 'emission of drops' emerging from perfect
~exual union. The drops reflect the colors of [Siva and Sakti]: one
is white and the other red. It tends to move outside [into the manifested universe] and creates the bodies of all living beings. In the
Tantric doctrine, visarga is stated to be hardhakala, one-half of
t..~e sound 'ha.' The mother is none but the autonomous energy of
Sr~'a, with whom she remains inseparably united. The nature of
t? 1s autonomous energy, which is beyond all limitations, is 'reflective awareness' (vimarfa). This verse also indicates that Vimalakala ;vas the name of Abhinava's mother. The father is the fivefaced .Siva [with each face represented by one] of the five saktis:
c_onsc10usness, bliss, will, knowledge, and action. They are the
five .outlet~ through which everything becomes manifest, or in the
lummo~s imagery Abhinavagupta often employs, through which
the entire universe shines. Each of Siva's 'faces' is ever-engaged
in performing one of his five functions through these .foktis. These
five functions are: creation, maintenance, dissolution, veiling, and
bestowing grace.

ru cHfF?l 1Ml Cf.>1 ru J 11 f% cj) ~Cf ~ ICf\'Jl ci ~: I
*IJj)cfcFi ru '<fa f1"l ci ~ a '01 f1 I;(
~UJR I I ~ I I
C"1

C"1

(l<l:"

TANTRASARA

53

As everyone is not capable of delving deep into the long
text of the Tantrtiloka, this Tantrastira is composed in
simple language. Therefore, please listen to it.
m~~~ I 'fdS{"ci {O IR q Ia l>'i ~I q l Ia f=i Cf>l a J:t I

3:rfc;""FiC:PJ)L("fgtl~J1ilamruja A@~l'iJ1"i@a1: 11~11

By falling at the feet of the venerable sun-like Sambhunatha, whose rays have removed all limitations from the
lotus heart of Abhinavagupta, please collect this for the
purpose of worshipping Mahefa.

m

~~
a"1 Cf5 I'< o i ~·"ifl"hi ffl ~ $4 H ffl fc:Rlti Cf5("C1 I a,; fufuti q
~ ef~ ~ q; ITT ~f;st:llciJ:t 3fFPtr<~~~. fdq••naP1-?(]~1c-Ach

:a- I ~ ~ mCf5fqfCI~ "ffg;')frj(1\;i~lc-Acb, c=racr q 1Ifld51{Uj f=if11{ffl
~ er~ lifff-;:ruf~ I ITT m~ ~ cfianf~ RCIRcilfcr,
ffil ~ cfianfq ~f~ 3FrWClf11~1c-ACh ~ ~ ;:r ~-~
TI~~ ~cf ct5 fC1 Ifl
a fCI ~J)f~ ICl ~l J1 "i I'{<) q I~ Icfl a-TTm
~
I
c=r?r 3fW Cl f1 I <0'11 c-A ch ~f~~Cf "$4"Fl" ~UR+=(, ~Cf q 3lW ffl A I;:i
tff~ ~ f-;:ref~, fcl Cf)fq f=i fuw I f1 ffl

3if& ffifq I'""ci a Iq acrm;:
Tl\l fci ct5 r-q 1f=i efLR1 -"ftfcl 0l ct51 ~'*'cf! f%" 3Tic=m ~ 1ci ~ ~ ~ "ff"Cf m
f1A*"C""!Clftj)~ f1~5~R-9d~lc-Acb ~~~ I c=ru:r ~llf.51~cf~ I
1

~ :c:l" ~ 9iRmf~Cf ~A Io 1l=( I ~ q '< ~ 11 f.51l ffi I"i I A claj ITT c1~;:r
3f9ql1A1a,

c:mwfc=rf~-~fmf~*'qo11-c,a,

<9-;:r

~q{lllA1ffi

~ c=rrcrc=r "(!CT ~ fef+iT~' ;:r "ff"Cf~' "ff"Cf~ ~ fum~
~ ~ { ~ 11 f5i , q 5iH;>il ill (1=fti) tl ~ 11 ISCl Ict~ ICl~ t(/l{ef~ I c=rffisfq
"ff"Cf~ ~ "ISfSU~ll-eilfuT I ~i<::flsfq lTifrr;::fifclJ1~A I act;:alf<lm~:
'

"Bct5 fl~ 1~1 Cfl'l1 P1

'

*' q ~ 1 ;:r q 3:rf~ a ci f(j)ci =c=q ffl 11mc=cf A1 a ct5c=d

m, ~J)CS!'ffl $1H~CI <l~l'{<)qfCilci, ~ I ~Wtt1$4H:JtC1C""Qlfl q{q){)til~
afff1CS!'~ ~ 3-TR~ I

According to this system, knowledge is the cause of liberation (mok~a), because it opposes or contradicts ignorance, which

54

TANTRASARA

is the cause of bondage. Ignorance is twofold. 1 One abides in the
intellect (buddhigata), and the other lies in the self (paztru$a). The
one which abides in the intellect is ignorance of the nature of reality (anifrayasvabhavam) and an erroneous conception of the Self
as non-self (viparltanifraya). On the other hand, the ignorance
lying in the self (pauru~a) is of the nature of thought-constructs
(vikalpa), characterized by a limited form of the light of consciousness. This type of ignorance is the root cause of worldly
existence. This topic will be discussed in the section dealing with
the nature of impurity (mala). The ignorance abiding in the self
(pauru~a) can be removed by means of initiation and other similar
procedures. However, even initiation in the presence of the igno:ance characterized by indeterminacy (anadhyavasaya) remains
meffective. This is because initiation is preceded by a determinate
conviction as to what is to be accepted and what is to be rejected,
and is followed by the purification of the principles (tattvas) and
unification with Siva. Thus, the attainment of that determinative
k?owledge steadily abiding in the plane of the intellect is the prin~ipal factor. Indeed, this practice uproots the ignorance abiding
1
~ the self (pauru~a), because when consciousness in the form of
vzkalpa is practiced, it ultimately terminates in consciousness free
from vikalpa. 2
The Self (atma) is the light of consciousness (prakasa) free
from the li}llitation of thought-constructs (vikalpa), and is the very
nature of Siva. Therefore, the attainment of the 'right knowledge
?fa deter.minate nature' (samyannifrayatmaka171 jiianam) regardmg all Objects in every respect is desirable. The attainment of this
knowledge is preceded by study of the holy texts (fastras). The holy
texts are authoritative, as they are revealed by the highest Lord
(Paramesvara). The subject matter as enunciated by other scriptures is accepted as distinct, not directly related to the totality of
know1edge, and is proved by arguments not directly related to that
subject matter. Therefore, the knowledge taught in other holy texts
(agamas) is said to grant liberation only up to a certain extent. but

TANTRASARA

55

not from all bondage. On the other hand, the holy texts revealed
by the Lord Paramesvara bestow release from all sorts of bondage.
The holy texts (taught by Paramesvara) come in a fivefold stream 3
and are divided into groups of ten, eighteen, and sixty-four. The
most perfect among them are the texts named Trika, the quintessence of which is the Malinlvijaya tantra. The subject matter contained therein is difficult to gather and properly elucidate. Without
the proper ascertainment of the essence of reality, this knowledge
neither possesses the property of liberation nor is instrumental in
granting it. It is only unblemished knowledge that possesses such
a nature. The highest human end has its root in knowledge, which
should be practiced in one's own being. It is for the attainment of
this type of knowledge that I begin writing this text.

3-rnR ~ ~ ~ ~ art4ia

FllfC1<1t mm

~uf $'1 H CBC'il ~~ <ref~
JI
I
~ fa I~1 ~Ji ft Ic-Ji fi Fa '1~ aT&]" "i IJj)"i I
~UT~CB'<l.lrn Rf~ iqJ$1iqafci ~ 11

m a

The lack of right knowledge (ajiiana) is explained in
the holy texts to be the cause of bondage. It is known
as impurity (mala). At the rise of perfect knowledge
it is uprooted in its entirety. Upon the emergence of
Self-consciousness, at the time when all impurities are
destroyed, release (mok~a) is attained. For this reason,
I shal 1, with the help of this text, reveal the real nature
of that which is to be known.
3q' I C§'lci:
d?I ~ ~~Trcr 'QCf ~m~c:;r:, ~ q- ~ci:11c11..-1i >ra~1~1*'ci

l!CT 3-Tqmrvr~ ~~1TCT"fTT~qq~:, ~ ~ ~FTCB: qCf)T~~

c=rfac-1-<tc1~~~~n "fCf'l-ncr*~'l-TTCrT"f(; ~~1cf5IC"llc1m -a- 3-~
-q cq~ , cr<:ITefq- ("f 0i CB I ~I fCI ~ ICl fa I fl , "$fc=r 1!CP gq ~ CB I~ I : , ~ gq 7a"

56 TANTRASARA

n

~I 31V~ Ch I~ I{Clq I IB ~ ~ "ffCfmm 3-lfefCTTG: t!Cf I ~ u s:i Cf) I!~
~ 4'<ct~=. ~Ch1~1q~a
41'<ct;::;;;lq+=t, s:iCb1~<:ia1 -u s:ict51~11;a'<1qf~q,
~ t:l" ~Chl~ll"""ct~ f*f'XRl W"f<l ~ '{q(i;:;;:;j l!Cf): s:iCbl~I:, ~ICi~lctq
'
t:l" -e:~IChlC'11Chl'<ldJ9G:fcH61ct, d:ilq(f)l Rcx:r: ~~'<ICbl'<felmcr:,

w

~ t:l" '«!lcF?QJOt 3"lH;::a:~1fu5:, Cifr:Pici:t>I'< $i:81~1fffi:, s:iCbl~l'{ClqCil

fo mfus =, Jl 1+:1~1 fc-+:1Chct1 $11"W1 fu5:, ~Cb 1'< <:il fnc:cf f¢t> <:n ~ 1Rn: ~
~~~ mffif~ ~ffiTsfq ~ $i81$11"if'ctS<:il~IRnqm: 3-FTQ"f~
~Chl~ll RIJil ...Hifct~ 1)1q{t)q:' ~ ~ 'Ri ICi;:;;:;ll ICi' 341<-·A 1;:1 ~~~
~JI I.
'
3-TQ~ JlOJRfci ~I Y)"i'<N q fd lc-Al'""1 fq(i;:;;:;j(il:i I s:iCbl~ll:lfa I~
3"l"iafm::i~ct51~1~1a'{Clqctl10 ~a:>1~1ci 1 "Ci?ITfq ~ 1a'""?l'la~11c=t ~~a
"{"qlc-+:11-=i ~Ch1~11qm

mLITd err, mq1<:ic-8sfLr ~err ~ err f~ "CIT

31~~ ~ ~m ~*~;:r w:rm~. C1?f ~ru~
~~:mr3qfd:~;qci I

Introduction
In this world, 'innate nature' (svabhava) 4 is the highest aim to
be attained. This innate nature belonging to all entities is of the
nature of 'light' (prakasa), 5 as that which is not 1ight cannot be
proved to be this innate nature. Furthermore, that 1ight is only
one [literally translated: 'it is not more than one'], for there is an
absence of existence of any other innate nature in that light which
is different from it. This is because of the non-existence of differentiation in that light. Time and space cannot bring or cause
differentiation in it, for they possess that 1ight as their innermost
nature. Therefore, the light is indeed only one, and that 1ight alone
is consciousness. The nature of consciousness is to bring illumination [manifestation] to all objects. In this regard there is no difference of opinion among scholars.
This shining of that light is not dependent on anything outside
of itself. The state of being illuminated by another 1ight should
certainly be called dependence, as the state of being illuminated

TANTRASARA

57

depends on others for its illumination. However, in the absence of
any other 1ight, there is only this single and 'autonomous' (svatantra) light. It is precisely because of this independence that this
light is not limited by time, space, or form. Therefore, it is all
pervasive, eternal, and it has characteristics of being omniform,
and at the same time it is devoid of any definite or specific form. 6
The freedom belonging to that light is its energy of bliss (ananda),
its relish of delight (camatkara) is its energy of will, its illumination is its energy of consciousness, its cognizance is its energy
of knowledge, and its association with all forms is its energy of
activity. In this way, although associated with the above principal
energies, this unlimited light of the nature of Siva remains resting
in its own bliss. Being of this nature, he, in the process of unfolding or manifesting, takes on a limited form because of his freedom.
Therefore, he is designated as atomic (a~rn). Then, he manifests
himself as autonomous so that he again shines as that unlimited
light of the nature of Siva. 7 In this process, he manifests his own
Self by the force of his own power of freedom either with or without 'means' (upaya). If he manifests himself with means, then the
iccha, jiicl na, and kriyasaktis are used as the means. In this way,
the means appear to be threefold and the [state of] absorption
(sanulvesa) 8 is then divided into sambhava, stikta. and ti~zava. In
9
this text, the salient features of the fourfold means (upaya) are
gradually going to be explained. 10
3ffi=BT ~ ct> I~ ICi Y){"& fucr: fckF"?I :
fd kF?lFi 4-<~ RJf fQ {<)q '""t I

f1 "Cl§ I ca l:i (ij)+< fq >T~ li_ul
c=ru:r ¢tSA 1¢tSACi~llC!~ fu~ 11~11
The Self with the body of light is Siva, lwho is] free. He,
by the delightful sport of his power of autonomy, veils
his innate nature and opens up his perfect form again,
either with sequence or without it, or by three distinct
means.

58

TANTRASARA

3l~ 3"Fj)4 Ill Aq ~ CQ 11 {.~ If<'l I+:! : I -ac:T ~ ~¢"ft) q I Ci I ftj ct::
~ ll Aq ~ ftj 8all ~q l1flcfC:F"l J:t 3fflm<f ClGJ ~., {i q I ~ Fa {f% a1
R~1fua: 3R(:1 ~~ I 3l?f -a- "flCf5 ECf m~ ~ cn0 rn-a-~
~ ~, ? ~ - ms"lf ~~ fd~Cf)l~l'{(iq: fCllc-AI c==r?f ~

ra

I

~~ -;i- ~'{Cl4fllm Rflkql("1 ~
3ilCHUlfct•1i:i: '3lliHUl«J d'5«1foc::fq

mra: ~~kf)l~IAHfcHC"1,

-;i-

~~. ;::i- ~~W:" 31-1~:

Eli Ri Rffiflf 3lmcm=f I Cf5%JT?f ~ C"1 f<'i I fq c:£i Fa R"ft) f{:i

31-1qcffi:
<IBlIB ~~ct fo 441 ?tafci cnm~ 3-TCPf-m=f / ~~;:r 3-Tefef~I

Nrfof~{Jf11'1~,, 3ITTpfufii"<RllFlc=i" ~ffi~ ~A 101~XTR,
I

I

~: >l~101qlf;:affl ~~ ~'{C)Yfllm~~ -a-, fCICi;"?j ~tr.=f

~. ~-a3®=\~31;:a4f'll fu~ WM'ef~ ~ "¢ fcrfusa1~~
~~er~~ ~-m R'641lld5 ECT, ~-a- ;:r ~-~JfT-mr.=r­
q<JiffuRlF;;i!a1r cPTfu"q

1

Chapter Two
In this chapter we will exclusively deal with anupa~va. 11
Vv_'hen a person 'keenly touched by energy' (saktipclta) discerns
by himself thus, after listening to the words of his teacher only
once, then his permanently awakened absorption in to the Lord
has ta~en place without any means (anupaya). In this instance,
reasonmg alone (tarka eva) is taken to be a limb of yoga. Otherwise, how could discernment be possible? If this is the question.
we reply: What can be accomplished by ·means' (upaya) regarding the supreme Lord who is self-manifest and one's own self?
This cannot be the attainment of 'innate nature'(svah/u/w1), as
innate nature is eternally present; it cannot be the attainment of
the recognition (jiiapti) of Paramesvara, as Paramesvara is selfiJJuminating; it cannot be the removal of the veils, as the existence
of any veils [in that supreme reality] is impossible~ it cannot be
the penetration of one into the other, as the one who is enter-

TANTRASARA

59

ing and the one who is entered into are not different from each
other. Then, what could the role of upaya be, as the existence of
anything separate from that reality cannot be proved? Therefore,
the entire universe is a unique consciousness alone, beyond the
mutation of time and limitation of space. Furthermore, this consciousness is unaffected by the "accidental attributes" (upadhi);
it is not restricted by shape and form; it cannot be conveyed by
words; nor be described by the instruments of knowledge. It is the
cause (nimitta) of the very nature of time, down to the instruments
of valid knowledge, manifested by his free will. In essence, it is
an autonomous, condensed bliss, which is "I" myself (aham). In
that innermost core of mine, the universe shines as a reflection.
The absorption related to the supreme Lord, [attained by] one who
discerns with firm conviction in this way, is not dependent on any
means. This kind of person does not need to be restrained by disciplines, such as taking recourse to sacred syllables, rituals, meditation, and observance of spiritual practices.
3q1lfoi1ri ;:i-rnct s:tct51~1il(\

U"t;:r RB mfu fH5 f.i ctl fUfu: I
-a~ <ta Jj)G: 1-<c;:~f;:i

ru a rn

=

~s:tct51~i ~I It.. 11

The multitude of means (upaya) does not reveal Siva.
Could the thousand-rayed sun be illuminated by a jar?
That person of broad vision, while discerning thus,
enters immediately into self-manifest Siva.

31~ <jOcillF"il~d5~ I
31~~1
~"f!C\ ~ ct> I ~ I ~Li ~ ICl Ci n:l '""l :rff51=( ITT 3"1 '1@! 0 $A 0 $fl m-r ~~ ;:iI

~fu. eKr ta1a~~1R=PBcr 3TIUCPt ~ Rfcfct5fQACf ~'<ClflAla~
'
'
~cmsrIB. 3-T<::f --a- ~ JWw: - ~f~ ~, ci J1,
-ITT~ kl A 1?i

a mw-TTR

mffim~a-roTiqa ("Cl I<"\.

~

w -ITT~ kl f<'i r=ra-rut - ~ ~~;:i-

60 TANTRASARA

i11 fti a'"l ~ 3F~ CQ 1fli ~~ mfu- CK( m=ill'~, ~ '&1 *1 q fl:l a

urur,

~, ffi ~ ~G:Ct, TFU ~
m~rifQ~f $Cf ~~,
~~CiCJ)'J~lrufY~IT err 3"l~:'{"tl~f~~ ~~ cx:IT-f8- I -;:i- ff:~~
~ Ci(d)llfCLllfU~IA'il~~~: I -;:rrfq ~ ~
~ 3l~
c=r<:IT-< ~1 J 11 Ci C5f4 q '<AH H I'< PlTI<1 q I -;:r q ill -;:r ~ ~"ITT CG: C'"H Rt f1l If ITT
m~ I ~sfq~~CPTsfticrfm~~IJIU§~I ~~~fCbl\QI:
~ I Fc:f (;fW ~ ~farnf~ mfu- c=l"~Cf fu~ ~9d'<~ct51~l I
~ 3-T?f ~ fu5 ~ ? m~ fchfo<=t I ~ f~ 3"lct51'<01c:h Cffl ?
~ ~ ~~ - ~ fcj;) m~a1a1-q~, ~&J ~~:rr.R"a
I

efUFr:

~ICi~lq'{q~fol

m~,

fu~~Wfh=ctl-c>ci

fu9dk-Act5C"Ci

wrcm:, fifa-=Aci IB- fa:~ Ja~f\Q ~~,~er ff: fu~,
m ~, ~ m:m~u1R("Ct'"l ~, rru:r CfTCR1 fu9d1c-Act5C"Ci
~~~~3"l'il'iti ~, ~~ ~*1YlrilA~f~qq-R:
I ~ {<iq HI A~f ~ m- cH~j)C"ll ~Cf ~I ~ 9-tl 3-l-d -;:r mct-f"C1"Cf5:
3f"fq ~ ft:R=fq~ ICl Ci IA I?H I;a {l zrcP: q '< """11 G: w4 3TI):" , ~ -:er l'l I aI i
fu~~~ ~1Ht5d5C'11q: cild""fl'"l ~l'i~lfci I
I

Chapter Three
One who is unable to enter the unbroken circle of light, 12 already
explained as the reality of Siva, [who takes recourse to] viewing the power of autonomy (svatantrya) 13 as extraneous to him,
experiences the indeterminate (nirvikalpa) absorption helonging
to Bhairava. What follows are the instructions leading to this type
of absorption.
AIJ these multitudes of beings (bhtivas) are merely reflections
in the void of consciousness 14 because they possess the characteristic marks of reflection. These are the characteristic marks of
reflection. That which cannot shine separately, but shines when
merged with others, is known as reflection; for example, the
reflection of the shape or form of the face in a mirror, the reflection of a taste in saliva, the reflection of a smell in the nose. the

TANTRASARA

61

reflection of sexual touch in the organ of pleasure, the reflection
of a sensation of sharp contact by a spear or lance in the inner
organ of touch, or the reflection of an echo in the void. However,
this taste is not the original, 15 and being only the effect of that primary principle. it is not known to cure diseases, etc. In the same
way, smel I and touch are not considered original because in the
absence of the principal subject (gu~zina~1), the existence of smell
and touch cou Id not even be postulated, and more so because they
do not set in motion any series of effects or results. On the other
hand, we cannot say that these two are non-existent, as shaking of
the limbs and emission of semen can be seen. Even a sound is not
original because someone utters it and the approaching of its echo
can be heard.
Thus, just as an echo, etc., appears shining as a reflection,
similarly the universe is reflected in the light of the Lord. Now,
the question can be raised: What is the 'original image' (bimba) of
this reflection? The answer is that there is none. Does this mean
that the reflection of the universe is without cause? Alas! Your
query is then aimed at finding a cause. In that case, what would
be the purpose of verbal reasoning? The cause will indeed be
the Sakti belonging to the Lord, whose other name is 'autonomy'
(svatantrya). This Sakti is the immanence of the Lord because
She is the bearer of the reflection of the universe. This universe is
permeated with consciousness. and this universe is the locus of the
manifestation of that consciousness. That consciousness indeed is
this universe in which it is reflected in the reverse order. Therefore, the Lord is designated as the bearer of the reflection. Furthermore, the Lord's innate nature. which includes the totality of
immanence. cannot be devoid of reflective awareness (amarsa),
because the one who is consciousness cannot be devoid of reflective awareness regarding his own Self. If. however, consciousness
lacks self-awareness (awareness of its own innate nature), then
it would condescend to the level of insentiency (ja{/a). 16 Furthermore. self-reflective awareness is not created by convention, but
is experienced as being inseparable from the innate nature of

62

TANTRASARA

consciousness, and impregnated with the 'supreme sound· (paranada).17 This supreme sound reflects all the multitudes of energies
belonging to the Lord, which determine this universe.
"ITTf ~'L~lffilqfl ~ ~~ ~lffi~:-~~-~-~lSf ~.

~4'<1JWf~lP=t Jr-~-3~ ~Cif+"lltlCf Ga~1a ~= ~1f-m~qsa: ~.
~ FQ f%" fu~~'<I~~=·, $m1~1ilcr fcrmf~ t~. ~lSf l!Cf IB
fu~llf~{<)f#: ~ f~~l~I~'): ~. c=re:Cfq'<IA~f?t~~ 3-TT-t-JJ ~ I
mf ~mm 4'<PWblct ~iJlllfll'<("Cll(\ ~~f,i=tci'), ~ Y'<:IA~f~
fuf$l Ir~ ti:l mcrr- ~t:rR:ml
fl1 A I\J:i Cf) A
~
l'l I Cl ("d) A f~
I

~>mm ;rITttr

$~'~'tt ~m ~ CP-4 ~m~ ~elf(
$G!:iJ=tlOl'""l ~~~J=tlOl'""l ~-:a-~. (1G1 3ffa ID ~~ ~Cf)l~IAl~trf
1

'llGJ C1

"{.sefc=r: fer~ r=r~fu: ~ ~~I Cf c=a I C"t $ tX"i A I 0 i -a- ;r
I

I

I

<Sll~Cifl ~. ~'JG{<)4~ ~Cf R+=tfui ~. ~ ~ tvA" CTT, 3Rf:
3i~'JGC"Cllfl FQ ~~ ~:. -;r ~5\J1'1Cfft ~"Cl:' I ~%Uf"W1~
3~<hl§lli1UIR("Cllfl ~~ -?H:-~-W-~ ~I
The Lord possesses three principal powers, namely. the
supreme (anuttara), will (iccha), and act of unfolding (1111 me~a).
These threefold cognitive reflections (partimarsa) are ··a, .. •· i, ..
13
"~1. '' Out of these three main powers, multitudes of power evolve.
19
Ananda "a" rests in anuttara "a," lsana "l" rests in icclzd. while
armi '~u" rests in wune~a. This (lirmi) is the initial stage of the
evolut10·n· of the energy of activity (kriyti !.fakti). The first group
of cogmt1ve reflections (paramarsa), that is, ''"a," '"'i," and ""u,''
being essentially part of light, are identified with the sun. The
second group of reflective cognitions. that is. "ti,., ... I.,. and "(t ...
being of the nature of repose and predominantly blissful hy nature.
are identified with the moon. Up to this point. even the slightest
trace of activity has not entered (into the process of manifestation).
When, however, in the power of will (iccha) and in 'the power of
wil1 to Jord over' (lfana), activity enters. then they are cal led 'the
object of the power of will' (i~yama~w) and "the suhject of the
power of will' (isyamcl~za). At that stage. activity (karman) divides

TANTRASARA

63

itself into two: the semivowel ''f' when light dominates, and the
semivowel '"/" when it is at rest. 20 This is because semivowels "r"
and "!" have the nature of arresting the light. However, (at that
stage of manifestation) 'the object of the power of will' (i~yama~za)
is not discernable as an external object. If it were discernable it
would be created like an external object would be. However, neither wi 11 (icclza) nor 'the power to lord over' (lsana) are clearly
discernible. For that very reason, "r" and ".l" are only semivowels
and not consonants like "r" and "!". Furthermore, this group of
letters. "r." "'rl. ·· ""!" and ".(," are considered neuter because they
bear shades of both consonants and vowels.
3qf"l'<l"i""G:<:il: ~~ ~ ~ (ffil crof~

l!-m ~ I ITTTfLr

~~f"l'<H""G:f"i~ crof~ ~-m ~ I m ¢ f¢5l:il~lfW, c=rnq-a- crof~~ "(!-~
~ 1 "fl(1: ~;:r: f¢5<=i1~1ffl:i...a ~ m~
~ ~ ~~. CilClaCI ~ f"iaC\"ifil'<Cil:il s:lct51~1Al?l~"i f"6l~Cil:il
~ - 3if"Bfu I Ci Ci «1 :31 Cf ~~ fcR:rm JIT<:ffi - 31: ~ I gc:f
q{IA~1faj W3H""Cl*1qJ:t ~ I c=rrrzj clf5\JHl\Ach mfTi*1qJ:t
'
'·~
'
1 c=r?r 3q~ CBCfTf:, ~ Cf/1.1 l:i 1 $ m I l:i 1 qqrf:, "fiCPf"B"CITTm $ m 1L11 ill
ccruf «"1 Cl l f.l?tl, ~~ qqif: -efm q 5d Cf) l:il TTTC1 q 5d Cf) C"Q A, I $ £8 IL1 I l!Cf

m-m

msmB

=

=

f?rfumzrr: <:l" - ~ - ff!:, ~~ Cl Cf) I'<: , $"Cl§ I<Ji I l!Cf f?rfutrr<:rr ~ -~ -m:,
fc:R:mfc=( e< Cf) 1'< mf~mTTJr: a=rcf5K: 1 ¢w=t ~ 'l"J l 1a 1i ~m l!Q
~~cH*1q: I ~-a-~ q)ffucm mf1lf~1fus:, z:mT ~H~*1qlft >f~
=,

~ ef~f~~;:r s:ifll~Ci: ~q'<IA~lf l!Cf ~«ifC1*1qaj >ITC<1T:"
1

~-a-~ fcR:n"ffum, 3l"fUT"Q: fu"f"l"fu-mf;a*1q:, ~ ~°ITTO"ffa=rur:,

mcira: fa f1 !•i<:1 L1 *1Q: ~ I

When the expansion of anuttara '"a" or ([1za11da ""([" in the
di re ct ion of icc/l(/ .. i," etc., takes place, then the two syllables ""e"
and "o" come into existence. Then again, when these two syllables, "e'' and '"o, ,. are closely united (smizglzalfa) with anuttara '"a"
and l11u111da "a." then the syllables "ai" and "au'' are born. This
indeed is the play of the energy of activity (kriya §akti), which

64

TANTRASARA

shines in the manifestation of the four syllables, that is, ''e," ''ai,"
"o," and "au. "21 Then, at the end of the development of the power
of action (kriya sakti), just before entering anuttara, all that
which has been created up to this point takes repose and abides
in the bindu 22 (m,n), which is light alone and the very essence of
knowledge. At that very place where bindu rests in unsurpassed
(anuttara), the "anuttara visarga" is born, which is ''a~z." Thus,
the aggregate of sixteen letters, which are seeds (blja). are said
to be the very nature of all reflective awarenesses (para marsa).
The recipients (yoni), which are consonants. are born from that
vi+sarga. From anuttara emerges the "ka" group of letters; from
'will without an object' (iccha) the "ca" group of letters; from
will with an object the "ta" and "ta" groups of letters: and from
unme§a the "pa" group ·of letters is born. It is because of being
united with five 5aktis that the five groups of letters are produced.
It is from this threefold division of the will (icchti) that the semivowels "ya," "ra," and "la" are born, while the semivowel "va" is
born from unmesa.
The letters "fa," "sa " and "sa" are created from the threefold
division of will (iccha).' From visarga, "ha" is born, and the letter '·k~a" arises from the union of two consonants: "ha" and "'sa."
Thus, the Lord who is supreme (anuttara) becomes the ·Lord of
t_he ~~~up of letters' (Kule§vara). It is this single kaulikl visarga
sakti - of the Lord, which as the flow of vibrating impulse in the
form of reflective cognition (paramarsa) such as groups of letters,
etc .. extends from ananda to external manifestation and assumes
the f?rm_ of the external principles (tattvas). Visarga is threefold, 2 ~
that is. a ~zava, which is the restful state of citta; .fr/ k ta, characterized by the awakening of citta; and sclmvabha, which is the dissolution of citta.

~ ~ t!Cf fu~ ~ efm: I ¢c:n={ ~

Rfch"llJk1\QI gq q{1iwf: "fJG:T l!CP 1!Q" ~

"l:fGJ

<ftJml~ ~

4'{1J:Fif m~ Wm.lkJ IL!~ 31tSCld14'<1A~T ~~~~ ~CICllf:,

l!~1d14'{1A~fITT~ lfkll~IG:lc-ACBCil I ITTfft1 ~~Cl<?O:lll*~-q'{l+Wf~

TANTRASARA

65

ect>l~nfcif)qfCIJ:LI cHtj)C""lf(j) ~ l!Q Y'<IA~lf:, SHHOl~fafiiHOll'il~
~ ~ ~~ fu~~ufc:t:r g;ro1f.::a I rn l!cr lTclr:
Y'<IA~Tf)YCCllq ~lml'il ~lick~= ~ct>lfc4d51 ~ R{iffil: I l!R 7E.l" ~IM'{C)YI
l!Cf ~~ Y'<IA~IT: -~J~W<::ii Y'<IY'<f)qcil;:r All:ilTil~Al?lflct>ldlc""(
Fdwfd<Q~'<*'qai ~I Al<::ill'ii ~;:r:~~~mm Al~l<::iaofai
~, ~ q~<::i""cilA~~ C£i1ag1R:ct>fCIJ:L 3ITT1m ~*'qfffq­
~~1aa1q~~ ~ 7E.l" A1~l<::i13fftl~1fl-<ct>f<fo~T01m-r1~;8, m-r 7E.l"
~"!Sfll=( 3mT"lil{<l: Jfff~-4: ~"t: Y'<IA~l ~JJ11a;:i ~ C1GJ

m"llli1arnG:T:,

~ ~m ~~, ~ 7a" Cil1~11
~ flct>C14'<1A~ffd~
A I?If) cj !>'I fa fd f~ ci fl A~ Ci fC1 ~~*~ 3"11 'A I;:j q ~ lfr1l Rfcf ct>r:q ci <::i I
vrl~ fl A I ~l ;:r \Jil a 4ma I I :mrR1 ~ ;:r A'""?! I ful'i '""?!I a 11 Ct.> Ifb fu fa

a

I

Thus, visarga is the power belonging to the Lord capable of
creating the universe. 25 When that reality is cognized as integrated
reflective consciousness, then the Lord alone shines. On the
other hand, if that reality is cognized as being divided into consonants and vowels, then it is known as the 'possessor of power'
(saktiman) and sakti herself. When that reality is cognized as
eightfold pararnarsa along with cakresvara (the letter k~a), then
it is divided into nine groups. Furthermore, if one cognizes that
same reality placing the emphasis on each and every individual
paramarsa, then it is divided into fifty. Finally, when that reality is cognized as existing with possible subtle divisions, then the
number becomes eighty-one.
In reality, reflective cognitions (para ma rsas) are only six. 26
However, on account of expansion and contraction they become
twelve and thus nourish the fullness of the Lord, as the possessor
of all the saktis. All these saktis of the Lord, being of the nature
of reflecting cognitions, are known as Kalikas, n divine goddesses.
These pure reflective cognitions are energies by nature, which on
the level of pure knowledge (suddhavidya) appear as vidya (mantra) and vidyesvara (mantresvara), as supreme and nonsupreme

66 TANTRASARA

because of the limitation which was created by the slight emergence of maya. However, they appear divided into distinctive
groups and function as letters belonging to maycl.
When these syllables finally descend through the stages of
pasyantl, madhyama, and vaikharl 28 and assume the nature of
external categories, then they take on the role of worldly transactions. Although on this level they are syllables belonging to maya
and are seen as bodies (that is, devoid of life), when by means of
the aforesaid ingenuity they are enlivened by pure reflective cognitions,29 which symbolize their very life, then they become invig?rate.d. If they become invigorated, then they are capable of giving liberation and/or enjoyment. When one conceives oneself as
the.single resort of all possible reflective cognitions in which the
entire multitudes of principles (tattvas), beings, and regions are
r~flected, one attains liberation while living through the absorption born of sambhu, 30 which is free from determinate knowledge.
For at.taining this type of absorption, as in the case of anupaya,
there is no need whatsoever for adopting painful procedures such
as the use of mantras, and other such practices. 31

~mfu~ J1ll~lc-A416
"t:l G:m fb 5H i:F1 I '3)'~)1 '< I;:a '< Ifl I

mu:~ RJifcpwf'<flli'F~I

fu~ G'<lli~lfa -;TI- Jj)g)1'<'<f1W (_! I I
The entire universe is shining on the clear inner core of
the Self. The multifarious forms shine on the surface
of the mirror, but the mirror is not aware of them. On
the ?ther hand, supreme consciousness, by rneans of
co~Hrnuous flow of its own delight of self-consciousness.
reflects the universe.

~cl'"i l~Cf5J:t I
'
3l~ ~lltt>l41~:
ITT ~ f~ ~UT "ff ~1{lrl fl A~ ;:a '<l ff)~'{<) q ~Cl m,

c=rm

TANTRASARA

67

~ 1a~ 1wA ~ fl fl cf') fl~ Il IA fl C\l1~~cf~ W"«l ~Tr: 1 "f!"wIBfci ct>crq CSl MI Ci l!Cf Jl"""Cial ~ 3ilc-AHA 3lf~J:J~;ci, ~ 3lf~
'
'
'
~fl 1{ ~ ~<I= , 3:rc=r: mc=ref;:g:*' q1 fci Cf.) fq 3-f"G,""ff: ~fl 1{@ <i fci Cf.) (Ytj
~ ~ 3-T~tll'i@Cj): I ~-a- l!Cf-~ flAttl~ Gf'efm~tc1~m:
1)1a1...a~ rn=a~ ~ 3f11ofJ:I, 34qRfm~fim4"l1?1*'Y c=racr -a- "CRm~
'

'

I

~ ~ ~. Clcl fu~ 311Jr:, cl-;:r mfuifu fu~, ~Cf q
~I 3-lc=IT fu~filuif fu~ q ~~I~ q 3-l"ti ~ -;:r
3Cll£Aci flflct>fC!l~ 31~ I ~ru1a1m IB Cild4"11?1 l!Cf ~ '<lllCi"fd;::i
R l'i f1l c-i 1 ~ -;:r 3'cict~f~ sfrn=r~4\@i c-i i ~, C1(f:" fl fl cf1fl ~ ll IJi fl~~
tl$~,a~ {!Cf 1 ~wffi ~m
·~ru1a1m: flJifCilttl mW'<lllOI '<Wal: I

-;:r ~ ~ f ;:a ~ c=rfci ~$'1$'1HafJfa1: I I ' ~ I

Chapter Four
When, for the purpose of attaining one's own innate nature (svabhtiva), thought constructs 32 are gradually purified, 33 as described
in the previous chapter, the course of meditation (bhavanti), preceded by right reasoning, study of appropriate clgama texts, and
instruction by a teacher, becomes essential. It is because of the
power of thought constructs (vikalpa) that living beings wrongly
conceive of themselves 34 as bound. A firm conviction (ablzimana)
regarding one's own nature becomes the cause of freedom from
sali1sara. When this new vikalpa arises, 35 it neutralizes those
vikalpas which are the cause of bondage. This new vikalpa
becomes the cause of ascent (abhyudaya). enabling one to attain
his or her own innate nature. This is as follows: The supreme
reality is unlimited by nature and consists of an undivided singularity of consciousness. It transcends all the principles of limited
nature which terminate in Siva. This renders stability to all and is
the vitality of the universe. Through it the universe "throbs' with
life, and that is '"I" (alwm). Therefore, I am both transcendent

68 TANTRASARA

and immanent. This kind of conviction, however, does not arise
in those blinded by maya, because they lack right reasoning (sattarka), etc. Vai~r:iavas and others are restricted to their own scriptures by the principle of attachment (raga). For th is very reason,
they show no interest in studying superior agamas in spite of their
being available. In this way, they show jealousy in regard to right
reasoning, right scriptures (agama), and the correct instruction of
a teacher. As it is said in the Paramesvara Ag a ma:
All the Vai~r:iavas, etc., are restricted by their attachment to limited knowledge. They fail to understand
the nature of the supreme reality only because they are
devoid of knowledge emerging from omniscience.

~

°ffi~Cl1<t>~lfffiq1Cil~

fi'Ri1(:q ~ ~ mcrm~

flC!llP=n~UT

1!Q

fckf5ctj

~ ~ ~ c=rn:i fctdJCVlLi'{<)c:i ~ ? .
~ - f8ct5ftH~ ~~~·Al~ =aRa1~, ~ rrfci C1 "flcf?r
~fiqft~I 'fq!'iffil~IACf ~ ;:i- ITTT fadSfll: ~~ 3°efct:>Cll4
xga5-=11~ err' a 34fci1<t>~1Risq 1a 1me&:ffl fd<Jiilcr "fiifm~Cf)c=i Cl 1 ~
~fu.
~cftf~ °filfa1c1 ~ ~ I 3F"lH"<:i 311lP1wiJUT ~
t1fcn:~{ m'mYlfl>ld51~12l Cf~ I f-cB C1 11~'1!:1l IA R'{<)qo1 C'Cl 1q I{:,
c=rwfuofQ(f)(YY>l{Sl;:a l!Cf ~ ~ 3m:, ~ t!Cf -a- ~ ~
1

msm

34 ~1G ('Cl Ia, ~ 3-T~c=rfl:HH"tj;1G ("Cl Iq Ia2l ;:i- ~ -am ~ I ;:i- -a

?f0" ~ m11Tef marrc=r 3q1<Jl: -

Wf flf1d5fct -~J~faW!>id51~1'{C)YICi

~~= R~ACllfflf, 3-Tf~-iu' Cil=J~Cf)l{ffl', ~~= ~ 1011~ IJ:fqlf~
aUJ=ITef~-;r Q5 ~ ~fqfu &:i Iq I"!::

I

~~I~ 1'<l sfq Cf)"{UT~flfBCf

mfc=mti wm"f(, mRUl{DllflAlu-msfq <::rm~ 3:r~lfi¢f5AUT
f~l=fFIT m~altlk-~ ~: fcrc=r~~: I 31~.IU ~ ~

ft?1a1,AR ~~ -;r ~~Cf I ~fa~Gffl ~f~ef~Cf){Ul{()C

nw3-TmIB:-~g:~H~11f5l1tlmo-~mw1flaa,. ~f~ C1 ~ fun~
311C!ICi~ -;r 34Yfl{DTI~A" ~Cf)~ 3-Tmm: I
'

'

Therefore, only those keenly touched hy the energy of Siva,

TANTRASARA

69

after following the path of right agama, etc., purify their vikalpas
and enter the supreme reality. 36 Here a question can be asked: If
this is so, shouldn't the supreme reality also be a form of determinate knowledge (vikalpa)? The answer to this question is,
"certainly not," because determinate knowledge fulfills its purpose
simply by removing the impressions of duality.
The supreme reality is everywhere; it is omniform and selfmanifesting. The forms of determinate knowledge are not capable
of either lending any support to it or refuting it. Right reasoning
(sattarka) spontaneously arises in a person keenly touched by sakti.
It is said that this kind of person is initiated by the Goddesses.
In the case of others, the form of right reasoning arises by
the study of scriptures, and so forth. This topic will be discussed
at length in the section entitled Saktipataprakasana. However, at
this point it will suffice to say that the role of the teacher is to
select an appropriate agama text for a disciple to study. The role
of agama, on the other hand, is to give rise to the proper type of
vikalpa (suddha-vikalpa), which is instrumental in generating the
series of homogeneous thoughts free from doubt. This series of
homogeneous determinate thoughts is called right reasoning (sattarka), and this right reasoning is called meditation (bhavan~).
Through bhavanti 37 past objects [objects that have gone to rest 111
the past] that were indistinct, are now made as if present by rendering them distinct. In this context we can say that no other direct
means but reasoning, which is the light of pure knowledge, can
serve as the limb of yoga. For example, tapas, etc., belonging to
38
the niyama group, ahilizsa, etc., belonging to the yama group,
various types of prti~1tiyama, etc., all are finally based in objective existence. Therefore, what could be their role in regard to
consciousness? Even pratytihti rti 39 only renders excellence on the
level of senses, that is, the instruments of knowledge and action.
In the same way, dhti ra~ul, dh.vana, and samtidhi, if practiced
gradually and in th is particular order, could grant to the meditator the identification with the object of his meditation. However,
meditation or practice on the supreme reality, which is identical

70 TANTRASARA

with Siva and is one's own innate nature, is not at all possible. The
practice of one who is established in consciousness is the process
of steadily establishing pra~za, intellect, and body in it. Th is is not
unike carrying a burden, studying the real meaning of ltistras, or
practicing dance. In the case of consciousness, however, nothing
can be added or taken away from it. 40 Therefore, how can practice
(in regard to consciousness) be possible?

fcB c=rcturrfq ~ ~, 3mA ~ -tcnfwm:rR-< 1f"l ~ Cf51-< l!Cf 3-R-f -;r ~
3Fm( fd') ~ ffi fa 1 ffifc5-ctsfir m 31'R:lffi fa c: 1c-J:t c=8 ~ ~ *1 q ffl ~
(ffll -a-~: 31fii Aa'{<) q a1~ ct5 cl axuT c=rR a-<'(<) q ;z,p m;:t -a- ~ t!15f ga
31~ef: I ~ ~ ;:r fchfuc=t JiqlfflJ:t ~ ~ I ~ucm:Tisfq
;nl=f ;r C5~ tt~ ~~ 31Rr "Q ~ '{C)q 1{.,~:n Fa J:t 15i ~, 31<11 ~a 1q1 +Ft
fd Cb~~ fux«:r $f<j)~'): I 31d ~~: -~ ~Ct.> I~ IJ:t H '""l 3"l {._~ I q ca
wi ~IC1;;;>QIC1, ~ ~UT ID~ factSlfll~~, 3-T~ fcrcpf~
$~~~ ~Uf >ld51~1a, C1W >ict51~HAft1 ~~ fCl*1YACI", Ciffll((
;r ll1J11~·1 f;nnanq JQTll: c=rcf5 "Q ~1Jeufi-qm, f"l f1 ch l!CT m afR1 c=rn

m'{()

1

m, ~~-q~~mn, ff~~>lct5l'<a~1 ~~ ~, c=rum-unTI
6Tm~m=t<Wr~,

Now the question arises: "If this is so, then what can be accomplished by right reasoning?" We have already answered this question. by sayi.ng that the role of right reasoning is on I y to remove
th~ 1 ~press10ns of duality and nothing else whatsoever. As everythi~g IS of the nature of consciousness, the main purpose of even
ordmary practice is to create the desired form in the hody. pra~za.
etc., and put the undesired form in a subordinated place. However, it has already been explained that nothing can he taken away
from the supreme reality. Even the impression of duality is not
something different from consciousness. It is merely ignorance
of one's own essential nature. Therefore, it was said that duality
is removed by pure determinate thought (.foddha-vi ka !pa). The
supreme essential nature has an innermost nature (svabhtiwz) that
is self-shining, which assumes the state of ignorance th rough its

TANTRASARA

71

own freedom. Then gradually, by forsaking it, it first becomes
intent on blossoming, then it begins to blossom, and finally it
becomes fully blossomed. Thus, by manifesting [literally 'shining'], following this sequential order, it manifests itself in its fullness. This shining is the very nature of the Lord, and for that
reason the limbs of yoga cannot be the direct means. However,
reasoning (tarka) is of great importance here, and right reasoning
(sattarka) alone is the direct means. This right reasoning is pure
cognition (suddha-vikalpa), which gets purified through different means, such as through oblation (yoga), offering of food into
the fire (homo), repetition of mantra Uapa), religious observances
(vrata), yoga, etc.
~

~ 1a 1.-i i

~m

~ ~ 1!Cr

ft:vf-a:,

.-i 1~a

'

mfufttf51=f'

3TIB" ~ fctct>fY{C)fG;f'~ ~~ 1!Cr ~~ui ml!:, ~ u
@~fQI(\ ~ ~fuq~~ ~~iJCf ~ ~ ~~ ~9Q{ JiLfun:t
~ur @~1.-ii ~1=f(f(fUT1R.mfiaj m%{C)q~1n 3-m:I ~ mar:

~~JITBm ~ ~"efcict>fYS'll~ ~~faa:.-iMaJff~ fi+:J«l'm
Cl ~ I f"l '<: ff"l ct> <i I f~ cn9-"JIT q I ?I I Cl ~l ~ C""Ci fi 6 fi +:J ta mcrfc:t fl q ;:i °ITT"+:J: I ~W

3~ ~ 1,A ct> q { 1A~11G:m~ mtUTCJZi ~"' 1fu>m~cm:r~1Cl1 .-i qamcr ~ - futi
Clfl "Cf{ ~ ~mer~ ~ ~ q{IA~f;:f Jrq:" I ~?r ~~ F=
1{)41Ci4'<:A~~AHC'11~ ~~cHfi+:JcilftmR-;::r ~~ umefq

3-icffITep-;::j- ~

wn=t

'

1 '

1

<:rmffi m-;::rf..-a:~ 1~ 1Ci 1+:j , .. . • • • • • . . ~"fITRi ~
'

~ 1 ~ fcrf~= ~~crm~= ruct5ftl: ~ ~f~ct5r-Y

~~crcf5 ~clc=rn:f >I ct5 I~ I a ~Cf f"l ;:i Ia ;:i a wfcrEJ >I ct5 I~ I+:! I ?I a I{C) <b ~
C"1 R"Q {Clq I

ifi ~ H l\A I ru ct5fY ru ~lm mn: I

Yoga is offering of all entities to the Lord for the purpose of

attaining firm conviction in the form of the determinate knowledge: "All entities are firmly established in the Lord and there
is nothing separate from him." For those who are spontaneously
enjoyers of penetration into consciousness, it is easy to make this
offering (yoga) to the Lord because it is pleasing to the heart. It is

72

TANTRASARA

with this purpose in mind that offerings such as beautiful flowers,
sandal paste, etc., are prescribed to be offered externally. Offerings into consecrated fire (homa) is dissolution of all entities into
the fire of consciousness of the Lord, who takes delight in consuming all and making them remain as the flame of fire alone.
Homa is for the purpose of attaining this steady determinate conviction: "All entities are made of the light." Repetition of a mantra Uapa) is for the purpose of enlivening reflective cognitions,
but without being dependent on them existing as knowables either
externally or internally, and appearing as if they are distinct from
the highest reality. This kind of reflective cognition of the highest
reality, which is not different from one's own Self. is calledjapa.
Religious observance (vrata) is the perception with firm conviction that the body, a jar, etc., are in essence identical with the
Lord. This is for the purpose of attaining the supreme Self consciousness (abhimana) of the Lord, which is not to be attained by
any other means. As it is said in the Srlnandisikha, ''"The highest
vow (vrata) is the harmony of all." That supreme reality, which
is independent from all forms of thought constructs, shines forth
through various forms of determinate knowledge which possesses
elements of pure knowledge (suddhavidy(1). Yoga, which is a particular type of determinate knowledge (vikalpa), and whose nature
is the unification with one's own innate nature, exists for the purpose of establishing one firmly in that ever-shining I ight.

a qz4~ lluf°ff~m-cr:, ~of#cr ~ Wm:,-wc=r WB~
3Jf-+:f: ~ "fTR ~ fu~rn: mf~
~oft ~ crruTI mm

cmm

~ Fl<=m ~ef~ 3TITm~CW a=act""i:Jtl~n-rW: 31f~mz:IB,
~;:r ~;:r ~UT ~<:Fri ~ 311 {("I I A ~ I m -a- fP=t 'J ~I R=nill ~~-;:r

l{ofa1fiftjc-p:kbl~lci I ~&J m'3ffi"wzn: I fc5 ~. ~ fu~ ill

m~lffi~:, <1T:C5~~~~1~1:~ I ~~~fq~ fP""ll~fl.
<:rm ~ fwcnfG:tHU lFCi JO\ 3ITTH.h0ZH=i fq :r:i:i I?I {C)q Ci <Ji I fu~ -a- ~
q~q~~ffimmqmrfm: I w:rfq~Ol~~I~
~~~ ffi 3R<:T ~lq'{lq'<l~lfm: I <:rm q'{~'{f°qf°qffilc-A;:i I *a~

m

TANTRASARA

73

The essential nature of the great Lord is the 'fullness of his
consciousness' (par~10sm71vitsvabhava). This fullness of consciousness is his Sakti, 41 which is known as body (kula), capacity
(samarthya), wave (urmi), heart (hrdaya), essence (sara), vibration (spanda), glory of power (vibhuti), the three-formed goddess
(trlsika), the cause of kalana (kall), one who minimizes (kar~i~zl),
dreadful (ca~1¢l), speech (va~zl), enjoyment (bhoga), knowledge
(drk), and the superintending deity of lunar phases (nitya). This
Sakti is expressed by these and other appellations based on various
grammatical derivations, which are technical terms used in the
agamas. Let this Sakti abide in any of these forms in the heart of a
meditator. If this Sak ti is viewed collectively, as consisting of the
totality of all saktis, the fullness of consciousness becomes manifest. The Lord possesses innumerable dynamic energies (saktis).
What more can we say? The entire universe is his sakti. Therefore, it is impossible to enumerate all of them in this instruction.
However, the whole universe can be summed up under three main
saktis. The supreme energy (Sriparafakti) of the Lord is that sakti
by means of which this universe, beginning with Siva and ending
with earth principle (tattva), is born, seen, and manifested by the
Lord in indeterminate consciousness. Sriparaparafakti of the Lord
is that sakti by means of which he projects the universe just like
the reflection of an elephant, etc., in a mirror: as different-cumnondifferent. The glorious Aparafakti is that sakti by means of
which he manifests this differentiated universe, in which all these
objects appear as different from one another.

l!ClC1 &fu~t z:rm u I{O I~ ~er ~iref5rtur ~~
~, W ~ ~-P ld<il .sITT-qter mJ:t:;+J IQfl'id:IClct>lflct>lf'fumfu~l&:IT"fl{

R '<im 1

1

ill l!ffT: a a~ : ~ 1m ~: fCI 1a~1 <"1 ~cf> fu~er ci-cf~

1

~~

fu;rcft ~"ITT{ -a ~ ~ ircrf~ I <l"mf%- - 9 ~~ ~cf+=( 3RRer mer
ct> fl~ IB, ~ c=ra1- ef~ f\j)~ GCi~ I ct>fl ~ fu, ~ ~er efmJi~ Ci i T[tnc=crT
<l"c=r: c=rBer ~ 3"l ;a {14 fi fJ1ghfm ct>M ~Fa , 'd <lff%1 %m=i"~crtrr~ill

74

TANTRASARA

~ f:if4011m tX ~ tX, ~ ~tt1~18J·i~ mer~ ~ ~"ITTtur
Ct.>M~m, f,_ (1(1 Jqfit510:f +:r4-cf ~~~~er cnMl'irn, ~ C1cf
3qfi@q{q~ICICt.>M~ ~'iG\ld~ dlfFilc-A"il 31Cff~ ~~
CJ; ff fct rJ'.11 ~ ICl ~l l'f<li Ct.> M~ fci , l C1c=r: fCl {C) q CfJ M """! H I~H.1 l'l CfJ Jl ~q
Cf) '{U I=a d1 Cf) fl~ R1 , ~ 00: CfXUl ~ Cb f1 l'l R-1
9 0 c=rc=r: cnf~ A I ?:il \Q
~P""llCi{Clqi:tN Ct.>fl~m, 9 9 f1~~"ciflillll4xstfuCbm~~o1"!:f~cnJ:JN ~J:J1a1:;(
Ct.>M ~fa , 9 ~ ITTTI" fcrCt.>ff1 Ci i:t fq ~ ct> f1 l'i fc-1 ~ 1!ill ~ ~ l Ia fll:
I

~: ~~ 1!c5 mfq ~ -q1Tcrf( ~ur f~ f~ ~-ef~
~~1f?1~:

"ciwaa:1ac=f+=1HI

~

AlfidJMl'<l~l'il~Uf

3R1ffi QT UGqc1~urrfq ~lfi+:JHI: ~~ fCllCiT"?ci 1:!~

mmaRUT

-m arm

~ct51M1~1&:a1~1= 1 ~ ""ci"
~ nuR
~
'fqlc-i:tf!Jl(f)"{Uf tX I ~= m~RF<:IJ"1l1~ filq 13"$1 H h::a CPTffi
ct5M;oia~IC1~1~... I' ~ I ~ -a- 31~: C15T C1?f +=rf~~ facHul
~ffi'{Ulfal?i1a1 ~err~ I ~ ~IB{B'<°<:i'i 1!Cb?f {..Cl:llcii ~ Ll" ~w
~~IB3H"A~"!\ct: I
I

I

That sakti, by means of which the triad of saktis are born,
that is, embraced (withdrawn) internally into the Lord th rough the
process of unification (anusandlzana), is the glorious Parafakti.
That 5akti (although remaining) Sripara is now cal led Srimatrsadbhava,42 Kalakar~il).I, 43 etc. Each of those four saktis. because
of their freedom, shines in threefold manner; that is, creation,
maintenance, and dissolution. In this way, the number increases to
44
twelve. This takes place in the following way:
I. First, consciousness only shapes (ka lay at i) entities
(bhdva) within.
2. Then it projects (kalayati) them externally as distinct
forms.
3. Then consciousness accepts external objects as something
pleasant and desirable, and then it throws (kalayati) them
internally with the desire to dissolve them within.
4. Next it creates doubt regarding various ohstacles in the
process of dissolution, after which it dissolves those ohsta-

TANTRASARA

75

cles as well.
5. After this, the portion of entity shining as doubt, which is
going to be dissolved, is assimilated (kalayati) within the
self th rough the process of withdrawal.
6. Then it creates (kalayati) the agent of withdrawal and
realizes it as being his own Self.
7. In the process of creating (kalayati) the agent of withdrawal, it creates some entities as existing in the form of
impressions (vtisantis) and some others as existing in the
form of consciousness alone.
8. Then it creates the wheel of instruments (of knowledge
and action), preceded by the process of the activity of
manifesting its own nature.
9. Next it shapes (kalayati) the lords of the instruments.
10. Then it creates (kalayati) the limited subject belonging to
the level of mtiyti.
11. After this it creates (kalayati) the knowing subject, who is
intent on abandoning limitations and accepting the blissful
state of consciousness.
12. Next it manifests (kalayati) the fully bloomed form of his
own Self.
Thus, the "twelve divine Goddesses of consciousness' (dvadasa
Bhagm·a tya ~1) manifest themselves, either to all subjects or only
one, simultaneously or sequentially, either in two or three. They
move in the manner of a circle like a wheel, and also shine extern a 11 y in the form of months, and other minute divisions of time,
the signs of zodiac, and finally in the form of pot, cloth, etc. In
this way, they nourish the autonomy of the 'Lord of the Wheel'
(Cakresvara) and are expressed by the word SrI Kall.
The different meanings of the word kalana 45 are: moving,
throwing [projecting]. knowledge, enumeration, causing all the
objects to become objects of enjoyment, sounding, and withdrawing [assimilating] the objects into oneself. As it has been stated
by the teacher SrI Bhutiraja: '"She is known as Kall on account of
projecting, knowing. and enumerating." The meaning of Kall can

76

TANTRASARA

be seen in detail in various places of my Paratrlsika Vivara~w and
the monograms of my hymns. It is the tradition of my teachers
that esoteric secrets should not be disclosed in one place, nor is it
proper to keep them totally hidden.
~ ~ffi i•:w1g1'""11fu C1"C1 l!ci-fuo ~~ ~ i:t.-aC'Ci~ 1 ~ f%"
~ ~<:f~f1:Rqtj Fa WF1: ~irm ~I Ci ITfi ~I q (i ~I ~~I ClW
-rn~~ 3iCl~ll~IJl:iJ=t 3q~mfmmr, c=rcrclBcr fcrmfUlIB:
3q,~atti1~ ~ ~, l!ci-fuo IQ1J11tl1 m~ -a- qs:ach ~c:B

~~~et.>1-< R{Clra: <:rm <:rm cmrm c=r~ ~,~CJ; ~a-m~~C@~}ffe
11ra~chF"l~I ~tp:J1fJ$ia~I ct>fll"iPil~fll{IQI fCllc-J:JI ~~ ~ 3m
~1 ctafol ~ IB- ~ a"«J)Til ~ ~1 Ci C"Ci Ci fl, ~ a~ Ci 3"P~Jf~rjl c;:~ 1fl,
G:ITi~CI cm~, -w~~Cl"C1 ITTf ~~~Uc=( WG:~1;:a{sfq
-r=rm, me:;:i 1;a '<A 3ffl(f - (fg]ftkl C"Ci 1a ~ ~ ~, Tu 1a ill c;: ~ 1~ 1 Fa
'~""

-·

'

'

'

'

mmrn=cf "efmf'fict ~~=tH1cu+•a11is1R=rt -a-~ er~ 1 aMtfl

-&fu:cnrc1, ~~fu mm.ltRffiJ;.l.-aa~<!')Ci'l~tS11 lfu~11f5llmTsftr m~
fcrfu: en R&m err "ffis?f <:ITCiGf'~~ l!cr ~ ~ c=r~cr -a- 3ffi
~lctafo.1, ~ ci~IMlCt.>lci 3i;:8~J:t I
,
1

'

'

mR~ q ~}J"H t<'i J15lsft:B eptj fi q 1~1 a1 sfu:r Ji f'rHl sW=r q{R-ffi sft:B 1
$~ciG:~Ci<t>R~~f'fl~I
mr;qfu~fu~ 11

<:rm <:rm R 9,J[;f $cp 11 l2'i <i
"ff~O"ti LR<TifTRT w.:r I
~ Cl "«J)ll I~ Ic-R:l fa ~1:•"1 IQ I ~
ru~1f§;a~ ~1~1a~H11101: 11'

All that has been stated about yaga, homa, and so on, should
be understood to be only for Mahesvara. 46 All perceive those very
things that are to be avoided as those that are to be accepted. and
also perceive everything from Vi~I)u to Siva as Paramasiva. This

TANTRASARA

77

kind of view is wrong and it should be rejected by yogins following the path of the Absolute (anuttarayogins). For this very
purpose, Vidyadhipati has made great effort in his monograms
entitled "AnubhavaStotra. ''
. Thus, in each of these five, beginning with ytiga and ending
with yoga, there are different levels of steadiness to be attained. 47
One should act in such a way that one may attain a steady conviction in them. This kind of yogin should not think, "This food is
sanctioned and th is food is prohibited, or this is pure and this is
impure," and in this way cause suffering to his own self. Purity,
impurity, etc., are not invariable properties belonging to the
object, but in essence. products of the imagination. Thus, it is
stated in the Srrpo rva : 48 "Purity is not the essential attribute of
an object in the same way as the property of being blue. etc., is
not the essential nature of an object, for it has been stated to be
impure on other occasions." In (the case of) an offering of gifts to
one who has been initiated, if it is argued that because of directive
statement (codana), this offering of gifts is impure with refer~nce
to that (directive statement), then it is similar to some other directive statement (codantintara) which may contradict the former. ~ut
such a contradictory directive statement is unreal because of [this]
incongruity-if it is so argued, then we say, ··no," that is not right.
The directive statement uttered by Lord Siva himself is sufficiently
forceful to annul other directive precepts. It is well-supported by
logical reasoning, and also [well-established] in numberless tigamas like the Sarvajllanottara and others. We shall speak of it lat.er
in the sequel. Therefore, the rule which is enjoined, in the scriptures, as the precept to be followed and the thing that is to be
prohibited, beginning from the Vedas down to the Tantras of the
Lord as understood by the Siddhantins, such as Kulocclzu!jlllG and
others, serves no purpose in this context: therefore the truth of the
matter is established. In the Srrpo rva and other texts it has been so
stated. One should seek a detailed account of it in the TantrMoka
and other texts.
Bound souls possess a firm conviction of the follow-

78

TANTRASARA

ing nature: "I am dulC I am much-enticed by the bonds
of past deeds, I am impure, I am led by others." Upon
perfect attainment of a firm conviction contrary and
distinct from the above, the same bound soul immediately becomes the Lord (pati) with the immanent form
of pure consciousness.
The perfect yogin should always be mindful that a firm
conviction of the aforesaid nature should be attained.
He should not endanger himself with doubts [arising
from] notions lacking the true nature of things, or by
the unsound precepts of dullards.

3l~ qXJliJ:t 31 lffiCt>J:t I
'
ITTf irCJ fci Cf> ft! : fCI lP=i Cl t=f ©I'< J:t :mcm';:r 3 q I Ci I;:c=J '< f'~ alcf4a

~ ~~I (1?J mrt q I~ ICl Cl'i Iq I{I C1 ~c=r: ~~~WOT
~m-rf'ffif'4a1 '°"t ~ 3q Il'ki ~I 3"l Cl Ci J0&:1 AH : mffi ~
:mfumcrirfu I ~ttUr Roffa J:t 3FRR (!q mf~ I ~ C1 3 q I Ci I;:a '<J:t
m=rt fClfi'Rfl1"<1e.f fqct>r-q1sqaffi, ~ ~f~!):i 101ct6UGI 1~
q Rfl:! a*'q 1i 3q 1ll fci-;i- 11:~ ~ "ITTL<1" 31Turcf ~ 3-rrfcrmefl'ffu,
ITT ~f~ tl4 HI fc-A Cf> I , "ITTur: ~

~frl=f 9-tl, 31TU 3 -vd I'< a I I\A I ,
3vi::m:ui q ;:ni:r qxr s:i1011m '[~.~fr~ CJUf~l~Cll~l er~. ~g:

t=ff;:rc)-~ Ifci ~l ~ lc·J:J I Cf>{U I~ I&:Cl I"CM:, U Cl Ict~l mem: ~USfff~JIT­

~41 li ci li I CPTcffli&!:lJ:JIOll: I <1?f mFl ~ ~ 3f'~ ~~.
"ll"f{ {!(1"f( fCls:lct>l~i f1cfafClHi~c=f ~ ~ ~, ~er R\Ji~~CiciilV
taffCIT, ITT ~s:!J:JIOls:!Ali{C)q~ Cl@cf1mB"f?laCif'Q ~~ ~

~

mrt +:rITTil"{Cfffr;:r: w H Cl 1aflfi:tCG'1ct51 '<: ~~ , ~ !):i 1wri~1

fffiJCllMl9'1ct~lct>4fuI~ "cict'Jlc-J:J.-i: -a-aj;OO~ 3-F"CiCiA'\!)~'<m{ur
R=fJciffl ~ ~1~1c-AR fu~ ~C1. ~;:r q- fcr~;:r ~~
~ flTJ:Jf'qalil ~f~ur ~f«l, c:rcr: 3"lch'{C)YCil:il f~

TANTRASARA

79

31cfmf'~ ,

c=rffi sfq ~~ {<) q Ci li I fcn;=n°fqc=f , c=ra: 3"l ifi {I c-Ji Ci 1J:t
mf'G,C=f U1 IU<""t I l!cf Ci \:,"ci ci1 fl A fci CS1 I~ Cl ttCI *~~uf ~~ I c=rffi
Cllfl'"il~l~ ~ ~;:i- ~ ~ ~ ~ I~ 3IB:r 3"l'"iCl{ci
mrfz:r.:r: ~fq;;::q131q{J:JIW~ ~~fl61{~CS1~ ~~«ilCi~
~q{+:Jlci(=Cf Ll" ~fefGJ ~ "flU l!CI" 'it~mcr: I 31Wlfllf( ~
fl Cf Rfrn ffi ~ 1 C!~ sRr 1
~~ct>l~i fl+:Jfci lc-+:JCi"fci A l?11fud1 ~ I
3"F"(i :cp<""li fu.ra"

w Iu~Ci li I+=avn:rR- I I

~~~61~1IBs{f°kA"ci2bm fcr~ I
~4:fl{&;:ltU ~Zll~ctitOO:Ufu~ICICBJO\ 11
~~·n-aflcfo I~ 1.-:a~fci+:J05f1A lc-J:JR I

-m~mm ~1aci «ilc-A'"i= >rm 11

~ fi~t:<~fllct>I: I~~ I

Chapter Five
When a discursive thought (vikalpa) is capable of purifying itself
in itself without depending on other means, it loses the function49
ality which is commonly associated with bonded beings (pasli).
Then, by the grace of pure knowledge (sliddhavidya), it (vikalpa)
becomes transformed into the energy of the great Lord, and after
taking recourse to it as the 'means' (uptiya), it becomes capable
of manifesting the knowledge belonging to sakti (sakta). This process was explained in the previous chapter.
When, for the purification of discursive thought (vikalpa), one
needs to rely on the ·means' (upaya), then he or she can take
recourse in the intellect (buddlzi), pr{i~w. body, jar, and other
external objects of a limited nature. 50 By doing this, one descends
to the level of an atom (a~1u) and causes the 'knowledge of limited
nature' (cl~10va) to manifest in his soul. On that level the bud51
dhi possesses a meditative nature, and prd~w is of two kinds:
gross and subtle. The former is of the nature of moving upward

80 TANTRASARA

(uccarm:w). This moving upward possesses five modalities: pra~za,
apana, samana, udana, and vyana. The subtle form of pra~za is
denoted by the syllabic sound (vanza), which will be explained
later. The body, possessing a specific type of arrangement, is
denoted by the word kara~za. 52 Jars and so forth are external
objects, which will be described as the means for the purpose of
worshipping the altar and the phallic form (liliga).
Among all of these means, it is appropriate to give instruction regarding meditation first. It has already been pointed out
that the self-shining supreme reality exists externally in all the
principles (tattvas). Having meditated on that supreme reality in
the heart of one's own consciousness, 53 one should then meditate
on the close union of the three, which are fire, the sun. and the
moon. In this context, fire stands for the knowing subject, the sun
for the instrument of knowledge, and the moon for the knowable
objects. One should meditate in this way as long as Bhairava's
fire is not manifested by the fanning of the air in the form of
meditation. This fire is to be conceived as being encompassed by
the aforesaid twelve flames of energy, 54 assuming the form of the
"wheel," out of which these energies emerge th rough one of the
outlets. such as the eyes, and take their repose on the objective
level. .While it is resting [on the objective level], one should first
conceive of it as being externally replenished by the moon in the
order of creation. Then, it should be conceived of as being made
manifest by the sun in the order of maintenance. Further. it should
b.e conce~ved as being made to dissolve by the all-encompassing
fire of withdrawal. 55 Finally, it should be conceived of as being
merged into transcendence in order to become one with it. In this
way. the "wheel" attains fullness with no difference from ohjective
existence. Then, one should meditate by means of that ""wheel" on
the residual traces that remain from the entities, and should dissolve them in a similar fashion. 56 The person who persists with this
practice of meditation attains the firm conviction that the series of
creation, maintenance, and dissolution are in essence nothing but
his own consciousness, which in reality is freedom (sva tantr_va).

TANTRASARA

81

shining as creation belonging to one's own innate consciousness. In
this way, one realizes the state of Bhairava without delay. However,
it is only through practice that one attains all sorts of desired goals.
One should meditate in the blissful and luminous abode
of one's heart as the self-manifest, integral unity of the
Self consisting of three, that is, knower, knowledge,
and object of knowledge, having brought them into the
core of his heart.
One should meditate on the Lord, the all-pervading
One, the Lord of the "wheel" presiding over those
twelve powers of its rays, who is emerging outwardly
through the outlets (voids, vyoma), and is the agent of
creation, and so on.
The yogin should meditate on the totality of entities,
both external and internal, which have been dissolved
into the Self and are going to take repose (vifranti)
therein. Thus, the light of the Self shines forth.
3l~ 3iill'<:

I

c=r?r ~ 3Thcicil{~: ~cf ~ l!Cf ~~ fu~, C1ffi ~

mul~, c=rc=ITsfq we_ti >ffcl 3i q ITi ci ""f'I ~~;:i- "ffCTf~ ~, C1c1:

~{ct515~aTI ~. c=rc=r: flAHl~ ~~mf~ ~~,
C1<1 JG: H Cl ttq)~ +:rrc=p~0flfuct5fH I ~ I c=f?\~ Ifl CBC! ~s:i ~I ii ~~
"ffCTf ct tl a:r:u:r: ~ I l!Cf" ~~ "s:l"~fu ~HI Tfi m l!fIT fu~ I""fl <:i:

m

ill l!Cf RJ"I HT"G.l, R'<:H~:, q{H;:c\l, ~6JH;:c\l, A~H~:, f=aa:1+=a: ~

~ ~~l=f(:f Nf~, l:i I fl I l=l l!aJ: ~~men JG: <Ji I 'ttl A <:ifCfITT-;::r: ~
rfcfmf;;:aq{Jiltl~ JllltllTi~: I (f(l ~ 3WR~~ ~cj;) ~~

"fl"Cfm err fu WR:1 ~ Ci~ 6 s:i a fumf'c=rftfi') fu mf""fl Ci~ J:L 3i fl G: <Ji fu
I

I

11

I

I

cracr ~f~~JIT1:1cil'<:Ol'<:6fflJ:L ~~Cft,Tf{ fcict>fci ~~~,

~ ""a" fumf~ ~cB LfXT ~ ~~ ~~ICil'<:CilR"'ilCi,I c=r?r
s:i IJ I H ~: ~ufai~ I fq ~If~, c=ICl ~ a-TUi Fl:~ I{l wmi ~=, "CiC1: C:5l=q:

82

TANTRASARA

fefckilctJI~ aek11G:lc-Ri~1r~, CttJl Rw- ~~M<Ql<"t I
~ 3"1'ilc-AR 3WB~ ffi~ 'tC!lc-A"i: °ffcfJ:Jli("qlft ~ ~~
fuffi"r«l ~, 31ffi uf: Ae: 1Cll ILflY)~ 1 m 1!ill J1 1~ c: 1~~+:f(:1: f?ra5
'to1Cf);e:@tllfJ;pfg)105ffl;:f)actJ~d~l cmn~ I ~ 3L;a1"1Ja$'11;:cti ~ q-{

-qf

~ l Ifrkl I~~~

ati

I

"[.fW 3 f ;;q tj

dci <:i ~-CB f;+ff'~ti cracr fM ~f51 iq '""t,
I

I

-qrn feflcH1{ I ~ qT?r ffiW mD'Hl~C!:li'""t I m ~~ ~~~{C)qa1
flCbl t:lrnctSl'<i lc-Rili I IQ IAC'1{ClYC"1l G:~ "i ru fPTCbfl I fd ~I f.;.:a fl Im $~fl A I
'
'
3"I ~ ct5 I~ I: ~ 3"1 'j)~ a ~I : I

~~u~wm
fu~ "4zj q Rcr'{~ a 1

~S?rfu~ AIQil<:ifumnm~ "fl~ I I
oq Il0Q I~ fu.smR:ffu ill ~ ~:

~-mc5~m<:r~I
~IOllCilQl - fffl""i"&J ~~ gqxr: I I
31~1*1Pl~'1s?r ~ ~Rcfi~'\ fcn:m~w:i~ruQ:ur ~ 1

~ 3"I Hi'<~ Ml CB I: I ~ 3 i::£ll '< o1'""t I
Now, the topic related to the 'upward movement'
(uccara~w) of the vital energy (pra~w):
One desirous of moving his vital energy upward (uccti ra)
should first make it rest (vifranti) in the heart, 57 the void, and then
through the rising of pra~za should have it rest in external ohjects.
Pra~za should rise there while being replenished by the moon of
apana, by means of which one experiences one's a 11-i nc Iusive
nature and becomes indifferent to everything disti net from the
Self. With the rise of samana, balanced energy, one experiences
the state of unification of all objects. which then rest in a state
of repose. Then. with the rise of the fire of udana, the limit-

TANTRASARA

83

ing distinction between subjectivity and objectivity is dissolved.
With this consuming fire, which devours objects, knower, and
knowledge, and with the subsiding and rising of vytina, the highest knower, free from limitation, becomes manifest. Thus, it is
explained that all the 'stages of rest' (visrtinti) beginning with
void (sunya) and ending with vytina, are all different stages of
bliss. They are as follows: nijananda, 58 nirtinanda, 59 partinanda, 60
brahrnananda, 61 mahananda, 62 and cidananda. 63 Universal bliss
Uagadananda) is the one blissful state, which unifies all the other
six states mentioned above. This universal bliss is free from rising
and setting, and is repose in one's own Self. One should take rest,
either in two [different] ways or in every respect, on one of the
fiveprti~zas in any of the stages of uccara~za. By doing this, one is
able to attain the reality of the 'truth of repose' (viirantitattvam),
which is different from body, pra ~za, and so on. This is indeed the
secret of pronouncing the seed mantras of creation "sa" and dissolution '"ha." By continued unification of these two syllables one
should purify discursive thoughts (vikalpa).
The above-mentioned 'stages of rest' have five stages, each of
which depends on the comparative proficiency of the practitioner
in absorption. However. if one is well practiced in the above means,
then the 'bliss comes in the beginning' (pragtinanda) 6 .i because
of the glimpse of the fullness of the Absolute. As a result of this,
an 'upsurge' (udbhava) takes place for a moment as one gains the
firm conviction that he is free from the body. After this, 'shaking'
(kampa) fol lows because the conviction that the Self is identical to
the body has been loosened by the overpowering nature of one's
'potentiality' (bala). This is followed by the 'void of sleep' (nidrtt)
as the tendency toward externality disappears. In this way, the
notion of the self dissolves in the nonself, and the notion of the
nonself dissolves in the Self because the Self is of the nature of all.
Then the yogin experiences 'great expansion' (malulvydpti), having 'firmly rooted himself in the truth' (satyapada), upon which a
'whirl' (ghlir~zi) takes place. All of these are the stages of the states
of consciousness, which begin with the 'waking state' (jttgraf), 65

84

TANTRASARA

and end with the state 'beyond the fourth' (turyatlta).
These stages become manifest when a yo gin enters the triangle,
i.e., the 'bulb' (kanda), the heart, and the palate cakras, and the
higher 'coiled state' of sakti (ardhvaku~z(ialinl). That state, where
the 'moving upward' (uccara) of the vital energy has its repose
(vifranti), where the entity of knowables has dissolved into a 'transcendent vibration' (para1J1spandam), where knowables appear in
a budding state, and where they where they have fu I ly blossomed,
[that state] is known as threefold li1iga. 66 The nature of this threefold liliga will be described when the occasion for that arises. The
highest liliga according to this system is cal led 'I-lea rt of Yoginf'
(Yoginihrdaya). Of the above, the principal one is characterized
by vibration. When this vibration expresses itself in the form of
contraction and expansion with the nature of the 'unity of the two'
(y~mala), it attains repose with the form of the 'subtle emission'
(visargakalci). Here, I should stop revealing esoteric secrets. The
entrance into it (samavesa), however, remains unrevealed.
In the beginning, one remains steadily established in
one's own innate consciousness; then by 'repose in the
object' (prameye viframya), one fills the knowable.
!hen he quickly dissolves the distinctions of subjectivity and objectivity, and takes rest.

Thro~gh expansion one experiences repose [(vi §ra 11 ti)]
on different levels. These levels are six, along with
the void (sllnya), and as such they serve as the means.
Waking and other states remain merged in this fivefold
pra~w, beginning withpra~za and ending with vyllna.
One well established in the above is able to ascend to
(~r become established in) the abode of the creation and
dissolution of 'self-awareness' (vimar.fo).

~[f ~a-i:rn Io 11 c-A I quf: I

3IT~ l!Cf mm ~ 3ieliffilicpf-c=rmm ~-;:r: cruf: ~
I

TANTRASARA

85

-cnm

ef~~:Tf ~-&:t ~, c=rcr~ 1fl1 fl q '<fi fct R=rcr=rrw, <=r~
~
~ ~ err 3-F=a '<"n:>ci 1R-R ~ err fl A fct ~ 1tt;: fi fct RtFG:~ ~f:,
flAlil"""P~f~ qf~uf:,
flAlilqfeauTisfq ~ "fl"G:~mcrc:PT
~'<1~1fG:cR=( ~~fctrttl~lffl ~qx1@fd50~~~ mct~11Tf!tF:i
~ -a- ~wm~ ~ cruf'<~ffl~ I 3iTf1:4.,'<f~;::i;::a{f!Jj)~
fffCiqla l~Tf!{ ~ 3C§'IO?O:n:i1;:j fifctct~ 3-9~1C1lifci ~ chf~:k"l I
Cil"CAfct{~UI ~ '

~.-c!:l~~cf.,J1f°aR'<.ltlT~ I

~C1~~a~11C"=t
~ -fuIDJffY05qoffctur 11
~ 3-ilTfl'<~fllW I ~ qoffctfu: I ClRUt C1 Jj)~l~CBl~lrt "Ci"~ I

fct CB C'Q : CB ffl IfQ fCI li Ai q li ~a f+=t li <""I I "Jj)q I li IR"i 'Rf5 I{ ~ ~ ~S?r %OT
1fufu mul" ~ ~ 61f%Rflli101C1ali1
~Pi offal ~m q{45Mfudr ~ 1%" fCWJ"l I
~

mBG."f~L("11"<:Al4fcRf'~

<i'""?lfll~

JilUlq~Cbl~H

;:rp:r

qXlAAl~CB~ 11

Now on the topic of 'syllabic sound' (var~za), which is of the
nature of subtle vital energy:
In that 'upward movement' (uccara) of the vital energy, there
is a sound (dhvani), which is continuously sounding as if it is
imitating the unmanifest. 67 This sound is called 'syllabic sound'
(var~za). The most important characteristics of this syllable are
the seed mantras of creation "sa" and dissolution "ha." One
can attain supreme consciousness by the practice of these mantras. For example, when letters beginning with ''ka" and ending
with "ma, "6 8 either with or without vowels, are merged into the
core of the vital energy or simply brought to memory, then one
experiences a balanced state of vibration of consciousness. This

86

TANTRASARA

is because the 'word,' that is, mantra, is free from conventional
relations (samaya) 69 and therefore is full in every respect. Even
the words which depend on convention are also capable of conveying their respective meanings according to the imagination of
one's mind. After one has experienced supreme consciousness [in
this way] he should bring together the heart, the throat. the lips,
and the two 'ends of the twelve' (dvadasanta). Then, one should
unify all of them in the 'core of consciousness' (hrdayam). This is
the esoteric secret of this syllable (vanza). Some explain that from
the 'reflective consciousness'vibrating in the 'core of the heart'
e.merge white- and yellow-colored syllables. It is hy this meditation that a yo gin is able to realize consciousness.
By the vibrating consciousness in absence of any object
to be denoted, and by restraining the movement of
both moon (indu, that is, apana) and sun (arka, that is,
pra~za), a person, because of entering into the realm of
~onsciousness in a balanced way, becomes fully perfect
In regard to cit, blja, and pi~1f]amantras .
. This is the brief summary in verse of the topics discussed in
this section of Chapter Five Here ends the elucidation of the way
of the_ 'syllabic sound' (var~a). Kara~a will be explained in the
mudra section.

T~ some, discursive thought (vikalpa) attains fullness

~Ithout resorting to any means, and to some it is puri-

fi~d by taking recourse to means. The expediency in

this system is manifold. It is in the intellect (huddhi),

th~ vital energy (pra~a) in the body, and in external

Objects as well. They have been explained as limited,
but at the attainment of the result, how can there be any
distinction?

3l~ tsftOAl~dJA I
'
3l~ ~ lttirufu: I

TANTRASARA

87

"fl" l!Cf ~HS•kf>("q•=p~1&,-;::r Sffi:, ITT f?rm W"Ff-~UOICll<1): ~~ ~
q, ITT >rfUT c=rrcrc=i:f~f'cu:, ~= 3Rtl" Cf a:=<:i A 1o1 : 31~ ~ 1o I '$?..1: ct5 flh4 , ~

ctJA I¢f)A Cf) C1 ~ Cl C51"('f:' "fl" q ~ m ~ JRmfu' a'id: IfFi q ~ ~

~ efm:, ~~-;::i- c=J ClGJmffi ctiAl¢bA<::f1: ~101qRi: I "ftfcra-cr f%" ~~

fqirffi ~ lJED 11 f<-1 ' 3-T<l l!Cf q 3"l Cl ma <JiI~
ta 1a;:;;xq1 a,
3ilctf"Clmcrr

auc=rt m;:ffi -;::i-~' c=ra:

-B-a ~CfJR1~~ R q a .-a1 fw<::i 1~1 furn-tTFIT ~ 1oH1{<)q1

qxrm ~= ~-g ~ ~~. c=rc=ITsm iliR ~mm 1 ITT

fw<::i 1~1m1 CITTffi~ ~cmn, ~ c_i l!fcf-&fo~{C)q1 ~m~. ITT cruf-

~ - qcrr~ CPTIB~ fu:rfu: ~ -"f1B:-"A"- ~M {C)q c=q I<"\ I ~~
Cln:f-~-ct5C11c-A"'il ~ '1."lfdt51qf<-1 fdlctfi{ I ITT~~ fi&l~IR:i"'"ci'<~

3"i'J a~ Ia{<) q : >rfUT:, c=rwRf ~ ftgG fi chm IQ M : 3Rfl" ~d IQ Ic"W~~ ~, rn=f ~
~ R{C)qon~ 1 c=r?r >r~efm: 3"llc-A~1rw <:lR ~ ~ ~101xu1 ~=-

~~~~ 1 c=r?r t'4d<::il1 ma~11;ai;:ci ta1~&1: ~~ ~~,a~fl=
~IOl"cil'(: ~ ~ q, fct'lfba61fl<::iMdt5("ql(i, fiaf\Q I ITT ~IBct51 fc:rfv:
+nm crt5f ~ cr:fffll-grc=m, ~ fi A ff! : Cf5lrl: fi A I GQ I ITT fi q Xl i~
~ ~ ~ f~ mCCP1G:U:, mc:cPT -IB ~ atSI~')= af=tl 1a,
g>fi L(""t fl'i ~fl I irctfu I

m

a

Chapter Six
External Practice
This external practice is denoted by the term 'formation of the
place' (sthtinaprakalpana). According to this system. the location (sthtina) is threefold. i.e., vital air (prti~za), 70 the body, and
external ohjects. 71 The procedure (vidhi) with regard to vital air
(prti~w) 72 is as follows: The entire sixfold path. which will be elaborated later, is conceived as abiding in the vital air. Time (kala)
is the sequential and non-sequential unfoldment 73 of 'mutative
activity' (kalana). However, it should be understood that time also
exists within the Lord. The manifestation of time is caused by that
sakti belonging to God called KalI. 74 On the other hand. the mani-

88

TANTRASARA

festation of both sequence and non-sequence, which brings about
external differentiation, is the modality of vital air (pra ~zmrtti).
It is indeed consciousness alone which assumes th is nature by
isolating itself from the knowable. 75 As a result, consciousness
assumes the form of void (nablza), which because of the association with limitation assumes the nature of 'knowable object' (vedyatam). Then consciousness, being intent on accepting the objects
of knowledge because of its freedom, is as if it were falling from
its original state and becoming predominantly of the nature of
the 'power of activity' (kriya sakti). 76 Then the form of vital activity, which is the very life of living beings, fills the body with five
forms of pra~za. In this way it shines as a living being.
The 'path of time' (kaladva) shines in the early portion of
kriyasakti, while the 'path of space,' characterized by a diversity
of forms, shines in the later portion of kriyasakti. The states of
var~ia, mantra, and pada abide in the path of time because they
are the supreme, subtle, and gross forms respectively. The state
of the path of space (desadhva) that is 'principles' (tattvas), the
'w_orlds' (bhuvanas), and 'subtle elements of the universe· (kala)
will be explained when the occasion for that arises.
Although the vital air remains interwoven inside and outside
of the body, pra~w moves from the heart by the perceptible effort
of _the knowable objects; (that is, taking pra ~1a as the knowable
Object). The three iaktis: 'belonging to the Lord' (prabhu sakti),
'one's own iakti' (atnul sakti), and 'effort' (yatna) are the causes of
t?e movement of pra~w. This is accomplished through their relative dominance and subordination. 77
The length of the breath, both the inhalation and exhalation
of all living beings, from Brahma to an insect, is thirty-six digits
(wigulas) if measured by (the length of) their own fingers. 78 This is
~ecause aJI living beings have the strength, effort, and body befitting them. The entirety of time, that is, the lunar days, months,
years, and number of years, is contained in the movement of the
vital air. One minute (ca~aka) is made up of one and one-fifth dig-

TANTRASARA

89

its (G1igula). Fol lowing this line of measurement, one hour (glzaf
ika) arises. Therefore, counting the inhalation and exhalation of
the breath, the total becomes seventy-two digits.

31~ fu~C\ <:i : 1 f"l q 1C\A ~c=rn:ti (jfr: :w:IB, ~ =t:rn f! ~ ~, cJQJci
~tlcvr~tm, l!ciA-rm~, ~~. ~fu~ I
Next, the rising of the lunar day (tithi) will be described. One
tuf i consists of two and a quarter digits. Four tufis make three
hours (prahara). The duration of both dawn and twilight is half
of a tufi each. Thus the inhalation and exhalation of one breath is
known as the day and night. This is the way of the arising of the
lunar day.

31~ +m=IT~ I CVf ~ ~?WI q a=r: ~~I ITT~ ~c=utl ~
-a~tl fu~~ 3"iCBIMCB~, 11"~ qsqa~I ~m~fu~, ITT
I

~d)l~ll fu~~~ ~ lTcl {!Cf fu;:rf~ I Cl?f ~tPilk11~Cbl~ll ~I 8~~

fail I{ fufil~ m?I: ~ q !):i Cf) I~ I fu~ ftmf~fu ?Cl Ia 3-FF(l~~
'
a Ri I ~ ~ fc1 ~<:ff( I (1?f q1 &J I q af !):i I a II Cf1 3"I q H a'""?: 3IBZfff~
~epf Cf) ('i 1J:t 3-TLf"l:ffu
~ q 5ci tl ~ <:i i ~tt g:i tl ~ 11 ;:c"1 fi Al q
aTIUft! W~Ci Cf) ('i I!):i f"l { : £l <rf\A I : ~ I a 11 cf1 'QC[ ffi~ I a tl.., ;:c"1 { ~ ~ffitl
I

I

I

~ qa-mf~ I ~ q ~cu-cl~ !):i I~ '"t 31cll=( 3"11 A Iq ffl

I

fu<=IT-tj mf~

I C1?f mf~ ef~ ~ ~ 3"i1Ala~l

mTlT ~ Cblfi\;i<:lMlaURTf
tlcpC"l lfl fuf2'lmctlfl fa~1fci ~ rn ~~01~, m -a- a~'«lqfil1ifif:~m
A I <:i I \;i A IQ~: ~~I Cl C"1 Ci I fa MI Y"i l~lffi: Ch Cl fl~ 3"11 il§ltl"i A l?I fii:ttl:
~Ulk=i ~ ~ ~ ~ I ·~n:rR~)•P=tlDl\;iA~a<:l1f°a<JO:J1lld5IRfCllfl ~
~m:r: C5Tfl: q I'< M1fenCB45 M \;i tl : I (lcl: mcmfu ~ Ial fo tl cf1: ~ ~1 d5 <:i I Cb fl <:i I
3"I q H £l <rf\J:t ~~, ~ q s:a a~ fl Qfc: ~fufm, a ct"i ;:c"1 { qa-rnf'~
~-a~ !):llJCICi,, ~ Q QIBCblf)fl!):ltlJOt, ~ lTIBT~ I

Now the rising of the month will be explained. Here, the day is
the dark fortnight and the night is the bright fortnight. 79 The first
half and the last half of the tufi is considered as "rest' (vi.frllnti) 80

90

T ANTRASARA

because it is beyond the influence of time. However, the intermediate fifteen tufis make up one fortnight. There, in these tithis
light and rest occur, which are known as day and night. Day is
when the manifestation of the knowables takes place, and night
is when they dissolve into the knowing subject. 81 Day and night
have infinite divisions because of the variety of prolonged and
temporary duration. The 'equinox' (vi~uvat) is the occurrence of
the balance of both. During the dark fortnight. the moon, which
stands for vital energy (apana), offers replenishing lunar phases
(kala) one after the other to the sun (pra~za), until the fifteenth
tufi is reached. This fifteenth tufi is adjacent to the 'end of twelve'
(dvadasanta), the waning moon from which al 1 the phases have
been separated and thus has become emaciated, i.e .. dissolved into
pra~za. The tufi that follows is the conjunction of the half month
(pakta). The first half of that tufi is related to the night of new
moon (amavasya) and the latter half to the first day of the lunar
fortnight (pratipad). When the portion related to (amtivasya)
enters into the portion related to pratipad as a result of a conscious
effort of expelling air, such as a cough, it causes a break in the
l~ngth (that is, the flow) of the vital air, usually one titlzi in duratIOn. '!'his is known as an eclipse (specifically, a lunar eclipse). At
that time, rahu, the knowing subject of mtiyd, who is insepara?1Y associated with the object of knowledge and who is naturally
mcapable of obliterating, but only of veiling fthe moon]. drinks
the nectar of the moon that abides in the sun (pra ~za). This is
an auspicious time, capable of bestowing extraordinary results,
because this is a moment in which indivisible unity of the knower,
known, and knowledge takes place. When the prcl ~w enters the
realm of apana, consciousness in the form of the sun fills up the
apana gradually in the form of the moon (offering to it) one lunar
phase after the other. This process continues until the full moon
(ptirnima), which consists of fifteen tufis, develops. After this,
the c?njunction of the half moon and an eel ipse takes place as
described previously (solar eclipse). However, this eel ipse bestows
only mundane results. This is the rising of the month.

TANTRASARA

31~ Cltttd:\'Jl: I C1?f cpm1qa=r l!Cf 3tHJ?JlOj q

q

91

~ ~ctSIPa:

"T"T""Ad'S-. .---.-.'<1-.-C"l fB~~ I C1?f Sk<•HfM ~ IB~, ~ ThTi'<l~fumTT:, Fci

~~ G:fa:1011?Jl;:j, -rr~m, ~mr, ~~~ ~tSliC""aJ:J 3id:Cll'<Ai:
3id:Clt11, \J"F'l"ilfu"fuChl{t5i~,ch ~ ~ ~ Ji~Hlf~ ~ l, c=r2tcf ~
3Bf ~ ~f'qc=f Ch'<l fa I 3-Br -a- cramrr: fq Ci I Jig I;a I ~ ~Im l'l &:l"
9'1tl~ll~, ~ a~1ct0l: I
1

Now the rise of the year will be described. The 'dark fortnight'
(kr~~w pak~a) is the passage of the sun to its 'northern course'
82
(uttaraya~w). The passage of the sun from one side of the zodiac
to the other (swhkranti), beginning with Capricorn (makara) and
ending with Gemini (mithuna), is six digits (migula) in length. The
five lunar phases (tithi) consist of one digit each. In these lunar
phases there is also a division of days and nights.
Thus, when inhalation occurs, that is known as the passage
of the sun to its southern course (dak~inayana). The six changes
found in living beings, i.e., the state called insemination, the will
to become, the desire to be born, the state in which birth becomes
imminent, starting to arise, and real appearance, are all included
in the signs of the zodiac beginning with Capricorn and ending
with Gemini. The other six human conditions, i.e., birth, length
of life (stithi), transformation (pari~zati), growth (vrddhi), decay,
and death, are included in the last six signs of the zodiac. For this
reason rituals performed during this particular time (according to
the zodiac) bestow the appropriate results. The rudras, beginning
with Dak~a and ending with Pitamaha, together with their saktis
83
are the superintending deities of the twelve signs of [the] zodiac.
Here ends the description of the arising of the year.

\;i~~fi ef~ fuw:r ~ ~UT ~~ crfl=( ~;:r ~UT
~m~~= mct~ll~l~, \;i~~fi fumaj ~ICi?lld ftJ:J5aims"[A
~. <:l?f ~ d6id'5~ 3ml=( ~ llOITi\'Jll ~~ Q"xr Cfl5rlfuT, ~
I

3-R"m

Qf{q1cu1

{!Q)f~

murf;:nf~~l(f)IM

6iteU&.l~,

3l?T

92 TANTRASARA

eCBRi~1R1trn~1fUr ~ ~ICilA ffe fumaj ~~ I Ci 1acil 1!Cf 3"1Bl{I~
>l IuIf1 'L~ I , ~ ;:r t5! tct:Hi~l ~ 3ITTm GfT ~ 3"1 H ""fl'i I fl I "Ci?f +i9~
~ ~ fffiw, 3-Fl;:r ~UT fG:cx:rrR mG: ~I a bf fH:~ ~ I fOT ~1Tn=l
I i:lfCllR ?ftfur ~ ~ ~ ~ ~cqfu mcIT~ ~: ~ ~~ I
~TTRP=l eCB'<"1ca~1 Ji ;=a ;=a '<+"l, Ara~~: ~cfffii:r: ~Teti f~,
~ 161 RH Hi CB Ift 1f;;::i c: J~

crfl Cf5?i ~

~

-a- ffi~ ~A sn•i:n fq"ff
~ 0FfT ctl"TCfef~fu=rr JI ;::i C'il ch s:l fl~ ICf5 C1l ~Z-1" fc:rtsOf~ I ~~
'!?&"ii 0gg IGa')~ 11 w +:rITTmct ~sR=r I <lfl1" R ~ 11 fl A I L("11 ~rem ~re: I
m l=fR;:r Qlfm<=f ~~= I Cl\l fQIDIT: fG:;::f a Ia cil q m?t: ~
~ ~= <1<1 ITT ~w ~amm '<1¢0:~, a1aa1 m?t:, ~
~, ama l1 fq q- 31cffu:
C1?f ~ (fG:"Cff~ ~ a fCI l Fa
~
JTI5°fud51'<1Clftr:, ~~Ul'<Cf51uli ~ fG:;::f ~lci{C)~loli, "Rm Ci ldCil,
I

1

1

1

~ q- ~1Cil11~f I ~1Cifi¢t:I~ ~6"1105fa;::i1~1: I

I

t!cf

=,

J1C1Cifd1Cl

3iclfffil~Ji_ ~Cf ~ur {1¢0:1011+-t ~= I ~cf~'<ifHffl ~ ~ I
oo.!U ~~lfi~.!U ~CB1Ro1: 3-Tcx:rffi IBtaPa ~ I $$f}(f)o~-;::i 1~9-tl (1GJ
~I ~Sdl~'<>lft~:, ~ ef"'5G: I C1?f ~llf511~'<Jj)"tf51 3lfLr ~Jl'1~
I~ sITTCBO~·-=tl~ ~ ~: ~ ~epqrfwrt '<1~101i ~. ~
~, ~ ~= (1(\ ~~, c=rrcrcTI- 1!Cf a=JLIT, ~ -a fl A fa Aa
l1 I~ I~ i ff1 ~a I -q;;:r: JI g~~I : ~Jffu I ~ ~ 3"1 clfrf)(f) I C1 : c=f ~~
WW lj)O Ifu ("Cl I l1 I~ IFd;i Cf)~ cncrffi ~ I "fl" 1!Cf ~ I q I<A ICt.> IC'1:
wclm"R;:r W0Tc1 Q~ f~ 1 JJ?r
JllTfl ~Jffu, a 1a a1 ~,

m

I

mun

m >i1orn~1l1:, muT q- ~(Jf'CSfffiwf8 ~sfq m ~~, Ci?lllZilffi=f
~ 1

Qm cnffi wtlffifl1tuIB m -ttxsm, C1fl ~~ f~, ~

Rm, ff "QCf l161>lft~: I ~~ «idJlflqR~ f~~~ft.rcPT
~ ~ ffi<:Rl. ~ mr~, ClC1 am~, w -a- 3-FITT~
Wtt>CBIM;:oi w~.fq:rr~furR-;r ~~~ I 3Rlf~ fllAri~ tra,
~ oo '<"1 IJ=H ffl t1fRt oo ~CJ I ~ fl I+Fi~ I a 3"1 Cf5 f{:l I Ci d'5 I C1 Ifl
'
'
'
'
'
'
1

f~m~tS!JOll?iCi~I m~tS!Cf)IC'iSH"Hs:lfafl~=c:A~trmG:<:1: I ~ G:m

w

'<"16~Ji_ ~cl "ffaf Rqc=f cffifc:: ~cf '!~ ~ ~ qzj ~ ~?:

TANTRASARA

93

~ 1=1"~ ~tl~ ~~UT G:~ll1f01a1R 346GIG:~I. ~ llf01afqfu: I
t!CJl=( 3ffi"&:fl: ~fte~Ml'il: l"!CBf~ ~~ ~. "ffisfq tifaffi, m
3LITW "ff f=a ~ I :;Q f=a :;::J:j I ?I fil q 3flf ~ -~ cmffi-~ ~ I C1c1 l!Cf
I

I

fqG••H=ict>fYIG.1 ~f"ci?ClJi 3IB:f ~ fc:m"~ I ~ "l'i"W ~ CblftlG:l'i:
"RW 3fqA5fq

~<i l'i I C1 ~"fflf)-~~ I <::TW ~ ~("Cf)U ~·-"fff<.1-~ -~ ~

mc:~11;:8~ ~6=f-~-mr-~1a1 ..=t1f-~m1xo..~

d'S1"1.:01~cepi:f

c=r~

~ s-Rr ~ c=ct.>~ I"i ~ -~C5T-:a -~ ct51 fl - g: 1c:~11 ;:fl~, ~-.Jr~~crrtlCf5RtFf -"T1~ -'j)nx:i ~ ~ I

If the sixty lunar phases (tithis) are conceived in the breadth
of each finger (migula), then following this method of calculation, one year is conceived in the passage of the sun from one
sign of the zodiac to the other. Counting in this way, in the ingoing and the outgoing breaths, the raising of twelve years takes
place. 84 When in one digit (aJigula) the number of lunar phases
is conceived to be three hundred, then one-fifth of a digit makes
one year. 85 Following this method of calculation, what was previously described as one casaka, i.e., one and one-fifth digits, then
the period of five years ~ill place in one passage of the sun from
one sign of the zodiac to another (sadzkrtmti). Following this procedure, the rising of sixty years takes place in a single inhalation
and exhalation of the breath. Therefore, the number of the lunar
phases is 21,600, which is the number of inhalations and exhalations of the breath in the course of one day and night. A number
higher than sixty has not been examined because it borders on
infinity.
Furthermore, one year for human beings is the lunar phase
(tithi) of the gods. 86 Following this procedure, 12,000 heavenly
years composes the four yugas. The duration of these four yugas
is 4,000, 3,000, 2,000, and 1,000 years, beginning with krtayuga.
There are eight junctions between them, which are 400, 300, 200,
and 100 years in length. One manvantara 81 consists of 71 cycles
of these four yugas. Fourteen of these manvantaras make up one
day of Brahma. At the end of this day of Brahma, the three worlds

94

TANTRASARA

are burned up by the 'fire of time' (ktila agni). However, the upper
three worlds 88 are overpowered by sleep caused by smoke. The
creatures living there are propelled by the rapidly burning [cosmic] fire to a world called Jana and remain there as pralaydkala
souls. But those creatures called Ku~maI)Qa. Hataka. and others
who are properly enlightened souls continue to play in a world
called Mahas. When the period of that night of Brahma is over,
creation starts again. Following this system of measurement, the
life span of Brahma is one hundred years. This is the duration
of one day and night of Vi~I)U. His life span is also one hundred
years. The life span of Vi~I)U is one day in the 1i fe of Rud ra, the
Lord of the Rudra world, which is above the world of Vi~IJU. The
duration of his night is of the same length: one year is as described
above. One hundred of these years is the 1imit of the Ii fe of Rudra.
At the end of one hundred years [of his 1i fe] he attains identity
with Siva. The functional period of Rudra is one day consisting
of 'one hundred rudras' (satarudras), who support the sphere of
Brahma. Their night is of the same length. Their life span is also
one hundred years long. At the time of the death of the satarudras,
the destruction of Brahma's reign takes place. Thus. the 1i fe span
of the rudras abiding in the water principle to the end of the primord.ial nature principle (prakrti) is counted in the following way:
!he life span of the rudras, abiding in the lower principle, is a day
m the life of those who live in the higher principle.
Then Brahma and Rudra (although their worlds are destroyed~
Brahma and Rudra are not), who are presiding over water, and
the other tattvas, remain in an unmanifest (avvakta) state. At that
time, Lord Srikal)tha becomes the agent of des~truction. This is the
intermediate state of dissolution 89 which ends in avvakta. When
the time of destruction is over, a new creation hegi ns again. At
that time, those who attained liberation by fol Iowi ng other .frlstras
are also created. 90 The span of life of Lord Srikat)tha is one day
of those rudras who abide in the veils (kaiicukas). 91 The length
of their night is the same. One day of Gahanefa is the 1ife span
of Rudra. The length of his night is the same. During the night of

TANTRASARA

95

Gahanefa, everything that remains dissolves in mtiyti. After dissolution, Gahanefa creates again. When the life span of the unmanifest state (avyakta) is multiplied by ten parardhas (one parardha
is 100,000 bill ion years), it is said to be the period of one day of
mayii. The same is the case for the length of the night of maya.
The night of maya is stated to be a dissolution (pralaya). The time
span of maya, when multiplied by one hundred parardlza, is one
day of Isvara. There, the vital energy (pra~za) creates the universe.
The same is true for the length of one night, during which pra~za
takes rest. In the cavity called bralzmabila, where the vital energy
stops its function and although consciousness there remains in
a tranquil state, even there this sequence persists. When the life
span of Isvara is multiplied by one hundred parardhas, the number
we arrive at amounts to one day of Sadasiva. The same occurs in
the length of his night. Sadasiva's night is known as mahapralaya. 92 After the end of his period, Sadasiva encloses bindu.
ardlzrachandra, and nirodhika within himself and dissolves himself into nada. Nada dissolves into sakti, sakti into vyapinl, and
vyapinl into an(/Sritasiva. One day of anairitasiva is equal to one
day of sakti when multiplied by 10 million parardhas. Anasri~a
rests in the realm of samanti. This equilibrium of samana is
known as Brahma. From this state of equilibrium (the most subtle state of mind), which is beyond mutation, all these aforesaid
'mutations of time' and their dissolutions arise like the cyclic
motion of the 'wheel of time,' similar to the opening and closing
of the eyelids. The procedure of counting is as follows: 1; 10; 10
x 10; 100 x 10: 1,000 x 10: 10,000 x 10: 100,000 x 10: 1,000,000
x IO: 10,000,000 x 10: 100,000,000 x 10: 1,000,000,000 x 10:
10,000,000,000 x 10: 100,000,000,000 x 10: L000,000.000,000
x 10: 10,000.000,000.000 x 10: 100.000.000,000.000 x 10:
l ,000,000,000,000,000 x 10: 10,000,000,000,000,000 x 10.
These a re n a rn e d e k a, d asa. .<ata. s a lw s ra, a y u ta. Ia k ~a. 11 iy u ra.
kofi, arbuda, vrnda, klzarva, niklzarva. padma, smiku, samudra, antya, madlzya. parllrdha. Thus, the number coming later
is ten times higher than the former. The total of these numbers

96

TANTRASARA

is eighteen. Thus, numerous creations and dissolutions occur in
one breath, 93 having the characteristic of the great creation. That
breath abides in consciousness, the consciousness in an accidental attribute (upadhi) (with the characteristics of forms. features,
etc.), which accidental attributes go to rest in the singularity of
consciousness. The vibration (spanda) is nothing but the manifestation of consciousness, which appears in the form of the emergence of time. Therefore, this diversity that occurs in dreams and
imagination does not create any contradiction in regard to time.
Just as the emergence of time occurs in the form of pra ~10, in the
same way, it occurs even in apana, which proceeds from the heart
to the end of muladhara. As the six causal agents. that is, Brahma,
Vi~l).u, Rudra, Ifa, Sadasiva, and Anasritasiva, who appear in
the heart, throat, palate, forehead, randhra, and in the 'end of
twelve' (dvadasanta), 94 operate in the upper region. in the same
way in apana, these deities operate in the throat, valve, generative organ, causing it to contract and expand, and in the "end of
twelve' (dvadasanta). They are the superintending deities of boyhood, youth, old age, death, rebirth, and 1iberation. 95

31~ w=rR- Cf>Tffi~ I f1A1"il ITTCIT~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~Ahl

~-g ~-;:i- ffifcft-;:i- ~"R I m rullt:(ICb °ff~ c=rf~c=rcJ~ ~
'

'

'

~= 311..,.,._ct>,........1'<......lqfa~ 1 3)~~ "ff~ fffi:r~ ~~ ll<illlci CITTTfu 1 m

a,

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crr"B ~ qxr °ff ct:> I'"fi q: I ITTr: "fiwrf--a q sq ch Ci~ ~~ ~cf~
uR:ct51~~Fact:>1'"f11~refa-rut~ fu'1ct~~~ !'l101~1a1f:i c=ralsftr
efa:ruT crrB Gf'arur crrB Gf'filUT ~ "ffwrf;:a q sq ch , ~cj:) ~Cl~ ICi I R
1

1

~er mrcrfq, ~ fu I l"!ci ~ctfuctfl ~ U ~ ~ ~ctJl;M(i\Q:
I C1fil ~~am~ °ffwrf~f~~ I ~ ~~ ~Al~A{lhl
~"[ti mmr~rrr~ 1 3BITRr g:1ct~11~1~ ~cfcrc==( 1 3G:R C1
mct~ 11 -=a 1ct FO~ fY ~A 1?I le-A "i Cb 1Mffl 1 3BITRr ctcf ac=t fcrfu: 1 cx:rR C1
=

~1Qct5fdl<"1 ~sfq ~fr+:Jla9C1flllflil;:r CblMlct\Q: I

TANTRASARA

97

Now the rising of time in samana:
As breath in the form of samana moves along the ten channels
(na(li) born in the heart, 96 it causes fluids, etc., to flow throughout
the entire body in a balanced way. The samtina, while wandering
along the eight different directions, causes the knowing subject to
imitate the activities of the superintending deities of the quarters. 97
While moving upward and downward, it (samana) goes on moving along the three channels. 98 So it is that on the day of equinox
(vi~uvat) it moves externally in the morning along the middle path
for one and one-quarter ghafiktis. Then, the number of movements
of the breath being nine hundred, it moves externally for a period
of two and one-half ghafikas from left to right, again from left
to right, and then from the left. Thus, five occurrences of the
movement of the sun from one side of zodiac (salizkrtinti) to the
other takes place. With the passage of the sun through five signs
of the zodiac, and after a duration of thirteen and three-quarters
ghafiktis, (its) being over the autumnal equinox takes place, and
at mid-day, nine hundred movements of the breath occur. Then,
from there the breath moves from the right to the left, then from
the right to the left, and then right. In this way, the sun passes
through (another) five signs of zodiac. Thus, the number ~f
breaths is nine hundred for each passage of the sun (smizkrtintz).
This also occurs during the night. Therefore, during the day and
night of viJuvat (equinox), there are twelve smizkrtintis in each.
With the increase and decrease of the duration of the day, the number of smizkrtintis will increase or decrease. Thus, in one breath
of sanuzna the passage of two years occurs because of the absence
of the meeting of the inhaled and exhaled breath. In this manner,
the passage of twelve years occurs as described before, while in
the breath known as udclna, the movement of breaths occurs up to
the 'end of twelve' (dvadastinta), where time is characterized as
a vibration. Here again, the same method of calculation should be
followed. On the other hand, in the type of breath (called) vyana,
which is all-pervasive and free from sequence, the emergence of
time is associated with a subtle surge.

98 TANTRASARA

3f~ qoffe:a: I ITT 310~ 3fU~ cmTc:m- ~cffi:r ~. ~
~ [ ~ ~ \;llOllTilA I~ ~vrc=r "ci~ChlfUT "$"fu 3N:,
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I

ctff\cP1f~ <1G:W:\ ~TfcUf5AUI ~fH~lci ~ ~ ~. ~
~ ~~a-B "ci I'< fQ {ti q fu~ ITfl ~ , ~ I a I "ci I { aftu) , Cf5 I Ci~ I\Cl
~ ~11 ~a~ -&cf~ f:a ?I~ IR=Bf;:rtj"{ ~ I CITTff~~ ga
~m:cn: Ti" au~c;: fi I\!51 '< ~ $11 ~Cl~ $11 ~ ~ <:i I a Ii 3-fflf~
I

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fl f8~4'fl1 lc:-A.-i: !l'i 10 l~lf#5
~tj Cl?flt "ci Ifa d"5 ICi J:t I
mci1 ~ RcJ ffi fi ~I'< "ci ~1f;f f41~ml ikcTI~ ICIA I I

ra

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C1 ;;;51 f1 I{

q)ITTf~ ~Ch I~ I;i

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tj t5(3A I f€d'5'"{ I I t.. I I

Now we will explain the rising of the source of phonemes
(van:za):

During the period of balance in an equinox (vi,Juvat). in the
duration of two halves of prahara (one and a half hours) there
arise the phonemes, [which emerge] in groups (kavarga, etc.). 99

TANTRASARA

99

When the breath for each phoneme becomes 216 internally, it
occurs externally to the extent of thirty-six ca~akas. This is the
rising of the phoneme automatically, all by itself, without any
effort. On the other hand, the rising of the mantra with effort is
like applying the force of determination to a single effort. Then
a teacher, while continuing to think a mantra day and night with
the thought of unification, becomes identified with the deity of the
mantra.
The number of rising of mantras is interpreted by the rising of
the movement of breath. When that breath is doubled, the rising
becomes half. Therefore, following the same method, the rising
occurs with reference to the wheel consisting of 108 divisions, and
the rising of the breath becomes 200. According to this method,
one who is able to rest in the movement of the breath, either gross
or subtle, while the movement of breath becomes attenuated and
when time is consumed in this manner, for that one everything is
experienced as one consciousness which is perfectly full with the
variegated saktis.
The difference of time is the cause of a distinction of knowledge and not a distinction of a knowable object. It is like the
knowledge of one standing on the mountaintop looking downward. This knowledge, as long as it is existent, is known as 'subtle
moment' (k~ana). In the rising of one breath, one thought exists.
This is correct. Otherwise, the knowledge of a thought-construct
(vikalpa) cannot be considered to be one because of its gradual
association with the element of a word. This is the case even with
matras 100 (dirgha, pluta), which are also gradual. As it is said
in the A~fadhyczyr 1.2.32: "The first pada of the svarita vowel
extending to one-half of the duration of the short vowel is udatta,
while the remaining part is anudatta."
Thus, so long as another vibration does not arise, there is a singularity of thought. At the time of bringing the mantra consisting
of eighty-one divisions into the realm of memory and by means of
entering different forms of attributes, it remains one with reference to the determinate thought (vikalpa) of Paramesvara, and the

100

TANTRASARA

experience free from vikalpa takes place as a resu 1t of the absorption of time. Thus, seeing the entire path of time in the arising of
the breath, counting the diversity of creations and re-absorptions
as innumerable and diverse, and cognizing oneself as the one possessing the great riches of the Lord, one experiences that he is
already 1iberated.
Visualizing one's own power of breath. which is nondifferent from one's own consciousness, which transcends
time along with being ever engaged with the wheel of
creation, maintenance and dissolution, one becomes
one with Bhairava, the Lord.

31~ f1l<""IJ1~ 1md5~ I
31~~tcrr I

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~ fa s:i 1Ci1 f1 s:i ttil sterr qfef~~, "ff f1 i:1 ttJJ=1 31~ ~~ fa M1ca,
(E:f "f1llttr 1!Cf

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lj;~ R-l1fu: "ff ~UT I f~~n"{ ~a=rm d5 C1 I Ci n::t I;=a J=t I HUW
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1

l!C""11Cift Al~IO$J:( I Al~lfffCll<"l ~~crm ~fqfurc=rr I fama~lfl

TANTRASARA

101

$~'<Ci"t"Ci ~I Ci ct>1fcm I $~ {(ifq ICi ft ldl '!:..~ ftt5'&1ct>l fcm I ft ldl'!:..OQ ICi
q~lJ)fU"ffi -m'man::l'""t, "$"fu ~1~05,J:t I m Wma:rf1Zf ~ fu~~
~IB'<lffl

a~1a

cx:rrfq;:fi 1 eqAa1f;::r ~~ 3"llq'<a1al'i1
cffiBRTR c=rn:rrf'-;:r -~ C'l'i I q ch ~a Cl'i I Qi A,_ ~ ~ ~~ I l'i I q a~
rlfflfma n::i 1;:a'l s ~ Tu 1a a n:i ~ Cl'i 1Qi= ~ 1q a "fci 1:!~ti ~Eal-muf
~~ ~ 1q ci') -aea "fl n::i 1;:a'<1 fl q a1f:i mf~ ~q .-i R a c=q a~ FCr 3:r?f
ef~ fufilr "$"fu I c=f~ 3"11 ~Ci~~ -a fl;! ~ ;:8 c=faj Cl?f nfu c=f fuITTT~ I
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ct:>Jil~:>ci 3'~~ ~'<~f"""fl cITa11ctSAOI I

Chapter Seven
The Path of Space
The entire "path of space' (destidhva) 101 born of Sakti. which
creates diverse forms, rests in consciousness. This entire path.
through the outlet of consciousness, 102 attains its extreme external
limit in the void (sunya), intellect, prti~w. and the groups of channels and subchannels. Then it expands externally in the body and
(al I the way) to the extent of the liliga, altar, and even the image of
deity, etc.
The knower of the truth of the real nature of the thirty-six
tattvas first dissolves all these paths into the body, [then from]
the body into prti ~w. pra ~za into intellect, intellect into void, ai~d
finally void into consciousness. In this way, this kind of yoglll
becomes permeated with consciousness not dependent on anything external. Then he experiences consciousness as Paramasiva,
and transcending even that state, he experiences himself as being
immanent as well. Hu
However, in a lesser way (if one is unable to experience the
fullness of consciousness], one may take up a portion of knowables such as Brahma or Vi~I)U, the superintending deities of the
sphere of maya, as the highest. In this way, one should become
well acquainted with the knowledge of prakriya. As it is said:
"There is no knowledge superior to prakriya :· The following is

102

TANTRASARA

the scheme of prakriya: in the path of space. the expansion of the
earth principle (prthivltattva) extends one hundred krors in length.
It is spherical like the egg of Brahma (Bralzma~z(ia). At the lower
end of that Brahma~z(ia is the 'fire of time' (kalagni), followed by
hell, the nether worlds, earth, and heaven, which extend to the
world of Brahma. Outside the egg of Brahma are the worlds of the
hundred rudras (iatarudras). 105 There is no fixed number of Brahma's worlds. The principle called water (}ala) is ten times the size
of the earth. In this way, each subsequent principle ending with
egoity (ahwizkara) is ten times the size of the previous tattva. 106
These tattvas are: water, fire, air, akasa, the five subtle elements
(tanmatras), the five motor organs, the five sense organs, the mind
(manas), and finally the ego (ahamkara). The principle of intellect or buddhi tattva 107 is one hundred times the size of ·egoity'
(ahwizkara). The principle of primodial nature, or prakrti, is one
thousand times more extensive than the buddhi. This is the extent
of the sphere of prakrti (prakrti a~z(ia). 108 The spheres of prakrti
are also innumerable, just like the spheres of Brah ma.
The puru~a principle is ten thousand times larger than the principle of prakrti. The principle of 'natural law,' or niyati, is one
hundred thousand times larger than that of puru~a. From niyati up
to the principle of limited doership, or kala, each subsequent principle is one hundred thousand times larger than the preceding one.
These principles are 'natural law' (niyati), 'attachment' (raga),
'impure knowledge' (asuddhavidya), 'time' (kola), and 'limited
doership' (kala). The maya principle is ten million times larger
than kafrl. This makes up the 'sphere of mayo' (maya~z(/a). The
principle of 'pure knowledge' (suddlzavidycl) is ten million times
larger than tn(/ya. The lsvara principle is ten million times the size
of .foddhavidy(/, while the sadd5/iva principle is one bi 11 ion ti mes
the size of the rsvara principle. The sakti tattva is one billion
times larger than saddsiva. This is known as the ·sphere of fakti'
(saktia~z(ia). As this sakti exists pervading all paths externally and
internally, it is called vyapinr. All these subsequent principles
exist as the sheaths of the prior one. The subsequent one is per104

TANTRASARA

103

vasive and the prior one is pervaded. However, all of the paths,
ending with sakti, are pervaded by Siva. Furthermore, sivatattva,
being immeasurable, transcends and pervades all six paths. The
Lords of the worlds who exist in the intervening regions of each
principle also have their abode on this earth. Those who died in
these places are offered respective places by the Lords. Then they
lead them from one lower region to the upper one by means of the
procedure of initiation.

ct5 IC1 Ifl;q: Ck&i Io 5l
+<:d?~ll BIGffilS~ ~("fflq: I

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~ q5C1105i:imnc;: 11

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mB~ f1mi:if1ct5+•©cFi h@tf1q)?{1fffifaJ ll:l l'L~ I: I I

104 TANTRASARA

The fire of time, Ku~umal).<;la, the Lord of the nether
world, Hataka, the cauldron of the earth, Brahma,
Muni, Lokefa, and Rudras reside in the intermediate
regions of five spheres (a~z(ias). Below Ananta exists
Kapalin, Agni, Yama, Nirrti, Bala, Sigra, Nidhisvara,
the Lord of vidyas-Sambhu, and at the end of the head
is VIrabhadra. These sixteen worlds are included in the
sphere of the earth, and kala is nivrtti (which is the element that gives birth to the sphere).
These eight are called the Lords of water: Lakulifa,
Bharabhuti, Dil)QI, A~a9hi, Pu~kara, Nime~a, Prabhasa,
and Surefa. Bhairava, Kedara, Mahakala, Madhyamra,
Jalpa, Srifaila, and Hariscandra are called Guhya~taka,
the eight secret gods who exist in the principle of fire.

3i IB l])t£l I~Cf)~ <i fl -

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a~1qa:~qfuj"& I

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wpill W~ fcBM 1q;a~~ I
~ fll(il~Cf)~
~ fa f~ R1 : fl fM f1 a «!) 'if1 I""fl I I I

TANTRASARA

105

;:rR al+:JIW ~
l!ct>IC:~I fuMMIRlifa'1) ~ I
~ci? ~q "i 9:li +:f~ Cff5fti R~lllii ~ 11
3"l t:Gla t:GI fci ~I fa-

~ fcrm +<1rn~11;:arnliit 1
fuwlii qxr~­
fcfil~11t:e:<t>+:1it~ ~ 11
fi IC: I'l.~ q Xl ct>rn fa
3"lt:Glct~l~qRd51 ~ I
3-T~l"i~tj ~

~ muls~ fufu l=ITTi~ I I
fifufu~~~­
~ufc=q1Jt-<:dl~ 11
~~ '<~ 11 fi "i 'tj)R {)N ("1

~~+:JC'1fid5C'1 I~
fufu";:r~

wm mur

fifufuf;:Rt~ 4~lifa 4'<il~1it 11

~

.sITT+:ref~ ca I"ci 1af"CR"f~

("101 fi I{

-amta ll'i ct> I~ I;:j

fil("t+:J+:JI~ lll911
'

The group of eight highly secret gods is situated in the
principle of air in the instrument of knowledge along
with tanmatras. They are: Bhima, Indra, Attahasa,
Yimala, Kanakhala, Nakhala, Kuruk~etra, and Gaya.
Sthanu. Suvan)a, Bhadra, Gokarna, Mahalaya, Avimukta, Rudrakoti, and Vastrapada [this group of] the
pure eight Lords, exist in the principle of the ether
(void).

;:rm

106

TANTRASARA

Sthula, Shulesvara, Sankukan:ia, Kalanjara, Mai:ic)alabhrt, Makota, Dural)Qa and Chagala1:ic)a, [these eight]
remain in the principle called ego (a ha mka ra).
According to the view of some, however, the subtle elements and sense organs have their location in the principle of ego (ahamkara).
In the principle called intellect, the group of eight heavenly born beings is located, while in prakrti the group
of eight yogas beginning with akrta, etc., is found. 109
These 'worlds of seven groups of eight beings' resting
in the kala named prati$fhti are located in the water
principle and are pervaded up to prakrti. In the pun1$a
principle are located 110 the worlds of the eleven rudras
called vama and so on. The principles of impure vidya.
kafrl, and niyati have two worlds each, 111 while the
principle kala has three, and the principle maya has
eight worlds. 112 Thus, from puru$a to maya the number of worlds is twenty-eight. In pure vidya there are
five worlds, 113 and in the lsvara principle the number [of
worlds] belonging to the Lords of vidyas is eight. In the
principle called sadakhya there are five worlds, while
in the kala called sclnta there are eighteen worlds. 114
Conceiving all these paths (adhvas) either in the body,
or in the vital energy, or in the intellect, or in the great
void of consciousness as the highest, one attains the
fullness of Bhairava.
Here ends Chapter Seven of the Tantra.\'(/ra of Ahhinavagupta
revealing the nature of the path of space.
3l[f 31 t:CJ ip:n ~ ct5l1 I
'

3l[f <ffCfTun Pi'{<)~

mG.Cf fcn-ia lc-Ad1

~ciTiJ1 lfl'j)ffi

a1

nm<pa H:r:a Fm'-a?rmTmm

I

TANTRASARA

107

Cl?f ~nc=fl=f"ITT - ~Cf) I~ I '{Cl cj Cle=( ~-H5 I~ I~ I~ ct.>C'"Y ~I Cl{<) q +"l I ~

Cf5faqlict>~*~nc=f ~ ~, -aw i:rf~ ~ q~·~+W~
11ru{<)q I Cf>lfl I fr;:rn~-cf)-{~~Cl~~11rufaf~a-t1A'tt1~6Jl051iJ If! I I

Chapter Eight
Whatever has been stated previously regarding the creation of the
worlds is [the result of] the greatness of the Lord's power of freedom. The world contains within it myriads of knowers having the
diverse forms of objects for their enjoyment. What permeates all
of these worlds like a "great universal' (malzasamanya) 115 is the
Great Lord (Paramesvara). On the other hand, tattva is the form
abiding in only some [of these worlds] possessing distinctive features. For example, the earth principle possesses qualities of bearing, hardness, and grossness. It permeates the entire sphere of
Brahma, beginning with Kalagni and ending with VIrabhadra, 116
whose regions are superintended by their respective lords.

ITT t!"CSli Ci fCI ,., i Q)l(fCPRUTmcIT ~~, "ff u fufuw - q I{A Iftlw
~l5C$3J I c=r?T Yl'Ullf'cic:p eCilClli mCPRUTmcIT-~c=r cm=!~~
fCla~~ wrcrc=r l!cf-fuU-~ ~~~ ~m fCl'(C)qf'mf~
fCl{<)qfu~~ -a- ~~ I CPffqflftj) mCPRUTmcr: ~~mml
f~ ~ I 0 I li I Rf·~=h=r:, "ff u li ICl Fa <:fGJ Fl~ aq1crftl<:ffcrim:F

t ~ 31f~ fq{<)qli~ ~fllCl~Cf. ~~ mmmrffisfq ~

mJITG:ftr, fQGilc:.1 ~~ful ~ u ~~ cmlfCl1'=tq1~ ~
3icf5f~sftr m=tt q1'<s:i1f'~ep: fm l!Cf q1'<A1ftlct IB fm~-a
~ ~ ~B ~ 3fm {.,~A I;::j UC<l ~ 3-Fli"W, 3«i {!Cf ti IAW I l!Cf
'
'
CB1'<01c==ci -qffi 1 m IB fis:ittimcR=tc:if+=rm tC1a;;;iif1a~~. c=rw
1

~~~~IChlflmcmf~cmcfl ~cj;) ~fC!'(C)qf~fiA~
C1W~illm IB JR:rmmcrl -aw -aw 3-Tfucffi~ c=rw c=rw m~
fq J11 a1 z:rc=ci a'"' a~~ ~~. -~ct "fi"a~;:i fCI 1a~ fCI mer: ~ m
l!Cf
fu.Qq<J.:J 1ci~1 {l "'<l
~~men- ~fq ~f<i a1 s~~

108 TANTRASARA

~ ~Cbl'<~l'<l'<f{'i ~ m<Rlf~~ Rai"Lfl\l C5ci ~ct>l{~l~l{tu
cm!°fQTf~? ~ ~ - ~~ ea1f11 UGTf~ cef~ I
~ t11J=1 Wq IC!.l sfq fumffi~ "f"f ~;;i fil Cf emf ft I~ I J:L 3°CIT &iM Cf5: I
"B-{f IB ITTrW ;:r ~ c=rwfum uc:: ~ cnf~s~ Ct.> 14 c=a ~~

a

1

a -ea Hi Cb 1lfCb1'<a1 ~ ~ <:{Cl %>i Cf) 1{ ci:i ~ ~Tfc=f , mA~ 1ft Cf.IT"CT<l
GITlll"Cl§lcil ~1:f~ ~~ I (1?I" H\Jift~1~11 c=j- 'cnf~
G:~kil+:!: I

Now the relation of cause and effect in regard to these principles (tattvas) is going to be explained. The causal relation
(ktiryakara~wbhava) is twofold, i.e., 'absolute' (paramarthika)
and 'created' (sr$!a). 117 The causal relation of the absolute nature
is of such extent that the Lord, as the ultimate causal agent, manifests in all forms, beginning with Siva and ending with earth, as
nondifferent from his own Self while at the same time he remains
resting in his own Self. The cr~ated or 'imagined' (kalpita) causal
relation is created by the will of the Lord and brought to life by
~he restrictive power of niyati. The extent of this causal relation
IS such that in spite of the presence of the manifestation of regular
priority and posteriority, 118 and even if some other features are
present externally, the continuity of the innate nature (svarapa)
remains invariably present. 119 Therefore, a sprout is created by
the will of a yogin as well as from a seed. In a dream one creates
a jar, etc. Even there the agenthood of the Lord cannot be denied.
Therefore, although the created or imagined causal relation is also
present, the existence of the absolute causal relation is undeniable.
All of this, which was described (potter, clay, which constitute
supposed causal relation) becomes possible only if the Absolute,
as the foundation, remains steadily established and not otherwise.
Therefore, it is proper to say that the causal relation is the totality
of all causes. This totality of causes consists of all beings having
been woven together by the greatness of the knowing consciousness, which possesses absolute freedom. 120
This power of the Lord assumes the nature of a particular

TANTRASARA

109

group of entities conditioned by space and time. Each individual,
at the time of its creation, assumes such a nature. Although being
of this nature, these entities assume distinctive forms; it is because
they become associated with exterior factors that they change
and attain comparative distinctions. 121 Thus, the very nature of
the great Lord is consciousness and independent freedom of will.
This Lord, who possesses the entire universe consisting of the
multitude of beings as his body, is the creator of the jar, etc. This
is because the consciousness belonging to the potter is not different from that Lord: furthermore, the body of the potter is also
included in the totality of objective existence. Then, how can it be
possible for the potter to have any sense of egoism in this regard?
The answer to th is question will be that the sense of egoism of the
potter is also created by the Lord, just as is the pot, etc. Even the
theory of the totality of causes to propel agenthood [to produce an
effect] in reality belongs to the consciousness which is the immanence of the Lord. Though Mount Meru exists in some distinct
place, it cannot be supposed to be the cause of this particular
jar. 122 Thus, on this topic of the created or imagined effects of the
principle of causal relation in regard to the principles (tattvas),
there are diverse views found in the sastras. All these different
views are relevant: 123 as for example, the birth of a scorpion can
take place from cow dung, worm, by the will of the yogin, by the
application of mantras, and by the usage of various medicines.
However, we will explain this created or imagined principle of
causal relation according to the understanding of our scriptures.

a
film'

~ ~ qxrfw mf'mfw Rif"{ ~~. ~ fQ 1a~ lfl mf'ffi
l=r'!:...~
a l:i 1 !,:i cnG l:i :r:t' qxrm Fa~ Fa 1 ~~ ~ 1ct a fCI A' ,
~~

3"l1+=~!,:i1~ mf'maf"CIA,
$mrn1~ ~1c:tc=tfCIA-$m1<:i1
-IB ~,
'
fIB<:i l:il: 'fl I R:l '{Clq l~qJ l'""l lc-'""ld5C""Q lfl, $1 H~I f"ffim~ ~~'<flfCIJ:t,
fIB<:l I~ I fffim~ fq m Ci "fCI '""I ~ I 3-T?f q ~mi: fucr-mf'm'

~"'1~1a.9d-<:H.-a1=-~ Flc!·~l l!1SJi fi1+:J1~{<)q101i ru~1~1 ~J1furu~<:l1:

~. c:ruw - ~-mm: '""!~A~~~~~. -~ ~~~

110

TANTRASARA

I ~ m~ Mer: epfil ~~~~tel l'"i+:J'"i:r"(i 1q"!:'"i IA I rn~~ ~Jffu-.
$.9ci~a§ld~l'"i ~~Wm"ffffiff1d5HIJ1Ulaj mnf~~~ I c=I?f ffif~St
io h:s•F<:fr1 I{Cl q : q Rfq ~: 31cf5-4epaj'ii fl I~A I?I ii Cf ~ tX:'l ct cfcB ct l:ll J Cl Fa
I

a

-;:r lWr: ~fltfi"C"Ql'""C"l-<:J:t

I

Q; CB11fafm~1sf~ 1 CBlf ~
ITT ctsi:h11?i, ef~~ ~ Cf5lf*ef~ ~ fucinm Cf~ I msti
1

-<:1J1afei

lWr: ~~ fd1c-irnmm2Jm1a: :r:ii~c=t fcBT~. ~ q- ~ -

~mm1c-J=J;Old om:efq dfCj)fdlfl I ~ q +iffi fa$1HChaM fa£A+:JH~

a

~tfl 4'© ~ -;:r fd a:> I Cf5lf 3"11 lZi IIQ fu I ~fl Cl d? a fl f0i C1 J!~
FCf Wttr ~
Cf5lf -tt~f~m"l1 faj'~ - ~
~lldlf1'"ilifqes'\H1J=Jai;:rt mnf~
3-TUT~~ ~Jffu ~
~~ffi. ~ q ~an'li $mm1C1M1acr J15'f\Q ~ ¢~
3ffill"f~ 1 ~"l"f ~ foe\fo~q1C1m l!Cf, ~ fa~qJ=l~.

+:rffimmff"ff

m"JiFl

31fu~q~a l:rfr:, C1ffl q ~ ~mm1Al;i. C1C1 l!Cf q-

Rc=d

~~l=JIOld«!~ ~ J15<il:ilm-trf'l:itX:i+:JIOla~llC""l'f\Q
JI ga li I~ -fo ~ J=J Ia1c=a1 fl Jli ti a:>M a:> 1acx::nq.,1 G'{<) q c:-ct I-c,£l

~
a::n q d1

Al~I'!:..~ ~ 3q1C\Hffil'<:Oi, ~iJltia:>lf~ q- ~~ All:lHIA
~ 1RtH•a a~ s;:4cr 1
It has already been explained that the Lord's perfection consists in him possessing five powers (foktis). While the Lord is
manifesting any [one] of his individual saktis, his principal Sakti
remains shining in five different ways. When the power of consciousness (cit) becomes predominant, it is called Siva principle (tattva). Similarly, when [the power of] bliss (tinandafakti)
becomes predominant, this is known as the sakti principle (tattva). When. on the other hand, [the power ofJ will (icclul.fokti)
becomes predominant, this is the sadllsiva principle. It is because
of the dominance of the [power of] will that a balanced state
of }Fz an a and k r i y (i exists in the sad ll .<iva pr i n c i pl e . W hen the
[power ofl knowledge (jFzanafr1kti) becomes dominant, this is
the fsvara principle, and when the power of action (kriya.<akti)
becomes dominant, this principle is known as pure knowledge

TANTRAS.A.RA

111

(suddhavidya). 124 The lords of these principles are Siva, Sakti,
Sadasiva, Isvara, and Ananta. The lord of nivrttikalti is indeed

Brahma, etc. These lords are of the nature of universal, and individuals [living beings in these worlds] closely follow these lords.
They are also of five types, i.e., belonging to Siva (Sambhava),
belonging to sakti (sakta), mantramahesvara, mantre5vara,
and mantras. 125 These five principles belong to the pure path
(suddhadhva). Up to this extent, i.e., from Siva to suddhavidya,
Siva is the direct creator. 126 The impure path (asuddhtidhva) is
created by Lord Ananta, whose other name is Aghorefa. This is
the will of the Lord, and the creation is for the benefit of limited
knowing subjects who are longing for the experience as they have
been agitated in this way. Here, the word 'longing' (lolikti) stands
for the vibrative longing that is of the nature of conceiving oneself
as not being complete. This is only 'desiring' without any object in
sight, that is to say, a feeling of the deservedness to remain limited
in the future. This 'defilement' (ma/a) is not a separate category
belonging to the sou 1 (puru~a). The raga principle, on the other
hand, is desire conditioned by objectivity. However, here in mtiyti
principle an object is merely an object [e.g., let me have something,
without having any clear idea of what kind of object is desired].
On the other hand, the attachment (rciga) [that] is a property of
buddhi is diversified into different kinds of objective aims. T.he
difference between the two wi 11 be explained later. These 'defilements,' anava, karma and mavzva, arise as a result of the will of
127
the Lord io conceal hi~ own Self ~nd is not a separate entity. It is
because of the wil I of the Lord that the earth and other principles
possess distinct reality.
.
This defilement (mala), existing in the vijiianakala souls, IS
intent on being destroyed. and for this reason it does not cause fulfillment of any objective accomplishment.'2 8 The ma/a belonging
to pralayakala souls indeed remains in the process of blooming or
opening up. There the kc7rma ma/a. being helped by {i~wvamala,
becomes the cause of the diversity of worldly existence. Thus,
it was rightly stated that the revered Lord Aohorefa
creates [an
b

112 TANTRASARA

impure path] for the purpose of enjoyment by Ii mited souls who
are permeated with latent desires for that enjoyment. The agitation (prak~obha) of the mala is the result of the forceful impact of
the Lord's will, as insentient beings are incapahle of acting at any
level of creation. The shining of sentiency and i nsentiency is only
with regard to limited souls. The nature of sentiency or consciousness is indeed 'lordship' (aisvarya), while ahsence of consciousness, or insentiency, is its defilement. In the process of creating
maya, both sentiency and insentiency turn out to be of the nature
of the will of the Lord; therefore, it is also eternal. The nature of
the substance to be created will be manifested to appear as insentient. Therefore it is created as such and as it has the characteristic
of spreading through all the created objects. This al I-pervading
principle is named maya. This maya is the material cause, whil~
the power which manifests it is called mayclfakti. Th is 1ndyasakt1
belongs to the great Lord and is distinct from mdyd principle (tattva) itself.

*'

~ Cf5"ffffaa fCI Hi u'<Hi H Pi fq ~ f;:i ~ H 1 3l?f -a ~
>iAIOIJifq ~~~"{q: I m=( "ff~ ~ ffi:qw~c=f {Sff-gzfLr
3ifuf ~~ crq;m UC ~ I "ffW -a- Al<'ild5Ml~~efq- ~-q

Cf(f;fi ~ chaf11;q~1 ~: I 3-R~ -a- Al<'ild5Ml!O'iCJ?~~ef~
fITfrllMl'<{<lci ~ ~ ~ cis~~ ~ ~ I 1!Cf ~ Jil<'ilCifdfct
fcr.smrnq: I ff iT mJfq 3"lci1A~d "ffwf(r 3ffict~l I ~So~~ I
Now the twofold character of the principles (latrva) from kala
down to the earth will be investigated. The evidence regarding
this twofold nature of principles has been given by Ahhinavagupta's teachers in the following way: What~ver shines in an idea
(salizkalpa) las being nondifferent from itJ, that al so shines externally as distinct, like a jar, possessing a clearly manifested physical form. The same method applies to the mavc1 and ka/(l principles, as well as a 'sky flower.' Therefore the iogical reasoning
called 'positive argument alone' (kevalanvayin) is applicable here.

TANTRASARA

113

Those who attain direct experiential knowledge regarding this
dual nature of maya, kala, prakrti, and buddlzi are also 'perfected
beings' (siddhas). In this way the twofold nature of maya has been
proven. This being so, it is from the maya principle that the emergence of this universe takes place. Although the emergence of this
universe takes place without succession, on the level of imagined
causal relation the sequence appears to occur.

msfq ~I c=p)f >i ~I c-li ct5C1 I fuq l ff fcm:r:-a ("Cf) 14~ axfc=al Yl g:M ~I a.:
~~1,li*~;::r ~. ~ <1 crrf: ct5e:1r=a 1 t!<ffi-~ mt:r tmmm

m+nf'J1ct51c-J:Filfl:rq, ~ ~Sti CPffif~: ~~ ~ ~~~lk1lU

"ff~~qzv=nHT~TJ;,UT"RJTCBrdCBHT - ~~H~fuef~T"fl I ~ ~
~~ffiqlC1Cl~llC1 "ffW ~ ~ Cfa""lillifCia:ict51~12J I ~~

fuq '<la : ~ li I~ 1a~ CPffi JfRlT, m ~~ 3fUj fci1 fa ((f)<f~;:r
~efm m -a- 3 ~~ ci er ~fl 1"1.:1511 JIB:r, li I~ 1o cil ~~= °ffmTffil 3cq ~ 1fCr
mm fcfa:rnfu, ;::r 3-Tfu Cf) 1lfl=fU11=l - ~ li 1~ 1ct51 a("CI J:t mm: QCl1=(

Ci

1

1

3R::IT~~ 3-Wf a--rurr~ 1;a { c=ci 1@M lfl =
li 1~ IJ 1mfu ct51 Ra' '«1>
ctH<:if=ac:fl~ >if11e:1 1 f1cfct54~ +:J1~1y;'<l~~aCB1 ~. ~+:rrmra
1

fu$11"i1a:>C'1 ~, ;::r ~f~ mmv:, ~fcra-Cf.>T err ~~~cl

~ I >i<pfaY)~cr-acm crT ~~ >l"ORTW ~ °ff"ffi"C1 I ~'<i~~~<t
~ ~I a f1 A H c=ci I ~~uf Ci 11t:G1 ~ ~I Cl ("Cl il ~fu I Fcf ct5 C'i IfffCI Aer
fcM'a c=cBq~~, ;::r -:q- cm!~ ~ ~ 1 fcITTa J$1("Cl1e:1 fo '"<:i ~1~
(f)C'11al JfTill, m -:q- fcmT ~f-t ~, ~9,J ~~~ m-a-~
1reonfu" I ~~UR=fcBTuflct51"1.:l~I fu-a"~ ~~~°C1 I Cit"AICi,
W'·~gs~ f2-t fd f~al mcIT fcm ~ I fcrf~ I

mn

Now the emergence of the universe is being elaborated. In this
system, the function of 'limited doership' (kala) and the other
'veils' (kmzcukas) is considered different with regard to every individual. This is hecause the effect of kafrl. etc., in the form of
promoting doership, is perceived as being different in regard to
each individual. These 'veils' (ka11cukas) sometimes, as a result

114

TANTRASARA

of the will of the Lord, become unified and become 1i ke the individual selves as aesthetes. Kala and the other kaiicukas are pure
when they perform their own functions [which are] congenial to
the great Lord, because their sole objective is the attainment of
one's own nature as they stand as the opposite of duality. The
kancukas assume that nature because of the force of the descent
of power [(saktipata)]. How this takes place will be clarified when
the topic of descent of power is discussed. However, the impure
[form of five kaiicukas] is the opposite of this. Kala is born from
maya, which unites the limited self, existing in a state similar
to deep slumber, with limited doership (ki171citkartrtvam). 129 This
kala is, as it were, the swelling of the seed of the world. Although
kala is born from the unity of mdycl and the Ii mi ted se 1f (a ~zu), it
causes maya to undergo change, but it does not create any change
in the limited self (puru$a), which is changeless. Thus, the indiscernible distinction between the limited self (puru~a) and kala
cannot be easily noticed because of their mutual interpenetration.
However, by the grace of a certain person endowed with lordship,
~biding as a superintending deity in the womb of ma ya, all the
impurities of past deeds are destroyed and the discerning knowledge between maya and puru$a takes place. As a result. a discerning soul exists as a vijFWnakalcl soul above mclycl and not in
any way below mclya. One who attains discriminative knowledge
bet~een kala and pttrU$G remains above kala. Similarly, one who
attams perfection in this discriminative knowledge between purztJG and prakrti does not transmigrate in the worlds below prakrti.
However, this discriminative knowledge between a~zm·amala and
purtl$G leads to the state of resemblance of Siva. With full realization of the fullness of puru~rn one attains Sivahood. Thus, it is
the kala principle which is the bestower of limited doership, but
this doership is meaningless to a person who is devoid of k110wledge. Impure knowledge (vidyd) which gives limited knowledge
is born of kala. That vidya perceiving the intellect and abiding
there through discrimination experiences pleasure, etc. The intellect, being of the nature of the three gu ~ms, is i ncapahle of corn-

TANTRASARA

115

prehending the reflected images [in itself] with discrimination. It
is for this very reason that the images reflected in the buddhi are
discerned through knowledge (vidya).

fchf-afCbc{c=ci fchru<?>:1J1~ q=qf~q cml~ ~ 3-Tif
Q<:f q ~Fa ' a=af'~cr -a- ~ ~ '<I l I<i"fd ~ Cl'l I q I'<: I ~ q 3ffl'< Il<~ cpc-i
~ - 3ffl'<lll'i~lfq 3-Rf'~~ I #~ UAfalqftr ef~~
I CI~ -a- ~ - 3ffl"{ll(:fcm-asfq ~ I -R~ fcr;:n-

m

~'<I l l'i IiNf"fl !):l +J~·IC"\ I CBTff~
Cbftti'tt1G:C1~ ~~
ct>fl\Qfc:l, ~~ a=af'~ 3lf~Cf cml~ ~if Rmla:ri~I
cnr4Cb 1'<a1 ~sfq ~ Fer a:n q 1'<: ~~ Cf5ffR1 'Ger QCfci:hj)~
~' ~Cf ~~~ ~ 3lf~t:qft): ~fl:r $~ci'{<)ql "fi""fQC\
~<::f~G:Tlill ~f~~ I ill~ 11T"aTf~cj;) ~~(ITT\
~ I ~fucn A I l'i l'i I ~'«"!a c-a-;::i- Cbfl Ic:f) ~ 3Gft q I fa '"ii ~CBcrc=t
~ I l!Cf fci-:> fa fCbc{c=ci° ~ A I \QI Cb I "fl?T fcB"f=a C"d f8 ~ ~
~~ fcrn-~' c=r?T ~ l'i A Ia 11 G5ffi fCTurfcrn ti q ~ <j)=' "$"fu ~~
I ~ fcrn"tS[UfmrIT ~ fcB-fW~m1 ~~ Cf5T<::f .IX1 "ff ~ m CPffi
~1c-A:r:i= 11~ ~ ffiCfc=( l!tsf t!Cf ~~~t51c-ACBmmfcm~
tq\C"1fl'1 +I IA l~A I ?I~ %a I +11J=<~ lq{'"i 18: >rcpfaafClfl'i "fllf:, "$"fu
~:ihpm~llfl~ ~q d5M1afd1q-a1 ~f~ ~ ~aj q1taa~ qm
~A<S14:4Cf ~f~~ffi, mm"ffisfq ~~~er 1 ~&J
fqt41'<1lllct1;::ri fcrf~sfq ~ ~ crfu Cf5Tsfq f~ ~
~ I ~~ f~::Jct5AR{C)qo1i:iftr ~~~ ~~ 3-Tf~ ATftai,
c=racr ~ mll'i+JIAl;::ti >ra-Tiwrc=f 1101afCIA, I ~ ~~ Wl\Q'{<)q>iCf)l~I:

a

1

~. r:~ !):!Cf)1~11!):lco1~11~1M:r:i1c-Ad5Ji 3-lCl {!Cf f~\Ql'{<)c:i ~
'

'2>

'

m-g:

~CB I~ 11 ~ I Cl {<) q ~ A : I f?t a l'i A fq t!C1C=r ml \Q {<) q A I {!ci" P.-1~ >l"mffi
'

'

~

'

'

Cf>(f Cl'l I;:a {l ~ ' -;::i- 318lwrf'G:°fu I an~ 3"l q ~\QA Cf 3"l Tfl {I fl 31~ q l ITfl Cl'l

"$"fu ~ m'L~ IY f~ '1W~ 111JlCTnj I ~ q an~~~~
~Cf, ~m f~ ~~ >rfu ~ -;::i- ~c:{ I c=rffi l101afdl(\ ~~
<:f?r ~!):!Cbl~ll ~~ >rfuf~ 3"1Q\Qci: I

116

TANTRASARA

Limited doership (kiiicitkartrtvam) exists for the purpose of
establishing a portion of the attribute known as · 1i m ited · (killcit),
which fulfills its purpose [in regard to a particular object] by
implying, 'in some place' (kvacit). This raga principle has its
function in regard to a particular object. It should not be understood that doership is due to the activity of non-attachment. Even
a person who does not possess non-attachment is sometimes seen
to be free from attachment. On the other hand. a person who
possesses the quality of non-attachment is sometimes seen to be
attached, as, for example, when performing meritorious deeds.
Furthermore, a person who becomes fulfilled by eating good food,
etc., might be free from attachment~ however, in th is instance,
latent impressions of attachment cannot be denied. Otherwise. in
the absence of this (a latent impression), the logical inconsistency
of the rising of non-attachment could occur. The principle of time
(ktilatattva), on the other hand, by causing limitation in regard to
effect, imposes a Iimitation on doersh ip as wel I. The Ii m itation
of a particular object is common to both time (kala) and niyati.
The function of the niyati principle is to restrict or limit doership
only to an object at hand. The function of nivati is also present
in regard to causal relation. 130 In this way, the- group of four veils
(km1cukas) has been created. Only th is much is the function of
maya; limited doership is the function of kala; (governing) the
present moment (adhuna) is the function of kala; knowing (jiiana)
1~ the function of vidya; being attached (abhi:;vakta) is the function of raga; and "I am doing" (karomi) is the function of niyati.
When consciousness functions in this way, abiding in a subtle
body. then it is called a bound soul (pasu). This group of six,
beginning with mtiyti, is also called six veils (kaiicukas). At this
stage, the innate nature of consciousness has been pushed into the
background and hidden, because k(lla, etc., become dominant and
exist as veils, covering the innate nature of the Self. It has already
been said that agency, capable of doing only little. is the result
of maya. In this condition, the agency attributed to the limited
(kilicit) [agent] is the qualified subject. Kala, which is fu net ion ing

TANTRASARA

117

there (kartrtvam), is the cause of emergence of vidya, etc. This
has already been explained.
Now the portion of the qualifying, which has been named 'limited' (ki!lcit), becomes the object to be known and affected. 131 That
very kala which differentiates }iiana and kriya from itself is the
creator of the principle prakrti. This prakrti, which is also called
the state of equ i 1ibrium of gu~zas characterized by pleasure, pain,
and delusion, threads through specific types of objects and like
universal abides in them all. In this way, the creation of both pairs,
i.e., the enjoying subject (a~zu, puru:ja) and enjoyable objects,
takes place under the control of kalcl. It has already been stated
that their creation in reality occurs without any sequence. However, it must be pointed out that (for all practical purposes) succession exists here. The order of sequence regarding vidya and raga
is seen differently~ for some, being attached, come to know, while
others who know, become attached, etc. In the Tantras, such as
Raurava, etc., the sequential order is different. However, it should
not be understood that there is any contradiction between the two.
Prakrti is the generic form of an object of enjoyme?t. .whi/3~
the gu~za principle is that which abides in the state of agitation.
Pleasure (suklza) is sattva in nature, which is the illuminating light
manifesting the enjoyable nature of an object. Pain is characterized by the oscillation of I ight and absence of it. For this reason,
rajas is of the nature of activity. Delusion or molza is total absence
of light, that is to say, it is darkness (tamas). These three, sa~tv.a,
rajas, and ta mas, make up the objects of enjoyment. Thus it . 15
clear that the evolutes of prakrti come out of an agitated primodtal
nature (pradlu:lna) and not from an unagitated one. It is necess.ary
to admit the existence of agitation vibration as an intermediate
state between primodial nature and gu~zas. In this way, the existence of a separate principle unknown to the Sa1i1khya called gu~w
has been proved . 133 The agitation of prakrti takes place only as the
134
result of the intervention of the superintending deity of prakrti.
Otherwise, if this agitation in prakrti is not caused by intervention
of the superintending deity. then it would be impossible for prakrti

118

TANTRASARA

to be involved with each individual pu ru~a. Then, the principle of
intellect comes from the gu~za principle. where the reflection of
the light of puru~a and the reflection of objects take place.
ef(§:afQ1a, ~ -a-;r ef@fmm~ am=r~ ~& 1~
3"irJl,AR ~ ~ ~~Al"""lq<""t I 31<1 L?Cr C5R $~;"l..,­
q:1a Cf)(i:P"l 3IB:1 :rrf5, w~ "fl C1c1 ;:r <:!~ , ~ IB ;:r 34 Ic-Ji ;:fl stfcn:

l~fAlicilA, ~,era C'.b qxf~ ~ $"Ct91i:f: I c=rea- ~~ ~ l!Cf
3"i~Rill1f11 ~k·AdAcii51{{<iYlS~ I ~sm 3"l~d51'<~ (f)'{Ol@;::JQ: I

~~crf?rfu~~*~ 1 a~n:rc:ITT l:i~IC"l ~&:r

C!i) f~l1 qsq d1 ·~r, Cf?f l=Rft:r ~ fl c§a "41 I ?I J"H +~i I Am~ ~ J1 ""1 d5: I
~ C'.b ~l&!\JHrJf1IAcifdR!1t5G ~, ~ mu1 ~Jl"""l"""ll:illl:i<i l;g)ffi ~,
ajfcict5itfQ ;:r~

·m ~· $flll~i11i:i1w 41GJ:t ~d5fdJ:t.

Cf5'<01C"ti;::i "d" ~ ct5{~1~~h=ai:i,
'

-

~w

Cf5'<011:r:a"<cflJ1""1llW=T
'

I~~~~~. °R;:r ~~ CfKOT ~ 1w. ~

fcmr, f~ q)ffT ~~SU 3"16;::al{C)4$1 Hfct=Sl:i H4J IA lfl, ~"f
fkH"ll?l~crf~ C'.b "ffiffdd51ctq mct51'<1fl cniff~l:i45qCf5JOt I '3li
I

11m1f'A· ~ ~qf~ cm<:f<ITTUTfill=f: ~"Rti", ~ ~~~

~ ~ ac;:~-q ~ flJOlffllfq ;:r

rrfc=rfCtmc:::

u
ct5c:fCllf1ict54Jj)mlaa- ~=, ~ Cf5-<:01Cf51~L ~~-:a- 11A;oi 1c:fl;:rt fas~ 1Cfl
I ;:r

;:r ~~ ~ Cf.ilOllG:Ci~ ~OlfdlC"t, <i~l<i, 34Cl~Cil9qW
cniff~: I "ff "d" l1XJCP: ~~f("! ICl fCI Ic"t I <=rV"rIB ~fa I Cl~ 1l11 li
err 19m;u: ~1c;:1;i1li err m err. 3ir<:Rf~;:r fct*14fu~ err,

m ~UT~: trrfur: ~ 3w.:r ~ I 3Rl: mutl~l:idiAf~~~
cnfrrf~, <l;:r ~~ ~ ~ rn:r;:f c=rc;fq ~f~Ci~q ~
~ A~CllA' I~ Ct.iitf+=c=liJiN -;r $f~~1+=flii:f' 3"llq@<""1' I~
'<IJ1flf4
VYICl

~~ctkCIJ:t ~: I ~ C'.b '<IJ1f11"4=!;o:i ~= I ~ ~ -~-rrH-aCtJIC"1
~ '<IJlfllvd ~~UT~ I md1~ll:C:UIG:CtJIC-t ~ ~UHl~~·l'<IC"1
a'4=t1?11frrr ad~UT qxr 1 ~cm~
an'l""f 1,J:1""1i ~a>J=l
3HHT~ >rf1mfcr fl p:11 ~ '""l 3lfcm lSi 1c-A d') <lC1 ~I~ <i ;::io11 ?i I ea

w

TANTRASARA

119

~sfq crrc:ti I C1?f ~l&iCi~l?ilCi ~ 3iCld5l~ICiH<:l'llq1{ -;:rw '

~1 •

'

~l&i~ ~~l'<ilCld51~1'<iBC""CllCi, I ~l&iCi"""""""ll?i arr~~: ~l&if(j) ~

-;:rcmn fcRBT~ I ~ a;!fcm=f c9-Jr: ¥l];uft CJ; ~cf Cl Ci, I «1: a;!"R:rc1 3IB1:

¥ ~ l{cfClc=t I TAJ: arr~ mT ~ tkctl'<:: ~~ I ~ ~l§ifq~lf~

~, $<=Li I fuct=Sil a I qxr~ ITTUfi ~ A~ ;:fl I lJ)O I fPj)Ci I~ A I ?i U ef~,
~ 1J)uTI ~ I 31f"ftj-?a CifQd5f11q J;~~l])ui &:11qc:h, R<p~lJ)uT
CJ;
I "'<i" gq "J];~ 3 ("Cf) t:ff - ~ ~ fc:Ri- l];O 11 ;:a~ ";:( 3 q q cu ci "ff~

a:nu:r

I

ef~~ Tu 1ckrfa 1c=t ~~fu J1 Ma "fd.., oq 1ca A.., ~ 01ff c9-JR=IT $ fl'i 1fu
~lctmfffifffciA,_ 11
~ Ci~l?PIOlk~lfDI
~ Y)A I;:aJ 5C])d5 lj)cRj/{J)CG:A,_ I
fumfu~1~;:afl:i~ 1~t1fuc=t ~ta'<:~·s:ifl'<:>id51'<:: 11
~"(l"

.~fhrct-f~ ca I "ci 14-Fcrefu-R

Ci :r:?I fl I{

Ci fCI fCI {Cl q S'i a:> I~ H

'"ilJilt5GJiJil~d5'""l 11l11
Then, from the intellect emerges the egoity (alzmizkara) principle, by means of which an erroneous notion of non-self as Self
is conceived. This takes place when the light of puru~a, which
has become tainted by contact with a knowable object. reflects
on the screen of the intellect (buddhi). This (notion of egoity as
one's true nature) is the erroneous notion, just like mistaking
mother-of-pearl for silver. Therefore, the word aha111 is suffixed
with ka ra, the active agent. Th is suffix also indicates that something has heen created. The followers of the Sa1i1khya school, on
the other hand, do not accept the self-reflective nature of the Self.
We, on the other hand, assign it the status of agent. Thus, the
agency (kartrtvam) regarding aham is in essence pure reflective
consciousness having none to oppose it (apratiyogi). It relishes
its own bliss as 'I' (a/Janz). This is an aspect of instrumentality belonging to alzalizkara. 135 But the other aspect belonging to

120

TANTRASARA

ahadzkara is its being the originator of the ten sense organs, five
tannuUras, and the mind, because it has a threefold nature, which
is the result of its division into sattva, etc. While the mind is being
created, 136 it is conceived of as the originator and is endowed with
the capacity of giving birth to five tanmdtras. In regard to the
ear, the mind is endowed with the capacity of giving birth to the
particular subtle element called sound. Furthermore, in regard to
the olfactory sense organ, it is endowed with the capacity of giving
birth to the subtle element called smell. It is not feasible to consider
sense organs as being born of matter. 137 This is because in concepts
such as "I hear," the sense of egoity still persists~ for this very reason it is said: the sense organs are born of egoity (ahalizkara)._ It
(the sense organ) remains in contact with that portion of the egoity
(ahG1izkara); otherwise, if use is made of other intermediate organs.
the defect of infinite regress would take place.
Egoity (ahwizkara) is indeed the subject portion of the agent.
Therefore, purw;a possesses two main instruments. Limited
~nowledge (afoddhavidya) and limited agency (kala) serve as
1 ~struments of puru~a in regard to knowledge and action, respectively. It is for this reason that lame or bl ind persons experience
no ~bsence of knowledge and activity which are characterized by
egoity. It is from the sattvika aspect of aha1i1kll ra, attributed by
the augmented portion of the subtle elements (udriktatanm{lfrabhag~i). that five motor elements emerge. It is because of egoitY.
(ah~mk.tira) that the organ of locomotion of a person possessed ot
egoity IS capable of performing its function with a thought such
as ."I am going." The principal locus of locomotion, i.e., the foot.
exists externally; however, locomotion ex is ts equally in other
places as well. It is for this very reason that a person bereft of feet
is not completely devoid of ability to move. Furthermore. the mixture of various actions performed by different motor organs should
not be brought into doubt because of the reasons stated before,
that is. because of the existence of a single cause in the form of
aha lizka ra related to the subject.
Action is performed by organs; e.g .. movement possesses activ-

TANTRASARA

121

ity as its principal nature. This, however, is not the case regarding the perception of color, form, etc. According to the Vaise~ika
school, form, color, etc., is understood to be a property (gu~za);
therefore, the group of motor organs is fivefold because it is aimed
at that particular number. For example, for the ascertainment of
activity, external Iy some motor organs exist for the purpose of giving or excreting, and others for the purpose of accepting or taking
in, or for both. Or, they may be free from both, or may be for the
purpose of repose in one's own nature. These motor organs are in
the following order: anus, hands, feet, and sexual organs. When
the ascertainment of activity, which remains interwoven with the
vital air (pra~za) takes place, then this is the function of the organ
of speech. Therefore, it should be understood that the movement
present in the hands, which is the locus of that particular motor
organ, is the same movement present in the feet. It is for this very
reason that an infinite number of activities does not lead to an infinite number of actions.
Some argue that up to this extent the rajas portion of
ahalizkara remains involved in the process of creation. Others say
that the mind emerges from rajas; yet others maintain that mind
is the product of the sattva aspect of alzmizkara, while the senses
are said to be the product of rajas. The five subtle elements (tannultras) as well as five gross elements, which are nothing but the
knowable objects, are born from the predominantly tamasic and
delusive aspect of ahalizkara which veils the agency of the enjoying [experiencing I subject.
All individual sounds have in their background a single, unspecific and generic sound that precedes them, which is free from
agitation (k~"iobha). Th is form of sound is the subtle element of
sound called .fobdatanmatra. The same holds true regarding smell.
taste, touch, and sight. From the vibrating subtle element of sound
emerges ether (d ka.fo), which provides space to all because it is
capable of al Iott i ng space to the objects spoken of, so that they
can occupy their particular places. Air emerges from the agitated
subtle elements of sound, but air is not separate from the element
~

~

122

TANTRASARA

of ether (tikasa). Fire emerges from the agitated subtle element
form (riipa), while the properties of sound and touch remain present in it. From the agitated subtle element of taste water is born,
while the three properties of sound, tactility, and form remain
present there. The earth emerges from the agitated subtle element
of smell, while the four previously mentioned properties remain
in it. Others hold a view that from the agitated sound and touch air
is born, and when all five subtle elements are agitated the earth
is born. The earth is nothing but the aggregate of al I properties;
however, there is nothing else that exists which is the substratum
of all properties. In this collection of principles (tattva), the quality (gw;a) [belonging to these principles] which is above the lower
one is more pervasive, while the lower one is less pervasive than
the upper one. The excellence of the quality (gu~za) can be defined
as that without which other qualities cannot come into existence.
Therefore, the principle of earth is pervaded by al I the principles
beginning with Siva and ending with water. In the same way, the
water principle is pervaded by the fire principle, etc. The same
takes place up to and including the §akti principle.
The gross elements, the host of subtle elements, the
sense and motor organs, prakrti, puru~a veiled with
sheaths, and also from vidycl to the sakti, all of these
are nothing but the order of expansion of the waves in
the form of one's own consciousness.

31~ ., aAAImct5JOt I
31~ cfraHi ~ R{<llZlci 1
"fl" q ~w ~cl~ "QCf ~ ~m;:r Jm: I Cl?f fmcrr: A~ A~~ 1r:

~ffi: ~ fu$1Hld5C11: s:iC1l:ildSC11: fl(f)fll ~ ~ Wn:>A:r:a: I ~
~~, <i~G:l<i_ ef2:1C£ll~~Ul'i<ifQI~ ~m~~: ~cf5 ~ ~
qsqG:~IJi_ I ITT~~ ~~TI:f ~l,Af~ - 31LRT~~~,

>n=JTQ~ 3f~~ ~ fu~;n~

~

~q

~111"1')~

TANTRASARA

123

sITTJ:J ("q'( I q '{Ii~ I (fUl ~ti ~I ffil "i i a ICl "fCI IC1 I efmJ:J ~q s:l uR
Q; ~J:JlqCID ~ fu~ amfffiJ:Jfa:§q{C)tj ~J:Jc<H1~g1RCBli~g1a,, ~
flcarnti -s:ll=l1qo1i ~1cic=wqfu fict>Ml'""dHi a1cia1s=t 3mfCllC11

Chapter Nine
In this chapter, the distinct features of the principles (tattvas)
are going to be examined. 138 In the Trika doctrine, the supreme
Lord himself has taught the existence of the sevenfold variation
of the principles: sivas, mantramahesvaras, mantresas, mantras,
vijntintikalas, pralayakalas, and sakalas. 139 Thus, there are seven
possessors of saktis (saktirntin). They possess only seven saktis.
It is because of these variations of the principles, beginning with
earth and ending in pradhtina, that there is a fourteenfold division
of each. 140 When 'unique nature' (svariipa) is added to this division,
then the division becomes fifteenfold. 141 Among them, the unique
nature, which rests in itself, deserves to come under the purview of
the knowable objects (prameyatayogya). 142 This can only be cognized by the grace of the goddess A.para. On the other hand, the
subject in whom the energies (saktis) are overflowing and who
becomes the place of repose for the objects, is the very nature of
that which belongs to sakti (stikta). This can only be known by the
grace of the venerable goddess Parapara. The sakta form is sevenfold because it was stated earlier that number of saktis is seven.
When the subject possessing the saktis (saktiman) becomes predominant with reference to the host of knowing subjects and [the
objects] rest in the knowing subjects, then it [the knowing subject]
is of the nature of Siva, the possessor of the saktis (saktiman). 143
This becomes manifest by the grace of the venerable goddess Para.
That also is sevenfold because the number of knowing subjects
beginning with Siva and ending with sakala is stated to be seven.
(f?f

wn:m

I

ef-m~crracr >n=ffiluTI ~-a:, "ff~ ~Cf)'{Oll~ fi(f)Ml~UT
(f?f fi Cf)(1 '«Oil

fCHO'l I Cf)M efm: ill~~ {ti q ("q I C1 ~~Cf)J:j f~aj

I

124

TANTRASARA

~C'i~ld5C'iffl <1 "Cl '(!q" -Rfcftjlkd 1a, ~ ,

rn $1H1ct5f1

f{'i

~ ~

fcp IC'i ci:f)~ act1 «BI 'Hi fo aI >l C!CS::U A H I ~(§:Fa mA~ ffl I Ci ffi fCt) I'< ~1 tj I
"#er~~~~ "ftcr $m1~1rm'{Clqai fCllCi~fCI~ fJrqa=Fffi
1

A~Ag~ I $a91ffAC51 '<"\i)')G~ICi;:::;;<:;ilf°fACf51 ~IClffl ~ ffim~

~ ~

1

a '£4'<1J1 cpa &J" mm A R1 >n=rrcr~ *c:= - CfRUT~

~iJaqlfafiHl<i

~1-ci')Q:a q 3"i~FciRm1~ 1: CfS'<uf1~ ~1c:t<::ffq 1a ~

~-~: I Ci'ttj)ci: ~Cf5 Q"Cf f=aC"fCllCi~l~;:efu~
>fliT(i1 ITT ef~ ~ {<)q A I5i ftj ~ ~ -a-m9" ClGJ fCI {Cl q 'i ~
I

~

mfu tl'~~~~ ~?lfc:ITG:R

J11T=t1l=l1fu,

c=r?r

~ct:>M~I~

fid5C'i~1fnsA~qcpa ~{<)q1;:a{ ~er, l!Ci" ~1ci1.-ai:1fcr ~.
Tu1a~ifmRt6 ~1a~~~ q fu~ JfRTfB ~ Sk=tei~tu

fucrr~~I
It is because of this variation of the saktis that the number of
knowing subjects is divided into seven. In order to clarify this, it
is stated in this particular order, i.e., sakala, etc. Saka/a subjects
have vidya and kala as their saktis. 144 The saktis that function
in the inner senses and motor organs are only particular forms
of these two: vidya and kola. In the case of pralayakala souls.
vidya and kala remain indistinct 145 because they are devoid of
objects. In vijlianakala souls, vidya and kala are going to be dissolved, but still persist aided by [their] residual traces. In mantra
souls, iuddhavidya is in the process of awakening. In lords of the
mantra (mantre§a) souls, suddhavidycl becomes fully awakened
when the total absence of any residual trace occurs. In the case
of mantramahefvara souls, foddhavidya is eager to assume the
form of icchaiakti, whose innermost nature is svd ta 111 rva. With
reference to Siva souls, §uddhavidya, which is of the ;1ature of
wilL clearly assumes the manifest form of freedom (svtitantrya).
Here ends the description of the seven principal variations of the
146
saktiS. The knowing subjects possessed by these .<aktis are colored by them, and because of this a distinction among them arises.
It is because of the difference of the instruments that a distinction

TANTRASARA

125

of agency is created. 147 Sakti alone, which is inseparable from the
agent, can be made an instrument and not anything else. Otherwise, the fallacy of infinite regress would occur. In reality, there
is only one single knowing subject resting in bliss and freedom.
When the earth is known in its own innate nature, at that time
her innate nature alone shines; for example: "I know the object
that has been seen and experienced by Chaitra." In this experience,
which is perceived by the powers of the sakala soul and by the one
who is the possessor of all the saktis, another innate nature definitely shines. This statement applies to all the knowing subjects up
to Siva: "I know the universe," which steadily abides in the unity
of Siva and Sakti, when viewed with reference to both, and which
later takes its repose in Siva because of the existence of a specific
concept.
~ ~1ct~ ~ -a-"{f(ff ~ ~= (iffiqf~ a~. attfqJ:Jfl.r aw=(
$R"'F1Ci'tm Ci'm LT Jll ICilS~~ ~s:i(f.)l~liler, (17:fT q att(qla~
~mTT ~ G:l"~? 3Br ~ - ~ c=rc=( ~ ~: '{=Q{C)qf<::i
I

ttWltt>c=ct 11.

fcf5 "C1Tif "C1Cl, ~WfITT s:i A 1a R -:a- Uc=t fu.mf~~

Uc=t ~ ~ ~ "Ci"Cl· ~s:ict51~1iler ~ s:id51~1 ~ ~ fcffi'~ ~ ~
~~~~Tf~~~{IYltti~ I 3"f;oi~s:iAlqfia~
~Cf "C1Cl ~ ~ a1am H~CBT~lfi{C)4(ql(i, "$"fu ~ s:iAl~~'<:fiacr
~+:rRf'crtrr: ~. c=JW (1f<::f ~ fifl'l~ 31~fwli1d51f~ <liter,
q '< 1~ li A I"i i Cf) I ;'.("I i ~err ~ "ti+TI"tXffu ~I Ci~~ fu mr~ <!')nt
I

~ ~crwfu f1Affll"iT"C1s:iAlqfu~ ~ ~ ~uffirq"fu
zjqft~ afU1cR1, a~ Ci 41 M ~ ~ s:i A 1a R "lT"f( fu~ <l~ '{=Q s:i d51~1 f<:1
~~~ - ~ qs:ac;:~11c-Ad5c==ci gf~ ~~fu ~u1;:iat=aq4~ 1
Ci lcfr-qfum'<: ll 11 ~Cf5XJ)Cf5~ fi(f.)fi ~ s:iA lq(q IC1, fi(f.)flf<:1 IN "(!Cf q IXlct~<i
~ a1aa~c=ctlc=t I ~ tl"~ f;,uff°ff Ci'""?llfllcEI 1~ ~~fu
Cf5f11Cifdl:r::c=i ~~W-f1Cf5f1~ ~ s:iAlqCilliln~ ~~ffiAdlc-A"il

~ ag: li ~ s:i fLi ff! A <:n 1. c=rw -:a- f1 d5 fl ~ '{=Q {Cl q (q il er ~ , s:i fl li 1d5 fl f<:1
'{=Q {<)4 c=Cl ~uTf ~~ ~ I ~~ ~ {C)q c=Cl ~: ~c=a qxr I

126

TANTRASARA

A•='.;p•1@ ~ 1ffl fd '{Cl4 c=a WRIB ~CBffl q

w:rrcrc=a Wmwf'ffi A~ c: 1fl ~

1

~ 1Cl ffl ~ ~Cb 1~1 C5fm~·{i kF?li R~ ;:i- <ffisfq ~ ~a f c=c:11 fl I 1!Ql{
31ti
~ ~~~~ f~l1'1: ~q;:r*~fux:f d)'{l fu
~ mf~ ~sfCr ~$Ci'<>ffl ~m~ JmC""QIC"( I
3l?f 7a ~ it C!Cbfl"i ll I ~ii ~$'1 H g)':>q\6 Ml Ci~ IMl ct>A q 3-TCf~
I

-mqm

I

Now the question arises: If an entity does possess the quality
of being cognizable or perceptible (vedyatti) as its own form, then
it would be knowable to all. 148 The quality of being cognizable
would itself also be knowable; this would involve the fault of infinite regress. Then the universe, although fully manifest. would
be blind and in deep slumber because it would involve the fallacy
of association with two contradictory attributes: the capacity to
be cognized and the quality opposite to it (viruddlzadharma~voga).
That question is answered in the following way: the capacity to
be cognized (vedyatvti) does not belong to the knowable object
as its very self because the capacity to be cognized, belonging to
the unique nature (svarllpa) [of an object], has been stated to be
something different. That which first takes its repose in the energy
(!fokti) of the subject, and then in the subject itself, is indeed
the sharer of restfulness. That sharer of restfulness is indeed
the innate nature [of any given object]. That innermost nature
is indeed self-luminous and it shines with reference to none. 149
Therefore, the question of omniscience, infinite regress, and contradiction between two opposing attributes has been refuted.
That very innermost nature (svariipa) remains one, even when
cognized by countless limited knowing subjects. Its character
is of this singular nature because al 1 these cognitions are of the
nature of manifestation (llbhtisa). Therefore, there is no hindrance
regarding the rising of perceptions and inferences among different subjects. Its character is real because it has the capacity
to serve in worldly transactions~ for example, seeing a heautifUl
woman watched by others, one experiences jealousy. 150 Also, while

TANTRASARA

127

conceiving Siva as the abode of rest, one experiences absorption.
Seeing an object in which a great number of subjects have been
immersed, one experiences fullness. It is like watching the dance
of a young woman, 151 or seeing 'blue' with its unique characteristics when it becomes merged with the subject. In this way, selfreflecting consciousness arises. Thus, everything beginning with
earth and ending with prakrti is of the nature of fifteen. This is
because of the fact that in sakala souls, raga and the other veils
(kaiicukas) have become active, and because it is the sakala souls
who are the experiencing subjects. A sakala soul has this form of
fifteen characteristics because it also comes under the dominion
of 'knowable [objects].' This topic has been dealt with at length in
the Tantra/aka.
From the puru~a 152 to kala tattvas, these divisions are thirteen.
Since a sakala soul is not associated with subjectivity, the two
characteristics, .fokti and the possessor of sakti, do not arise. In
this case, the sakala soul exists merely as the innermost nature
(svarupa). When the pralayakala soul is the innermost nature and
the remaining subjects are five [in number], then the distinctio~s
become eleven. When, on the other hand, the vijlianakala [soul] is
the innermost nature, and subjects are four, then the variations are
nine. In the case when the mantra [soul] is the innermost nature,
and the subjects are three, then the variations are seven. When the
mantresa is the innermost nature, and the subjects are two, then
the variations are five. When the mantramahefvara [soul] is the
innermost nature, and the single Lord is subject, the variations
become three, because of the distinction of sakti and the possessor
of sakti. In the case of Siva, who is solely of the nature of light,
consciousness, and freedom, there is no variation, because He is
perfect in every aspect. These distinctive variations of the categories were given in the text titled Para111e.~\1 ara11uttara11aya. These
distinctive variations of the categories are responsible for the
great variety of worlds (blwvanas). This is expressed only because
the nether world, heaven, and those worlds belonging to rudras,
though similar, being constituted of earth, yet have differences in

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TANTRASARA

their natures due to comparative remoteness. One curious to know
about the subsidiary variations of each of the many enumerations
should try to understand it by studying the Tantraloka.

~ Qc?hCfJUGltl':;fll{o11fq ~~l~l'"ii ClfC1Hi ~ R{<)NC'i: I 31~
~ ef~ tj1 a=rci "ITTTIC!~ ii <:i {Cl q J:t 3-f~ R {<) ~ ci - m tH I C'1 ~ 1'B~;:r

~ ~ fucr: I "lfW ~ 'ef~~cf §1~' ~ I ~'<IC'in:Jf'ffict:~<ili
~ ~ tl '<:I A~ Ag m:, ~ u'<I A~~ I: (i fii a Ir~ +"i I A Cf) fq ""1 ~ C'i Ic-A ct5T
qrucpl ~, fl i'L~ Ifuq P~~ ICl fcwl-al of~ Id fcl tmt>il a I 3f~ ff1 q I f'~a lfl J fl S~
nt<=fq;~ tl '<:I~ $11 ;i ICf5 C1 : I q I~ ICl fu £A Ict'5 ii UT 31~ ff1 q I f'~rr: CB fY I;<l
I

mul err tl '<:I~ C1 <Ji d1 Cl C1 : I m~~ f%" ClfCI I a ~ I d ~ II a Cf f=a ?I 'fl'l 'fCI Gl1 ~
3G."-a: ~ ~ITTTf~ A I;i f(j) u'<I f1 <hci : I IDITftr ~~Cf)~ J i:rranm
"chj)d~IC"Qiot ~ ~AIQ(ilq::l«'l tHICifcH~ <ITT:r:, ~CJ;~~ ~ii ~it~'
~ 3"i4'<:?11N I
Thus, by following the [example of] one single clay jar, the
distinctive variations of earth principle and the other categories
have been examined. 153 Now an exposition of the entire category
of earth with its characteristics of subject and object of knowledge
will be given. That light which shines as nondifferent from the
earth is Siva; as it is said in the Vedas: '"The earth itself is Brahman." He who is the Lord of the mantresvara [knowing subjects
who represent the earth principle] sends those who are the givers
of siddhis, and those who are thus sent are mantresvaras. The
mantra [knowing subject] is one who is the embodiment of egoism. which assumes the form signified by the term mantra. The
vijiianakala [knowing subject], related to the earth I principle],
is one who has rid himself of sdli1khva, and other systems followed by bound souls, and practiced ptirthiva_voga hy means of
saivavidyti, but was unable to attain the permanent state. 154 However, there are those who, at the end of the ka /pa or a ft er death,
experience release from the earth as dlzartipralayakeva!as' 55 by
means of parthivayoga, described in the text of pafus. To them.
the earth remains dissolved. However, in the state of deep sleep

TANTRASARA

129

there is a possibility of the arising of strange and different kinds of
dreams as a result of the overpowering nature of the tattvas. The
person who identifies himself with the earth [principle] is called a
dharasakala. Even in the state of being a dlwrasakala, because of
the prominence of sakti and because of its subordination, the variety is fourteenfold. 156 Thus. these are the variations of the earth
[principle]. which have taken the role of the subject. Their innate
nature (si'arzlpa) is the pure knowable object (suddlzaprameya). 157
The same applies to the other principles.

3-T~

t!CPf~ S:P:"l I Ci R s:n a I~ RTil36Ci Ci~ I *G:R '{Clq aI'"\
~
;fifi" 1Jeurc1: >rrur: Q;fvsi15~1dilc-AI ~~~~ ~fu, rn 3-TTW
ef~~di{C)YI, f~m Ql6cnlmlfi'{Clql, ~~mtmf'~a~l:il,
341~1 C1~~aQ16cii{C)YI,11m ~ ~ ~fGmct~1c:h c=FB~ 3n£i
~ Rfcfciicrqfcimci" fciciicvq1m1ctc:b, ~
'\

'\

-a m

~ur ~

Qfc:, 3ffC:l§IC:"""tla q fad?~ q~'{ClqC"CfJ:t, 3f~~. 3f~t:if11, mu
~ ~W~l{C)qfCllfl Q;fG9:~1~-*tF:c;:+R~ wa:101'{Clq("Cll~,

Jf~~

fcict>llfcmf~

-a

~CIAlt:l91ct~lclaCf5fYqlXlfcr~

fq '{Cl q I -c,£1 ~

a=run Rfcf di crq di 1: , c=rillsfq Frfcf CB fY ffl tci fi s:i Ha 1. ~
faCBcvq «"'i, 3-f~~ 3-f;:;i::i ~"fl I ~fGg:~ I f2-Ad51 3-f~~ u ~ ~ ~
I fcid514ciiqill~ Ql6d1{C)qCi1 ~Jffi~m~~. ~fcracp~

~~w~~ YIXlC:~~ m~~ fufaXl<i I
Now. the variations of the tattvas as they abide in the vital
energy with reference to one perceiving subject will be examined.158 In this world, any given person perceiving 'blue· possesses
[his ownl vita I energy consisting of sixteen tu/is (fuf i~oflasakatma).
This vital energy extends up to the end of the knowable objects.
taking possession of the thing known. The first tufi is free from
any division and remains an undivided unity. The second is of the
form of a knowing suhject who is about to come forth [into manifestation]. The last is identical with the object to be known. while
the penultimate one is the manifest form of the knowing subject.
The intermediate group consists of twelve tu/is; the first group of

130

TANTRASARA

six is nirvikalpa by nature, which veils the vikalpa form of knowledge. Among these six tufis, one is innate nature in itself (svariipa),
and the remaining five tufis are engaged in vei 1i ng determinacy
(vikalpa). The desire to open and the state of openness both consist
of two tzqis because they are characterized by the wel I-manifested
form of activity. This is because an action or [subtle] vibration [of
an action] persists in the perceiver for more than one moment. The
state of openness and the state of being an agent with regard to
the objects of activity are thus established. Th us, because of the
fivefold nature of determinacy (vikalpa), which is to be concealed,
and because of nature in itself, the nirvikalpa state consists of six
moments: the state of nirvikalpa in the process of being dissolved,
the actual dissolution of vikalpa, the intention to open, the state
of openness consisting of two moments, and the state of openness itself combined constitute the six tuf is. Its own functioning
capacity is nothing but the form of being the nature of the knowing
subject; therefore, it is not counted separately. In the manner disclosed above, a person having proper discernment, following the
course of instruction by spiritual teacher, analytically discerns the
state of fifteen everywhere. 159

fu Cf5crq '"<fi c::tj
3ifu Cf)fq ~q

~

efq;rcn

~~~fcrnrfcra

mcrc=t

ffi~ fq Cf)(Yq fu ~
(ffl=(
316 ~I A Wl{
3"I 6ra 1m1 rea~~ Cf)(Yq ~ '<"1 ~ r;:rru~ fcn:wf ~~ 31ITTl5Tfffilf~
I

~-~:\&1a1~ ~~ ~. fcrn5cvqR~f~~ ~ m ~Cf51~1a ~ ~
~ 3R11 ~ 4AltP4Al6Cf5m: "ffTCfURCTT ~ 3-Tf~~~ I l!cf -a
41XlG:~~ f~ ~ *Y)~~G:.-alc-+:1;::i'1 ~~ ~-;:rc=rr ~ ~ ~ ~
mQ\( rn(j)IBd5: ~ldld~I:, m rn ~ ~ ~, fuJll:ll ~$1HCf5{U
rrfcr:Gr~~+:!l~I ~$1fC1'<"1cfd51~ ~ -;:r C13-TIW I ~ sITT~
'(j)IB q 1a ~· 31?f q 1a~1 &i ~ 'WrCfill ~1AM1 c:?1 A 1<1f1~1 a1 ~ ~rf~rm
~ '<6ffll'<f:ffl;?j~ I Fci° +:!~+:Jg~l(j)~: ~~ c=nlG:~ lfi IC""!, C""lf1ffflfc§:: I
As the vikalpas become fewer, the number of tuf is also
decreases, as in the experience of happiness which terminates in

TANTRAS.ARA

131

the state of nirvikalpa . 160 Even ordinary people, by means of resting (visrtinti) vikalpas in I-Consciousness, apprehend the nirvikalpa state, the abode of reflective consciousness, which extends
up to the state of this-ness and is covered with an I-Consciousness
[that is] almost indistinct. This is like the state of unhappiness
resting in happiness, which begins to shine clearly only after gradual reduction of vikalpas. This is known as close attentiveness 161
regarding relation between the perceiver and perceived. This is the
view held by Abhinavagupta's teachers.
When the differentiation in the form of clear manifestation of
this-ness diminishes, and if it continues to diminish by twos, the
aspirant attains full penetration into Siva (avesa) for the duration
of two tufis. Of these two, the former is full in every respect while
the second, being practiced by absorbing it into omniscience and
omnipotence, rewards the aspirant with omniscience and omnipotence. The same is not the case with first tuf i, as stated by revered
Kalla ta: '"tuf ipata, 162 and so on." In this context, the word "pa ta"
is understood to be the Devi, SrimatkalI, Matrsadbhava, Bhairava,
Pratibha, etc. That is now enough of revealing what is an esoteric
secret. Thus, from the tufi belonging to mantramalzesvara onward,
the attainment in the respective spheres occurs by means of practice appropriate to a particular sphere. 163

cm

3l~cr \Ji 1~a: 1ca c:Hm Pi{<) lLi ;::ci , -"ff?T -a~ c=rfutsi li 1li 1-?tl ~f
<:fC=r ~fci'XO'lJ:I ~~a-i "fl<1 m ~, ;::r a~ Chcifl~ ;::r wfq
'

'

'

a1ct fl I li I: ~fcrc;:T ~ wf(r ~~ ~~ ~ I "ff?T "li"GJfws5~ ~{C)q Ci li I
~ c=rGJ \Ji I~ a: ct f{?Xf B~ ~ +:rR -a- I ~ ~ ~Cf 3lf~ lS6 H {C)q Ci I
~ ~epcvq: C1cIT '<""ct Gi I cH"W I "QGJ ~ ~ ~ IS(S IQ{<) q Ci li I J) Ji k·+:J Ci l1Cf
~ c=rGJ ~~ca1am 1 ~ ~ ~ ~li!,:i+:J1orn+:J1?1atcrr: ~c:B
Jll~ctlfu~~ ~fcfm ~ I "QGJ ~ c=rf~q- >n=llQfcr~~ ~:

~ufc:ft4~ c=R\~UT ~ufffi4~Cilil ~ C1G.1 ~m~. "ffT -a-~
~~ct -fu~ 3-T~ 1?t li 'i JWti q ~ li 1 fu ~mfzrcm >n=llQm
°f"Q I(i ~ '{i I~ I ,

~Cf> CU A~~:

in

>fllTQ !,:i Ji Io I!,:i il <:«nf~cB

~

132

TANTRASARA

~~16Ct.>c=Cllc"t Br~G.T I ~Cf ~l'Gti f~
~{<iq1a1a~1~mfrFIT ~Gi6-<R=r. ~~~ mc=n~ cx:ITT~
A61&:'11fca:™~~= I 3-R:f~~~ C"i~IMl~~ct>Cilfc=fcb-a
I <:{W ~~cl ~ffl ~ Cj)iQ T<il ci ~=rcrfrftc=f A~ I~ a ci LT Fl'{<) q ~ Rr I
fc5 q ~ ~ ffl ~ ~ ~m;u <1Cl ~. ~er a ft:qaiQ=
~, ~ C'i ll ICf)C'i 'fli
~~ ~~L(=f,
fq $1 H ICf) M«'i
mmn~~1(f.){ai ~ A'""5i1a1;:ii ~
~1aHi f~*~~fa1a
flGiTCil<"1Ji_ I ~ ~{<i4flct5M1 9 ~f1l:11ct>f1: ~ fcl$1Hlct>f1: :?
A"""'5i<"1Cil~l<"1;;:+J§~ldlf: 'd fucr: <.,, ~ YXlct~l*a qsq ~ I ~
~C'illlCBC'i ~~UT ~lllG:~lm, ~ fq$1 H lct>M~I rm: fq$1 Hld1C'i
$~CBIG:~I~. ~ ~ ci~l~ll: A~~ll: fucr: fucr ~ w:c=r*a. ~
A§~1~1Rn:•mft:P:fuef~trxr*a. ~ fw~1~1rm: $11ri~1~
$t81~ifm: fucf ~fu~. 3-TI~sflr ~1aaf8 fo"J~1$11~-cu1+·~~~q~·

mrr:

mrr:.

m

mrr:

~ ~H=il.cllHlllll~ qjrjqc;:c-c:p:l ~ 11

~ afciJ11&l -;:i-IB ~ dY)«111~i ~~Al(j)=
~~ ~1-<fa "ff %UT "J:lT(fl-TicITS~ ~~I fl I
ci ;::i iffl"Fod ~ J1 IMct'5 A l Ia Cf5 fl"""Ji R-Fcf ct> r=q I A ~;:a I «! Ia;:;;xJi IA~Tfl I'< i ~WR"fc-f >ff9C1 'R1 Ic-'"Hi fl 1J:t I I

"$"fu ~~ca1a14fa-<f'aa

a~f11{

c=rn:r*ct~ct>1~1;1

;:rn=r

;::iaAJ:il~CBJ:J_ 11~11
Now. in the fifteenfold variations. waking and the other states
[of consciousness] are going to be examined. The knowable object
and the consciousness related to it, which causes diversity in consciousness. being mutually dependent, are known as states [of
consciousness]. It neither belong to the object of knowledge alone.
nor to consciousness alone, nor are they separate from each other.
When any particular experience occurs. having externality as the
substrate. then this is the state of wakefulness which remains associated with the knower, the knowledge, and the object of knowledge.

TANTRASARA

133

When, on the other hand, any particular experience shines as
the substrate (adhi~flztina) 164 in the form of an instrument, which
appears as a desire, then this is the dreaming state. When knowledge shines as the governing agent in the form of seed alone, then
this state is known as deep sleep. These three states, with reference to the object of knowledge, the instrument, and the subject of
right knowledge, are said to have a fourfold division each. When,
however, in place of the rest of the subjects, the emergence of light
occurs because of his inclination toward inwardly directed fullness and awareness unfolds, then that state is known as the 'fourth
state.' For example, the knowledge: "I see the form by means of the
instrumentality of knowledge" transcends the knower, known, and
knowledge. 165 The knowledge "I see" rests in the subjectivity of the
knower without any means and is in essence autonomy (svatantrya).
This fourth state is the giver of roles such as subjectivity, instrumentality, and objectivity, respectively, by means of proximity,
middle range, and distance. It is because autonomy is the giver of
the grace of these states that they are said to be threefold.
The yogins acknowledge these states by the names pi~z(lastha,
padastha, rapastha, and rapatita, respectively. Those rich i~
the subtlety of meditation call these states sarvatobhadra, vyaptl,
mahavyapti. and pracaya. The derivative meanings of these
names are given in the Tantrdloka, as well as the Slokavartika
(MatinlvUaya). That which permeates all the other states and is allinclusive and perfect is the state beyond the fourth (turyatlta). It
transcends all; therefore, it is denoted by the name mahapracaya.
Moreover, that which is distinct, steady, and well-connected is
the waking state. That contrary to it is the dreaming state, which
is the state of experience of pralayakala souls. Deep sleep is nonawareness of all the knowable objects, which is the state of experience of vijilanakala souls. The fourth state is the experience of
the process which makes the object nondifferent from the subject.
This is the state of experience of the mantra. mantresvara, and
mantramahefvara souls. The absence of difference from Siva in

134

TANTRASARA

any entities is the state beyond the fourth (turiyatlta). This is the
state that transcends all.
Now, how the fifteenfold variation occurs in the five states
with reference to different subjects is given below:

1. Jagrat (waking state)-sakala in its innate nature
2. Svapna (dream)-Pralayakala
3. Su~upti (sleep)-Vijnanakala
4. The fourth-Mantra, Mantreivara, Mantramahesvara
5. Transcending the fourth-Siva
In the thirteenfold variation following the order mentioned
earlier, in regard to the essential nature and pralayakala souls,
etc., five states also remain present there. Following the order of
t~~ 'thing in itself' (svarupa), the energy of vijt1anakala and th~
vzpianakala souls, the variation is elevenfold. In the ninefold variation, they are the 'thing in itself' (svarupa), mantras, lords of the
mantra, the lords of these lords sakti and Siva. In the sevenfold
variati~n, ~hey ar,e the thing in, itself,' lords of the mantra, t~eir
lords, saktz, and Siva. In the fivefold variation, they are the thmg
in itself, the energy of mantramalzeivara, sakti, and Siva. In the
threef~Id variations they are the thing in itself, the icchli, }t1tina,
a~d .krz~asaktis. In the principle cal led Siva, though it is free fr~rn
dis.tmction, yogins, rich in the perfection of enumeration, conceive
a fifte~nfold division by means of the presence of the iccha · )Fzana,
and krzyasaktis.
The beautiful form devoid of rest in consciousness, seen
in the host of categories such as earth, etc., is not as
beautiful as that of the supreme subject, as his knowable shines in multifarious ways. Take recourse to this
multitude of principles created in sequential order,
which are in essence indeterminate I-Consciousness
impregnated with autonomy and reflective awarenessand attain your own Self.

TANTRASARA

135

3m fa 1a(\ c=rn:n~ 1 ct5M 1ca~ ~ R {<)l<:i ci , ffi <:rm ~ 3-9mfl=r
fcm~ (1 "("Cl J=t ~~I c:rw c=rffl~ cntm <::f"f( 3-9mfl=r ~ (ff( cPffi Q(f)'{<) q Cf5 C'4 "1 I fi

f% tDJ)("Q Ia, I <RTW -qfwx:ri ~f-:n:-Ra cf ci lkl fci fcH"P f

~ I JlCVfff~U H 1;:8 crif ~ fcit5(51-Cbl'<:Olcil:i IC<:i ll:i"ilf'<UICf>I ~ I
g)+:f I fu A I Ci 1;:ci fum -~CU fc:1 '<:l ~ ~fcrfilfu ax:l I fl I ~C§'fcH:~ I fu~ I~ ;fl
~, ~ct?a '<:~{I q ~ p=11 <""l 1 ~er 3"I o sthj)te:d Lflf2.fcr- mcp<1-A 141 <:i ~ 11m1 fci:r~ I ef~d:llfu~lml"11J=t 3Br ~ ~1Rtsa~ mCK{ q{fq~IT
~, ~~ ~ fis:lfciu("Qmfu a1afa <:!ffi1=( 34usfCl'=t 1 ~1aa~
~ 1Hi 1ah=rr -~~vi-~ 1a.., 1a fG:1 ct5 fl'i A H fCt 1<""l
fCI a ;;;5j Q ~ ~,
ITTTRr <::fC1 mrBti a ci:t5 M kil a A 1 lTCi qx1q CPrTr: ~ c ~ ~ 1"C"1 c=a 1R I
1

'

'

'

Chapter Ten
[In the previous chapter], the path of principles (tattvas) has been
explained. Now the path called kala, the subtle units of tattvas,
etc., wi 11 be described. It has already been stated that the specific
character which threads through all the worlds is called 'principle' (tattva). In the same way, that which invariably abides in the
group of tattvas is named kala. This is because kalti is capable of
fashioning or shaping (kalana) in a uniform way; for example, in
regard to the principle earth, it is nivrtti because a process of the
creation of the principles stops with it. 166
The kala named prati~fha functions in the group of tat~v~s
beginning with water and ending with pradlzana because It IS
instrumental in nourishing and replenishing. The kalti named
vidya functions in the group of tattvas beginning with puru~a and
ending with 11u1ycl, be;ause of which knowahles begin to diminish
and the ascension of consciousness occurs. From pure vidyti to the
end of faktitattva the siinMkala operates. Due to its function, the
activity of veils (kaiicukas) rest in tranquility. Therefore, there are
four spheres 167 (a~ujas): born of earth (p{/rtlziva), born of prakrti
(prt1krw), horn of nuzva (mavtva), and born of sakti (saktti). The
energies he longing to -the ea;tl; and other tattvas have their abode

136

TANTRASARA

in these spheres up to the end of the principle ca I led sakti; therefore, in the principle iakti subtle tactile contact exists. 168 Tactile
contact possesses the nature of resistance, and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the spherical worlds exist up to the end
of the sakti principle. Furthermore, in the sivatattva, there is the
concived kala called santatlta whose existence is created only
for the purposes of instruction, meditation, and worship. 169 The
supreme reality possesses absolute freedom; however, even there,
that which is beyond the scope of knowledge is also beyond kala
(kalatita). 110 Thus, the number of kalas is indeed five and the number of tattvas is thirty-six.

"Rurf%"-~~fci fum-~~a-~;:r ~ ~ I Cf)'{Ulc=ci fum
- ~;t crn{CTRQfm u Vc=r ~
Cf5'<01cfl~~~1a~')c:C""C11ct
1

fa Cf) I ff! 4~ qxr
°ffQfq ma~&~ Tu ICl afci ~~mi:( I C1£1?J" Nfu ~ l'i a mcx:rR err (,f({
q-xr

I

~}G\Cf5~~ qxr

a&fate14Mf, C1c1

tJ

I

furrfc=rc=rfuci:i I l I ("1 l'i I

~Wi ffi~

ci:ild:lAl2J

I

~WB, ~

~-~ '~1CX:iA1Ti~· 3RCITm::ifC11f1T"?l'imfTR1 crm~

fll(i~~l!Q"4QCl'f1H1(1, ~R;d~j c=j fldC""lfdl~Uff1l'ilf"i~ICl:llci£8ctA efc=r
q Sil Cf5M ifcrrtr: ~ $1 H '1CfiM~4~ 3"l k-A Chfl 1, ~~ fa m Ch fl 1, ~
~ICICf5C1T ~ ~ac=qfufcr: I 1!cf ;::iq("lfdl~fq ~(1" ~I ~m~llll4t
~a-14q{{Ciq("q1 ~ &furn ~ci Ti a fQ Cf)fl, c-A, ~*c;:. ~fu ~ "C1"2ta
&futr: ITT >Tli IaIaIll i CfG:Tt'.EIT s:l A IaI~er an ci:i ("1 '( ~(~ II l=<•ra Il'i i lF?TTtal
("J(W~I~ ~~:PilflCilllf QUTf~, "ff l!Q q- 3Rft f11cifa fu~ ~
~ efc; ~Cb«1 Cf ~tT0i ~ I
1

I

I

Qdl4;;;5iqUfAd')

Y>'<~ls~1d') ITT-fu q- RqR1: 1
fffcU afA fTTi Ti lFi

'< fl ~ I'< Y)'< A f.51 A TO?i q aA ;:{;l I I I 9 I I
~Cifd 1of fuCf>qa~ CffCffar~cH A q '{ Cf)fl I I

I

TANTRASARA

137

34 l :r<:i a fCi =c=q il d5 d5-

q d:A ;::;i ~~cFl f1l fa ~ I I ~ I I

~~ qurf: AG:A~Ci "fa Aci') -a- ~ 11 ~ Cil ci ~A I

3-ITT+•i cPJ)c:8 """1 I ~ f ,
?I <:i lj)i=b f"i Q t5 I~ ~'R:f: I I ~ I I
The knowable is twofold; following its division into
gross and subtle qualities, the total number of tattvas
becomes ten. Instrumentality is also twofold: first,
there is pure instrumentality, and second, instrumentality is connected with agenthood. Thus, the number
of tattvas also becomes ten. Next to them are five tattvas where instrumentality has become subordinate and
agenthood has become distinctly prominent. Next come
five tattvas that are the result of the purity of agenthood. The next five tattvas are those whose distinction
from one another dissolves with the intention toward
fullness. The thirty-sixth is the principle known as Siva,
who is free from all Ii mitations. When this is taught or
meditated upon, that in which the mind gets a solid base
is called the thirty-seventh principle. When this principle is also made an object of meditation, then the number of principles becomes thirty-eight: this does not
involve infinite regress, however. because when Siva,
who is associated with unlimited freedom, is being
meditated upon, it terminates in the thirty-seventh tattva. 171 However, the thirty-sixth principle has to be conceived of as beyond al 1 other principles. Here ends the
method of conceiving [grouping! all principles under
the scheme of five kaltis.
When atmi"ikala extends up to vijllanakala, and vij1zanakalti
extends up to Tsvara. and the remaining tattvas are pervaded by
Siva. this is the method of conceiving all the tattvas under the

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TANTRASARA

threefold scheme. The same scheme should also be assumed in
regard to nine tattvas. 172
The threefold division of the sixfold path, in the form of the
worlds (bhuvanas), principles (tattvas), and kalas, which ~re ?f
the nature of gross, subtler, and subtlest, is on the side of objecuvity. When, on the other hand it takes its repose (visranti) in the
subject, the division is simila;ly threefold. '73 When it shines as the
instrument of knowledge in this subjective aspect, then it is ~alled
the path of pada. But when the waves of agitation in the mstrument of knowledge are going to rest, then it is cal led the path 0 :
"!ant.ra. When, on the other hand, the agitation is completely pacified m the fullness of subjectivity, then the path_ is th~t 0 ~ vanz~­
When that very varna takes rest in its fullness, 1t attams its ow
n.ature. Therefore, is proper to conclude that one path possesses
sixfold divisions.

it

The number of pada, mantra, and var~w is one, and
the number of the worlds is sixteen; thus, the princiP_le ~arth is composed of the kala cal led nivrtti · The
fue Is number three and the eye is number two; th~r_e­
fore, the number of principles from water to prakrtz is
t,wenty-three. The word rasa signifies number six ai:d
s~ra number five; therefore, the number of the words ts
fifty-six. This is pratinhakala.
The number of syllables constituting the principles from
puru~a to maya are seven. The number of mantras and
padas is two, while the number of the worlds is twentyeight. This is vidyakaUi. The number of principles are
three, that is, suddhavidya, lsvara, and sadasiva · The
mantra here consists of three syllables, while the number of the worlds is eighteen. This is santakala.
The number of pada, mantra, and principles (tattva) is
one, while the number of syllables is sixteen. This is
santatltakala. These three verses in a rya meter have been
composed by Abhinavagupta for the use of his students.

139

TANTRASARA

<1?f

l'ilctc=t

~

~

"fRl m~ ~~ 3-TlfQTff~

<:l"W~~c=<:l"T ~. ~~ cra;qJ:J101~1mn=( 3tr<:ITJlllA"ilfl
~ cfT~d') am~A._

I C15r en: 3-Tf~ ~ R{'lqo11~ mf:mq1cfl

fcrmz:f~ I C1?r <Ef~ ~: ~mq 34$11"i~r1: ~~ CidYllil
~~ efm q 1a ~ ~m f1 +:\Q Cb, ~~ 1!Cf f* <p<=r ~ a 1=rM i:i,,
CP+=f Jt ~ c=CI "Cf>1=f lb M ct 1
J 1ci c=ct ~ f1 ~-a mfm q 1a 1~qrrc=tt

m

mfm;:r

3-lfc=t~'f!~·:, t~mrf~fl~ <1 ~ctl'it;q ~~~ #<:l"W
U, °$~ ~~f"l~·:, fa{)4l'i): CP+=fuil": f"IAcilfll'il: ~~~
CP+=f~, "f1(f: W'mq 1a ~ ~,
~Cb~ fcRTumTTfRl, fcRT~sfq

;:r -

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34 ;;q

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~,
ciCTf54f1<?.\ld ~mm:~~ m mlls:idlfl tmfuf~
I 3-T~ AMqR:q1a') W'mq1a: msfq fcbfCl'{Clq: ? fci? Um Rf~?
~. l!R~ #~ ~f~m f~w ~er~~ ~~Jfl ~c;g<J}
~ffi ~ ~G:Cnf~ "f"!Cf+=( 34 f1 A 5\Ji f1 J:t I ~ C"1 ;J)I q '< '< il ~ 11 E;:l:i a Icf Q;
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"ftm:r:, ~ q ~ ~~1Chlf1fq'{Clq*ef~a: ~ ~af~~
~{Cl q ~ c=l'i I q R=i" ~GIB CfT ~ur CfT "f1"liT ~ mfm q I("1 q I?I JO\ 3101:
~, fCI 1a~A1?If11 '< ~ ~ qzi:rf~ ~ qrnf-ac=rr ~ ~a-r
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I

I

roe

mn{{<)qmm~~ <1 "f"I" "Q'Cf mfmq1a= qzq~mffiRaA1<:'11J1mft
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mn C:Pllfqa-n, ma-T

~~. mrn=rra-nm:n-~~
<1 cn~a:r: ~
~a-Tf~a-1: I ~ q er-rm - Cbf+"llfl epf~fu-acr ~fX1" mfmYIC"1 ~, X1"
t!Q ~~ <lm mm~ f"tcifd c.ffism ~~ ;:ni:r ~tm;:r fu~LicpC"11
qTCG=fl~ I

140

TANTRASARA

Chapter Eleven
Whatever has been stated up to now 174 can serve some as a direct
means for the attainment of liberation (apava rgaptaye) using
the 'short-cut method' explained above. On the other hand, the
instruction given above can also lead others to initiation (dik~a),
performance of the rituals, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to give
an account of the nature of initiation (dlk~a), rituals, and so on.
Here the question arises: Who is entitled to receive initiation? In order to answer this question, the topic of the "descent of
grace' (saktipata) is going to be discussed. Some are of the opinion that worldly existence, which is rooted in ignorance, occurs
as a result of a lack of knowledge, but when ignorance is removed
upon the rise of knowledge, 175 the descent of grace takes place.
However, they should explain why and how this right knowledge
develops. If it is the outcome of deeds, then it would not be different from the results of actions; it would be a contingency of
being an object of enjoyment. If the person who is the enjoyer
(enjoying an object) is accepted as the recipient of grace, then
the 'f~llacy of wideness' (atiprasa~1ga) occurs. If the wi 11 of the
Lord is supposed to be the cause of saktipata, then the "fallacy
of mutual dependence' (anyonyafrayata) occurs and, moreover.
it serves no purpose. This theory would also entail the question
of the Lord's partiality. Furthermore, it is not tenable to assume
that mutually opposed actions, having equal capacity to suppress
each other, could balance (past) actions in order that the descent
of grace might occur. 176 This view is not tenable because actions
are sequential and therefore are unable to oppose one another.
Even if it is accepted that they might oppose each other. the question is raised as to how other actions, which are not opposing one
another, bestow their results. If actions that are not contradictory
to one another do not occur, then one would instantaneously drop
one's body. It is not correct to say that only the actions bestowing the results of birth and life span are not suspended, and that
only those acts that grant experiences of happiness and suffer-

TANTRASARA

141

ing remain suspended. This view is incorrect because it does not
answer the question of why, even if it is assumed that the descent
of grace occurs in the presence of such actions, grace is afraid of
the deeds that bestow the results of experience. Furthermore, if
the question of grace could be satisfactorily resolved by resorting
to the theory of the ripening of impurities, 177 then the question
of the nature of this theory needs to be answered, as well as the
question of its cause. By this question, all possible causes, such as
detachment, specific form of merit, service to righteous people,
association with saintly persons, and the worship of deities stand
refuted. Thus, arguments advanced by dualists are repudiated as
incoherent.
According to this nondual system of the autonomous Lord. we
maintain the position that the great Lord, by way of sportful play,
veils his innate nature and takes up the form of a bound being
(pasu); however, there is no contradiction regarding the distinction of space, time, and his innate nature. 178 Similarly, the Lord,
by removing (the freely chosen) limitations upon his innate nature,
reveals himself either instantaneously 179 or gradually 180 to that
181
recipient of grace cal led a limited knowing subject (a~w). Th~
great Lord is in essence autonomous, and it is He who causes saktz
to descend; therefore, the descent of grace, which is dependent
on nothing, becomes fruitful by the realization of one's innate
nature. However, for one desirous of enjoyment (blzogotsuk~sya),
the descent of grace depends on his deeds. Upon one desirous
of otherworldly enjoyments (lokottaranipabhogotsukasya), grace
descends through the agency of Rudra, Vi~t)U, and Brahma, the
presiding authorities functioning in the sphere of maya, [who are]
impelled only by the will of the supreme Lord. This kind of grace
yields resu Its such as the attainment of the status of mantra knowing subject (mantrapram(zta). etc., and (the capacity for) discrimination between [the principles of] mayti and puru~a, puru~a and
kaUi, pun1~a and prakrti, and puru~a and buddhi, and thus bars
that kind of person from enjoying those fruits belonging to the
lower principles. For one desirous of enjoyment and liberation, the

142

TANTRASARA

descent of grace has to depend on rituals when it comes to enjoyments and is dependent on nothing when it comes to liberation;
therefore, the descent of grace is both dependent and non-dependent. It is not proper to ask why the descent of grace occurs only
for that particular person. This is simply because the great Lord
shines in that particular way. This being the case, then to which
person might this kind of injunction related to (the enjoyment of)
some object be directed? 182
~

m-ti mnsq1al ;:rcrm, - cft~-+:fa:f-A""G:~

~-m~­

~: -g;~fu~, <l?r 3fe!')~a1 ~ ~ 11f51I=a14-;:rqfa-TUI: fCI ~ fli ~ «'1
mm~~
J1f1Rf<1t:ll

~~

~~

fcFtcr

mJ11qqJf~

mm~

a ~ w;:r t11•:i <:zn fu Cf.)flFi 1 cnrf~. 3-T?ITfq- a 1~a RO:Hi 'id:I a=

- $il§l~fo51q1a ~. ~ mfui:rc=a ~llf511W~a-TI ~ql~ll'l mf(r,
'

~ Rfmm=rf~~~ 3mmf~ mfc=ri:i~IJIA~ ~.
~w

~mm

~m;:r
'

-c=rffiR-m

~~
'

~
'

1

~~ ~ :wnfzj'~f;:rdt ~~ldHi eftC1C1l'llfucp~~ I
~~ ffimq1a1c=t ~{)ru~~1 f~~1f11 ~. ~~
~~ ffimq1a1<lq- 1 ~~ ~ am1f5la=c=a$1Hq_uf: mam=t
'l1JlqJ:{q~ l!Cf, mfTFJlsfq "fef~ZH"ci$1HCi~Cf +:JlaCf>c--8 W

°l1fJlifcH~ m'l11JliMldU~lfuAfcH~~~~

I ~~ ~

"ffCf l!Cfl l!ci ~: l1~= ~afDli cfta=ri ~fu ~ "f1"U ~ ~
irqfu Jft"crnfr.r. 3l?r 31cff!T~ Cf.)~ ~11f5ltim~ ~~~
'
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"ci fltl I~ IC1 $fli Itl lfl ~zy I 31~ If1 d al CIT ~ "f1"U l!Cf "ITTUTf~fJf(f)f
r=riffi, m "fl mUTfilOT gq Cf5mf ~ Cf~ ~I m~m

man

3fei')te1A~ ffimq1a1a, ~amnTsfq fCl1c-i:i;::i: ft?lqCill'li ~ c=rw

1<t>~faqr=rr irqfu, m(ll:ff~q1Cf.)ct")~ur Q; ~~ r~ l!Cf, "A"m~

"fl ~ldCil<ij)cnTSfq m"Tffi~: irafu ~ c=r2tcr cftam:rf ~i"J IJ1;:oiA_, "ff u
mm~ JR~q ~-g;:r

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mrt ~UQT ~~ fuq l!Cf I Rq')tC/A~

~~ur
~UQT ~1ac=q~ ~. ~ +:r~ &mmm~CPffi ~
~UR~ (ftll ~ - ~,QcHA~idJmq1~Ci~I l'lCiffi~ 3-it~~'

TANTRASARA

143

ma=rcr<:f Tf"I C"C1 i=l 3lC1: "W'm41<"1 {<)4 a I I ~

~~I A 01 <:fl~ &J ~

Cil'{ciRJilf( ~fu~, ~~ ~~ ~1fffiq1a: I ~wlalC:.l'ii ~ '{IJ11i~

~ma=i1:r:aa1$IB~~rcra~1 fi1a~1ftll1f~i~~~.
m ~ ~ t::OI ~ ~ 3lfq ~ uRT Ql'{fi'{I CIT,~~ ~1RP41Cil ftjfu3i1sftr
Cil'{C"1R=i~Rrx"'i1Ci_ fcm:IB, ~ c?lru1a1ru~ tP=ta:nruwA01 ~-~
u ~ 1caqR:q Id): ~:ill"uf~J ldC"tll5U~l lf5i4'{AlfUct51R:a1J:t l!Rr, ~
3CT1 ~fr:Ef)~ ur 3FR1~~~ cmsfq 3"Ef5A i=l ~ 3Rl 1!Cf 31tmtH~ 11 fH m
I

~sfq ~ AOsC'iAl?l~~f~sfq 3Rfuct51Ra1:, Jlcl~ W
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3"11 a 1~1
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cft"arruf:fqR: 1 mm~ 4iC1l«!>~ ~ -afu 3q1~1qa~ 3"iOQaf%aAa
tpff
vrm: 3q1~1~~~ ~ ~ -eq ~ mfilsfq 31~trraffl
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w

en

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~~ fc5 ~ ~I~: "4Ci $fu ~11:" ~ IB ~Of$1 HC"CI lfl gq WlTUmcf ~
I

3"i a i:F"11 fG: d') Tu 6Q J I

I

a"4Ci ch ;:i Rm 3"l ~1 J ~("Ci H 1-~cH=a ("Ci Ira 'i I R fl:t ti "i ~

~. %q1f"t2l ~a~1ti ~UT.'-;::r af"l:ill'i 1~3q~~ Wn:>41ctT
FR-qa:r l!Cf- d5Af~R~~LlafUTTC1 I

The descent of grace is ninefold, with three variants: intense,
moderate, and slow, combined with a further threefold division:
supremely intense, moderately intense, and mildly intense. The
occurrence of supremely intense descent of grace results in the fall
of the body. whereupon the state of Paramesvara is attained. With
the descent of moderately intense grace, the recipient is himself
firmly convinced of the nature of reality and does not require any
aid either from the scriptures or from a teacher. In him, intuitive
knowledge opens automatically (prtitibha}Fzdnodaya~z), whereupon, without undergoing external forms of purificatory rites, he
becomes the giver of enjoyment and liberation to others. This kind
of recipient of grace is called a teacher of prtitiblza type. This
person is not required to observe any customary behavior as used

144

TANTRASARA

in society. Even among the prtitibha type there may be the pos~i­
bility of comparative distinctions among recipients of grace. This
is because of the diverse nature of the wi 11 of the Lord. Though
being intuitive by nature, the person endowed with this type of
grace may rely on the scriptures; this he does only for the verification of truth. Thus, some teachers belonging to the prti tiblu1 type
may not be established in the sastras while others may be well
established in scriptural knowledge. Therefore, they are of various types, but in all the cases the element of intuition (pratibha)
reigns supreme. In the presence of the teachers of the prtitib/za
t~pe, other teachers have no authority. Just as in dualist systems
(Saiva Siddhanta), sivas who have attained I iberation are unable to
perform the functions of creation, destruction, etc., in the presence of the beginingless Siva.
From the descent of mildly intense grace, a desire to approach
a.righ~ kind of teacher 183 develops, while one's leanings in the
direction of incompetent teachers disappear. It is only because
?f grace that one goes toward the right kind of teacher from an
mc?mpetent one. The true teacher is fully conversant with the
entire truth contained in sastras. He is none other than the revered
Lord Bhairava. Even a yo gin is the giver of release to others only
through the knowledge gained by practice. In this regard, his compete~cy as teacher comes from his identity with Siva, while the
~ovelmess and charm that he might possess are not essential. The
mcompetent teacher might possess all these other 4ual ities except
union with Siva.
Thus, the person who feels a desire to approach [such a] teacher
receives initiation, characterized by knowledge, th rough which he
immediately attains liberation while still living (jivanmukti). This
initiation takes place in different ways: hy mere glance (avalokana), through discourse, by enlightening the disciple regarding fastras, by means of viewing external rites, or by offering
semen and menstrual fluids. A person we! I practiced in meditation,
etc., receives initiation at that time which severs the bond of vital
energy (prti~za): however, this kind of initiation should be given

TANTRASARA

145

only at the time of death. This particular type of initiation will be
explained later. Thus, the intense type of descent of grace is of a
threefold nature.
One who receives initiation as a result of supremely moderate grace does not feel a deep conviction regarding his identity
with Siva. However, by gradual ripening of that realization, he
becomes Siva after he drops his body. One upon whom grace
descends in a moderately moderate manner, although eager to
attain Sivahood, is overwhelmed by the desire for enjoyment. In
spite of this, this kind of person is a recipient of the pure knowledge granted to him through initiation. He, in the present body,
experiences enjoyments obtained by the practice of yoga and
becomes Siva at the time of dropping his body. From the mildly
moderate descent of grace one attains Sivahood only after experiencing enjoyments in another body after dropping the present one.
Thus, the moderate type of grace is also threefold.
When a person's eagerness for the enjoyment of pleasures dominates, then the nature of grace is said to be slow. The recipient
of this grace becomes eager to attain identity with supreme Lord
through the means of yoga, such as repetition of mantra; beca~se
mantras and the practice of yoga finally terminate in liberation,
they are decidedly of the nature of grace. Here also, as a result
of comparative distinction, the mild descent of grace is threefold.
These are the main principles of the descent of grace. Regarding Vai~l)avas and other systems, the descent of grace is like _the
grace of the king and therefore does not culminate in liberatwn;
therefore, th is type is not going to be discussed here. It has already
been stated that in every descent of grace, sakti abides as inseparable from Siva; however, this cannot be the 'supreme one' Uye~fha),
but either fearsome ( f?/wrd) or dreadful (ghoratama). 184 Although
already diverse, the descent of grace becomes further differentiated by means of comparative gradation. A person belonging to
the Vai~l)ava and other orders, who follows the method prescribed
by the teacher but at the same time follows this sastra of the fivefold current, becomes in due order sufficiently mature and is able

146

TANTRASARA

to gain the highest competency for receiving the Trika, the alltranscending and supreme sastra, which is revealed by the Lord.
Others attain (the highest competency for receiving the Trika) by
skipping some stages, thus creating indefinite divisions. Yet others may attain (the same competency) instantaneously, i.e., without any sequence (akrama). Thus, teachers belonging to the lower
orders are not entitled even to see the sacred diagram (mm:ujala),
while the teacher belonging to the higher orders is instrumental
in enlivening the lower doctrines. He is able to do th is because,
on account of his perfection, he is entitled to al 1 the sclstras. This
kind of person is a teacher (daisika), a guide (guru~z), one who follows the rules and teaches others to follow them (dcii rya), an initiator (dik~aka~z), or a voracious reader (cumbakaM. Among them,
the best one is that one in whom the fu 11 ness of know ledge has
completely flourished, without which the fulfillment of initiation,
etc., would be impossible.
. A yo gin who is associated with a person desirous of attainmg results is capable of granting him immediate results by
instructing him to adopt a certain means (upaya) which will
lead him to his goal. If that person, through the means taught
to him, remains concentrated only on knowledge, then he may
also attain liberation. A person desirous of having perfect knowledge should approach many teachers; he should remain close to
them. hoping to attain ever more superior knowledge of different
kinds. However, abandoning a teacher perfect in knowledge definitely requires a need for expiation (prclva.fritta). The question
might arise: What if the teacher does not~ give instruction, or he
gives erroneous instruction~ shouldn't one aha ndon him? To that
we reply, "no,'' as that kind of teacher is free from attachment
because he has attained perfect knowledge and therefore has no
personal reasons for not revealing secrets. The teacher's silence
might be the result of lack of merit on the side of disciple or for
want of a surrendering spirit in the disciple. This disciple should
continue to make an effort to serve this kind of teacher and should
not abandon him. Thus, the descent of energy, having grace as

TANTRASARA

147

its purpose. is indeed independent. If the descent of grace were
dependent on bad or good deeds, or restrictive causal laws (niyati),
then it would be nothing but the function of veiling belonging to
the Lord (tirobhava).
fc=mmcr

~wf%"

~,

fc=m

men f6 CPlif~ ~:'<St Al g mff 1fQ45M : ,

- ~Cf>l~l~ICi~kl ~~sfq li<t>CICi._ ~~ ~ q st<t>dt:Gi

H.-c\Ri, c=rw ~G;1sfq ~~~ J:J~1'<1ITTTfCRPt ~?<:if<""(, ffim, ~w
~ ~~~ T¢t5l'i A I a 11 fq ~~ m~ ~ c=rw 3-IB:l ~~~'
m "Q R~i:t H 1 - T~C§:l£1'<01{<)q<"Q1c=t ~ q c=m-cr fQ~1~·AHC"Qlq "(!;:f
~: 'f!5l s:Jl § q ~- Fl A J J1 ('i Fa ' ;:r ~ 3 c=q ;:i ~I fmq I Ci ~ fc=R1 mcflsf"ttr' 3f?ITfq q
ct>J:Jfuq a1T - crdaa, ~~' <"1?11 fq q $il91~ ru~ lq l:!Ci~gs:i l?ll 4<Jo:llJ<:i~:'<St
Cf5 Mc=d en cft &11 fi i:i <'i =a <'if lJ<">tl Cl ll ~ 1a.1 ~ ci 1R .-c\"il ii <:l ~Him H 1flH~ 1 ~
$m1~fa?<0:11c=t fc=m~sfq ~en ~1Rbq1a.-i qJ\Qa, lfffi err~
Cf241Jj):;@;::i, ~ 45acp~~1fi'1c=d fetlc-AR ~trfl~~l!Cf, ~;:r
~5<"1A le-A 1;::1 4~~ fl I

q

<:TW Fl'< JfM ~I c-J:J fCt I Ci ""'A I<""Y '<A~ I

3"11 m 1a~ ffi 31 U"lli c=rw fu qOJ)<:i 1ct f4 1 1
3"i ~ C!c§:Sfq en ~ fCt f~ ~C§:q ct I"ci {Ci, I

~ ~Wc=r en msti ~1Rtsq1a1s;:rQa:rep: 11

~ m~l(""ll"cilUfcm'~ ci~til{ efmYICi~Cf>l~l;:j ;:rm
l2Cbltl~IAI~ 11
'Veiling' or tirobhava is indeed dependent on deeds. and it can
create such a situation as making one experience intense unhappiness and delusion. For instance, because of the free will of the
light (prakasasvatantr.w1ll). a perfectly enlightened person can
behave I i k e he is tr u 1y fo o Ii sh and then b 1am e that behavior on
being foolish at heart. Similarly, a foolish person can imitate the
behavior of an enlightened one, such as usage of the mantra in
worship, etc., and then blame it (on the behavior of an enlightened
one). However, compared to an enlightened one, the activities per-

148

TANTRASARA

formed by a dullard, suited to an unenlightened one. although
performed, decline and finally end. The activity of an enlightened
one, being blamed as a forbidden behavior, makes the unenlightened become doubtful of his potency. which is the functioning of
the 'power of veiling' (tirobhavasakti). This causes an enlightened
one to sink into the morass of delusion.
This veiling has no effect on a person upon whom grace has
fallen. In this instance, as in the previous example, it is not dependent on deeds. In all of the following cases, because of the diversity of the will of the Lord, tirobhava persists: it results in suffering to be experienced only in this body; or in initiation followed
by practice according to convention, such as serving a teacher, a
deity, or sacrificial fire; or finding fault with them, like those
engaged in service or blame; or like those who were engaged in a
doctrinal order of Siva, and who later abandon it. Even in these
examples of being influenced by tirobhava, one may himself
receive the descent of grace as a result of the wonderful manifestation of Lord's will, or one may receive grace even after death
through his teacher or relative. Thus, one is the sharer of the five
functions of the Lord coherently united in one's own self. Therefore, he is none other but Paramesvara and should not think of
himself as being separate from him.
The Lord, who by nature is without any veil, covers his
nature of light by his freedom of will; in the same way
he unfolds it as well. In the domain of his non-enlightened state, he behaves 1ike an enlightened one and later
wakes up. The nature of the descent of grace is to be
independent.

Chapter Twelve

err anfct a') c{ff)~ '1 ~ ~, err a1 IfCI fl q R fl q a II cl ~ Cffifcd
AHJ:t3qfu~~<i I BFfq~:w:ffi, ~~q~~{fCl'{C)YfP=tld~I:

TANTRASARA

149

crnc:btX:l P 1+=11 IB- ~f~, dilCj)csci -a cm~sfq :wfRq'l"l lq{Clq Hi'<
~qf1""11f~ I c=rfzy; fCICi-=?1H;;::c;:fo4=11?1fll{ ~lc:-AR fu~ err
ac;:;;q'{C)qf"iaC1ri1f~ ~~. m -a ~~'<qflJ:J1~m-~ ~q1§Jci,
msfq di'R'i~ ~c;fu cifflc=(, dJ~lfq 341~1;a'<Jj)~aTI I ~ u
l!CPf~*~;::r f"t +=1'tt1&:i'tt1a~1 d"q fo ct ~~ cnc:: 1ru ct -a, c=rw
3-IT~~: faf'~ ~G:: I ~ u 3f1SGW- fea fc-i J1fl4 q "i §)Ci I~ I"i ICB I~ I fl
~~ fc-+:t '{C) q I ~ ~ ~fc:f~ J:J ""?! ;;q I fl J:J f% YI ~~'<{Cl 4 Ci <:11 'ii Ifa Ci I'tj)
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1

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~m q 1<Si a 1il atfu , Tf5 -a ~ J:J c:: H ;;::c;: 1c:.1- qfc:r: 3i 1lLl 1<:11 cfi<f Ji Mc: 161
cx:rrf"C(""I: ~ftSG f"t I +:j &f ~ R-t fl I J:J ~+=( 3l~~JJJ $ ~ (i IR cl11 ~\L~ q)fl IR "Cl~ ~~ ~a 'R'i +=1 ;;;51 'R'i a =a ~q u 1Rcq1 a, 1 cfi~~ ~ f~~, c=ruw
- ~OJ:= err~ +=1~1+=1{)ct m~~ ~J:J~11"i"i'Ji: %m-gcTI -a~1Ct.>13Wm
RfcfdifYd5: I "c:!~ ~~;a-<:al fucq~, ~{iYlf<'lA""?l<ilC::lc:-~~
a 4=1 lfl ~ (f?f <l?f Pi J:J JJ1 ;:i ~ $~ft)~

~~ 3i 1'""1 ~~oct cn~URTfff
RfT a=rul;::r ~I Cl J:J ~l ~ ~ J:J ""?! "ci ct5ll~, c=rc=r: ~ tl 6 s:l Iall~~
1

tlqf1l"ci¢t>Cicfo1~ ~ ~~ fiH~ I 3iT~ z.rw - <itlCb!:'<lfu{ClqUl'<Ol<:ll
CT?r <l?f qrftlcrrGt ~ Ci ;:s:i ~l mer: I
~~{Cl fl J:J JJ1 "i -

~ "fi°R z:rw ~ <i <iG:q fci I
~mtti"fi"R
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q '( +:j I;:i ;;::c;:

R J:J JJI OJ)

~~WIUJI
~ ~1ru1a-<:fu
fuuJ) ~ ~ 3:rcrrrut I I
~ .sffi+:t G: I £l I~ fH-Frcr~((lfCRf~ ma""?! fl I {
mc:~1J:J1f~ 119~11

'Fl H s:i Cf5 I~ H

~

150

TANTRASARA

It has been indicated earlier that initiation, rituals, and other
related matters should be discussed. Therefore, for the purpose of
determining the real character of initiation, the duties preliminary
to it will be presented.
Bathing (snclna) is said to be purity, and purity should
be understood as absorption into the pure essence of the great
Lord (Paramesvara). Removal of impurity is indeed purification.
Although identical with the innermost nature, impurity is erroneously regarded as being associated with characteristics extraneous to it. For example, the conviction that the innermost nature,
although present in the Self as well as in the universe, which is
in essence perfectly free, blissful, and is consciousness alone, is
negated when it is associated with characteristics different from
consciousness. This erroneous notion is called impurity, which is
removed by means of absorption into the great Bhairava.
In some, this absorption occurs instantaneously, while others require a means (upaya) for attaining it. This division of the
means in regard to different people may vary as one, two, three, or
they may be taken as a whole, or individually. This absorption can
happen to any individual, anywhere and at any time. In this way.
the division of the means becomes diversified based on the attainment of the firm conviction (tisvasa) in the nature of reality on the
part of a practitioner.
. Furthermore, this absorption is eightfold. By means of meditation on the very nature of Paramesvara, and by the power of the
placement of the mantras (nytisa) in the eightfold form of Siva,
i.e., the earth, water, air, fire, ether, moon, sun, and the self
(titma), and in one's own body by gaining identity with it. one
becomes firmly absorbed in Paramesvara. In this way, a 1imited
soul, which functions differently as a body, etc., attains absorption in the Lord.
But to some (for those whose conviction is not as firm) bathing
and putting on fresh clothing cause satisfaction. Therefore, they
are r;garded as the means for attaining Paramesvara. It is said in
the Srimadananda Tantra and similar texts that support, nour-

TANTRASARA

151

ishment, invigoration, burning of impurities, pervasion, capacity of creating, the capacity of maintenance, and nonduality are
the principal results. The mantra as a unifying element assumes
the form of this eightfold division mentioned before. However, in
regard to the vlras, 185 they assume a specific nature; they are as
follows: the dust emerging out of the union (ranare~zu), the water
of the vira, the great air. the ashes of the vira, the sky above the
funeral ground, the moon and the sun as connected with the previous two, and the self free from thought constructs.
This bathing, with variations of external and internal, is of
two types. 186 The external form is performed by attaining identity
with the mantra, and when this is attained, one is to be dissolved
into Siva. 187 However, its particular form is carried out by means
of looking at the delightful substance (wine) in a vessel used by
viras and having made it of the nature of Siva, one should worship
the host of mantras in that very vessel. Then the 'wheel of deities'
who are abiding in both body and prti~za should be worshipped
by that very substance. This is known as the principal bath. The
inner bath is performed by means of concentration of the mind ?Y
the respective forms of dlulra~zti in the center of the earth. etc., m
order to become identical with that wheel of deities.
Immersion into the very nature of the Lord is called
bath. When this is correctly performed, only then does
an external bath becomes a ritual bath. The external
form of the bath is called a ritual bath only in the secondary sense.

152

TANTRASARA

~ UI f'+:f d5 IuIi , +fl =c:t§dW ~ 3fwf#d5Iu11 '"t, q cf a I~ Ict .!?Jd5 I""fl c=ci '1
fufilqqfo:<i'<ICi ~epl-~qac=aA ~ I m ~llllJ~I~ ef~cr fillil:r:<:i;;qlff

~. ~= ~a. c=rrn ~-g

1

-tr -~ -t:f5- ID , ID -3-TI - a=r --ITT ~crat

~1fffi~1fffiAg:iikf>lmT AlfrFil~l&:'<l~IA;:;;iil~, cdb.:la 3ITCft ~ C1c1:
WmAIRRi, ~ q1a1~1fu:ros~. ~n5t ~ ~ fq-q-d<:r: I Blf~

wwrcrffi ~~ wffi ~ Jl ~1 R ti$" fi
J1

£la ;:i IA N!:~ Iftt>A If1 Ifm:tmr ~11

A +ci Cf) I A <1Ul=l I ~2,f

ef"&Rlr fi fi I'< fm~ ~I'<"""! IcttrBU

fuf~ eawRun a I;:i Ia I;:i ~I Rbqmr ~ "{ -ff - m°{a:> <""Cl 'fJi ci : I 31c1 gq IB
~om- 1=Mf l! Ci #Q Ifl Ifl
~ fi 15\J"l "il sfLr l I I{) 5 ~ &JI a I fG: r;f '{53T
~ ~ arn°fil m:ffi1 I

m

wff

Chapter Thirteen
After the ritual bath, one should proceed toward the place of worship in a delightful mood. 188 The place of worship is where heart
becomes filled with satisfaction and is well suited for the absorption into Paramesvara. 189 The place of worship does not have any
other characteristics. If any other characteristic is mentioned, it is
given only because it is instrumental in granting identification with
the object of meditation, which is attained because of mental tranquility. Therefore, there is no place similar to a place of worship.
The sacred spot (pifha), the mountaintop, etc., taught in the
sastras as places of worship should be known as supporting this
description. The energies (5aktis), possessing the state of absorption into Paramesvara and in accordance with his restrictive
energy (niyati). incarnate themselves at the various sacred places.
like the regions inhabited by the Aryans 190 of good moral conduct.
and also the regions of barbarians prone to immorality. The mountaintops and other similar places are conducive to concentration
because of being isolated (solitary) and free from distraction.
Then, while standing outside, in front of the temple, the aspirant should 'place syllables' (nyasa) in a general way. first in the
fingers and then in the limbs of his body. This should be done with

TANTRASARA

153

two combinations of mantras: 'hrl171,' 'nm7z,' 'plzm71,' 'lzrl17z'; and
'lzrl171,' 'a,' 'k~rn,' 'hrll11' indicative of Siva and Sakti, which are the
mantras of the ma lin land matrka orders. If this 'placement of mantras' (nyasa) is done with only one of these two, then it should first
be performed with malinl, followed by matrka. If nyasa is done
for the purpose of attaining mok:;a, then it should be done from the
feet al I way to the top of the head. However, if enjoyment (blzoga) is
the objective, then it should be done in reverse. The goddess malinl
is the principal form of sakti which, because of the close union
of vowels (bljas) and consonants (yonis), is capable of fulfilling
all sorts of desires. Her name is aptly significant. She is adorned
with a garland of rudrasaktis blossoming in fruits. She is the humming bee of sound (nada), capable of dissolving the ice of worldly
existence. She bears both spiritual perfection (siddlzi) and liberation (mok!fa). She is associated with both the saktis of offering and
accepting, for the syllables "ya" and "ra" are identical, according
to Par)ini. Therefore, even the application of the mantra, which has
lost its traditional procedure, becomes perfect (comes to its fruition)
by the power of placement of mtilinl. Impure Garuc)a and Vai~l)ava
mantras bestow I iberation after becoming pure (by its efficacy).
<h~~lf"l H;::c=f'<:J:t 3:rtltitl ~ ~ I ~ IB fct5~1Cf51'<Cf51Uli ~.oc

m*rn"(f(lff1ct1ct0~ ~Jfff~ 3ctlt:<'<uncpm, rn -a- ~Cf5l'<Cf51011So\
~ ~9dflmcr:,
<f?r
~T~ ~~lqlG:HCf5'{01~~­
"ffi~f~~lf"ll~ ~<!t:<;;Qlfllfl, l'11~f<:i ~~T"l:llfll<i,
I t!ci f¢t5l:il¢f5i1UTT"fq ~~cp<iflJ:ifciCf51'<d5: ~q- ~ ~~
~ -fu;:rrfq ~'© $11 ~ dl m'R:lt ~ m QQ irafu 1 l!Cn=\ mfW;
~ 1;!R1~qffi: ~Jff~ fil~~f~ l'11Jlfll{ ~l:l:Tifu -a- m~
1 c=rc=r: ~~ 1i:io5fi ~m -& m 3TI-<S11§JqRa1'<1l'1 ~ ~ ~~~ 1 c=rc=n~ 3-TI-~CICilcictill:i ~ ~ ~~~ I 3ill~ °C1 W~
°fffu m~ i:iosftf4fosM~ t!cr <Sil§JqRa1'<m'<aaa1a~ctJli "ctcITffi -a;;qlfll~
~ fil-g: I rn=ITsfq ~ ~ ~ ~ 3"1f51J1cag)&f efa-iu:r
fq&i1~qf"t 1fW"Fl ~ ~ m~ ~WaRUT~ ~ 3"1f~

wufc=(,

154

TANTRASARA

lillll!~ ~I

After the placement of syllables (nyasa) upon the body, the
placement is to be done on the sacrificial vessel (arghaptitra) for
the ritual. In this system, the activities performed in the ritual form
of worship involving verbs and grammatical cases (ktirakas)' 91 for
the purpose of steady realization of identification with the Lord
have been given as an example.192 Here in the sacrificial vessel
(arghaptitra) 193 all the cases thus become one with the Lord.
By following the order of ritual activities in this way, all the
(grammatical) cases are transformed into the Lord· 194 When all
these activities are seen, with this insight. even without taking
recourse to the principal form of knowledge or yoga, one becomes
united with the Lord.
Th~s, .placi~g syllables (nyasa) on the vessel for rit.uals an~
worshippmg with flowers, incense, etc .. one should sprinkle th
flowers, the essence of the ritual, with smal I drops of water from
the vessel to consecrate them. Then in the orb of I ight, on the
?roun~'. or in th~ void, one should worship the family of attend rn~ ?eities, uttermg this mantra: "I pay obeisance to the externa 1
deities of the main deity" (au111 bahyapa riwl ra_va na ma ~z). Th~n.
at the door [of the place of the sacrifice] one should worship with
mantra thus: "I pay my obeisance to the host of deities abiding at
the doo " (
r

awn dvara devatacakraya namah).

If the external place is not a sacred one, then entering at the
front diagram (nza~1¢ala) and the altar, one should worship the
external deities of the family and the host of deities abiding at the
door. and should perform the placement of the above-mentioned
syllables, etc. This should be done inside the place of worship and
not outside. Then uttering the mantra 'pilaf' three times with a
flower in his hand, and energizing them with mantra 'phaf, · ~e
should throw the flowers in the northeastern direction, and while
conceiving all the obstacles (as being) removed, should enter in
front of the ma~¢ala and should look on al I the sides of the temple
kindled with rays of the light belonging to the Lord.

TANTRASARA

155

~~~'<i"fH:lf~~'fci~q_, <:fW ip1C1G:Ul'<ciJ1fll ~~
l<j)t:G q I ~ ll ~(""( I (f?f qz4 ,QcH ~ k1 :r?li iJ C1 ~h"l I fl "i \Cl I fd:fb C""C1 A,_
3-lCf~ 1'f! ~ fu 1 (f?f fa okts 1~1 1!C1"
oo $a'< s:i fcrmm'!~=,
~Chl~l~lCPTci~~l=l, 31ClW~ 310:, ~Cf51~H*1Jj)cir;:f ~~, ~
C1?r

l=fm ,

~' ' ajn-00
cu
Ci l>'i Cf) I~ I ("Cf I a' 34 "i ;:a;;( a~ Cf) I~ I~ efa.-run:r'
-~
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#cl ra

l=fm

34 11~ Ck'l 1fl ' Ci Ri Jj)'&i CI 3-TQ~ I ~ C""C1 I fl ~'
ct=c:hj)lSCbit I C1?r
ip I C1 1'i, 3'tif S~ -Q"WFf ~, 310: q I a I fl C1 ct"SJi.., lfCI f fu
Cj)~ ~

raCfci

J){) ti I Ul '< fi 'lll Cl I J4 I 'L~ +i,, ftl Cfci Cj)~m 3Fm~ - ¢ct "fi"fu '4"i f% tJ Cf

~cpc=f f-crr*cf ~ I 'fl~ R-1 , ~ ~ ;:r fffQ IT"fl '< '"l I <:fW <:fW -a- ~ a5J I \Cl I
fl~·fuCj)+:J, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ <1W ~~wa1ilfd "frcfffutX'51Q:2lC1
m~ ~mi=( I {!Cf <:fW ~JICll'4_ fefrcr~IJICf51'f) c=rw ~<:ffsfq,
"ff IB ~~q $1l'""1~1fffi"f~~ ~~,~~a~ ~err
c=rw ~Cf, l!Cf fCI 1c-+i Itil-;:ffiq ~ *1 'j)~~ ~~ ~'< «11 fQ IC-t I °C!Ci "fa"
~z:f~W?IC1"4cm ~ I Cl '""1 \Cl I fu Cfci a f#c=r ~"C(ll]~ I "(!Ci fu.rcf
~~ 3qfd~~ d:gY)UtGCf51G.13"fi~IC1C-lWl"i ~ ~ "ff"Rmcffe.r
~~ - ~gC""C11a,, ClcTI Rta'<~·~"ct"UIA{C)ct>~ ef~~IC\Cllft m

mcr-a-

fQ)"ff 3-TIW '{:q ~Cf) C1 I ~q llrn:' ~G"R "\Cl"Wqfu t:G \Cl I Yl'i aC1 a I"ci ct")~ I fl :

I

m~-;::r -a~ ~1mm \Cl 1Jei 1:-ac;:1ft"iC""C1lfl ~JIC1;:jC11c-s:i1c:fl;:rt ~er -a-

~JeiC""Cl lft, ~ l1"'{Cf: I C1?r ""ci" qx:r ~ J11~G:ltll:, ~-a- Jq~
~ "fQ~IClct~ll ~~um, ~ mG;T ~~I ITT Cf51'{01Hi ~c;:r
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°itfa?l'iCbllc I ~ ~~fld"S\Cllll~ ~~~(f ~~~
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~ftsCP CB I c-+i I ~~ 'll I q cti , ~q ~wq~ g I'< Cf5: "ff t!Q Ag I~ Ci : - ~UT

-

I

156

TANTRASARA

c1l;:oifdl<"1

mum m~;:r amc-Ad5a-g~ ~lctll=l~lfc-Ad5C"dl-c,d, ~I

cnn~ ~UB'J~~ '"i Ict ITf1 cffi=fvrfnsd:i I ftr-;fifi A '"i I'{<)q A'< I
~ ~Cf5FR, %qft ~(tqcq?i~JO{ :ffi;::s:Hfll"{, l!c=ff~ fu~ *-e:
3ffi1-;ft-~~ 3-lfu tS() IC"J:Ci ~I ~I q d5cma;:r 31f~(:f~ill (:f~in=rill a-crni"
ffifYfofdl "lfC1

acr ~~~;:r fq~mqcfut ~CT ~JFT ~

~mr;:f a~ I;:j ~ (fwfuUI Tf1 :q '<I A~ f fl CS!' IcH Ict I:r:c!.l r;;:f "fl" JJtr:,

~ "ff~tlY'<IA~f~A>li;s\A6lfl\JHil (f~l<SlC'ildoC1 fu~kJ:ilCf5'<:Uj "fl"~,
~ cpc=ciT q Rct I{ 00 ~ <Sl ~'(I ~1 Fcf '<4)1 fM l I ~·Ci fl ~I C"d I<"1 ~ CJ\J"I ~ <t I
ma~11;:arndmrt~~~ 1
cfl "a ct'5 p;p i C"'lfffi ct'5 A : '<5l a '<: <"1 i ~ I I
~TUl'<lff\C11SlG,d51""C""l~l A I~ ICJ\'<:O 11 FfACf51
:t@=a •fl cl \13H=i "a I'< f~'R:ft '<511 'i <"11 ~ H Ifl I I

a

A person desiring liberation should sit facing north so that all
of his bonds may quickly be burnt by the flame of the fire emanating from the Lord Aghora. Regarding the notion of spatial direction (dik), it is stated that the Lord's freedom, by which the forms
(milrtis) [of the spatial directions] are made manifest. is the very
principle of the spatial direction. The manifestation of consciousness itself is the center (madhya), because all the different manifestations of directions make their appearance from that center.
The direction of 'above' is the region which is appropriated by the
light, but the direction which is not so (i.e., 'below') is the 'nether'
region. The 'east' is that which remains in front of that I ight. The
direction different from it is the 'west' because the 'east' receives
the light facing it. The 'south' is the direction towards which the
currents of light ascend. It is called 'south' (dak~i~w) because of
its agreeableness. The direction facing it is the 'north' because it is
the region to be illuminated. This is the description of the fourfold
directions.
There in the center exists the Lord, his face called Isanais in
the upper region. and below is his nether face. In the four quarters
beginning with east. etc .. his faces, cal led Sri Tatpuru~a. Aghora.

TANTRASARA

157

Sadyojata, and Vamadeva, are located. In the middle of the above
four directions, there are located four other directions. Thus, it is
because of greatness of consciousness that the directions are manifested, which are caused by the forms.1 95 For this reason, direction
is not a separate principle (tattva); just as when one wants to cross
over one's own shadow, it (the shadow) always remains in front. In
this same way, the Lord always remains in the center. It has been
stated that superior to all is the state of being in the center. Thus,
as the Lord is the agent causing the division of directions, so also
is the sun. It has been stated in different texts that the sun indeed
is the Lord's power of knowledge Uiitinasakti).
The east is that where the manifestation of light first occurs.
Where manifestation occurs, it (the east) is definitely there.
Although the directions, such as east, etc., are dependent on the
self, i.e., are subjective, the region that remains in the front of
a person is (always) east. Thus, the determination of direction
should be accomplished by bringing the self, the sun, and the L?rd
into one single concept. This is the knowledge regarding direction
as thought by Abhinavagupta's teachers.
This being the case, one should sit facing north, and by abandoning a sense of egoism (alza111blzava), one should burn ~he
egoism of possessing a body in both the gross and subtle bodi.es.
Though the body still exists, it should be looked at as the bodi.es
of others, for the Self is without a body. Then one who is steadily
es ta bl ished in the tranquil and unchanging abode has a natur~l
inclination towards creativity. The first vibrative fractional umt
of it is indeed the arising of form (miirti). Conceiving thus, one
should install on that form (miirti) the host of divinities that are
worshipped, as it was prescribed before. Principally, the saktis
should he worshipped, for they are the seats of the nine-formed
energy belonging to the Lord. This is the view of our teachers.
There are five states beginning with waking, etc., but the sixth
is called anuttara, the 'innate state' (svabhava da§a), which is to
be conceived as uniting all. Therefore, placement (nyasa) should
be sixfold (upon the six cakras). In these different cakras. Brahma,

158

TANTRASARA

Vi~.Q.U, Rudra, Isvara, Sadasiva, and Sakti, the causal deities, are
abiding steadily in the host of thirty-six tattvas, separately in
each. By the application of nyasa, one attains the fullness of Lord
Bhairava, who transcends the phenomenal principles. In this way,
the state of Bhairava becomes manifest. Therefore. in the case of
those who have attained the state of identity with Bhairava, the
performance of nyasa, etc., is meaningless. For those who are
established in the tranquil state, what could be the utility of creating principles, nyasa, etc.? In reply to this, we say that the tranquil state of the body of Bhairava is so vast that he is the final
terminating point in whose own nature the diversity of manifestations, dissolution, and creation remains manifest.
Thus, by means of the mutual union of the two. and by meditating on the vital air, body, intellect, etc .. which have become trans;.
formed into the Lord himself, one should worship both ("both
refe~s to the union of the pra~za and Bhairava, the intellect a~d
Bhairava, the body and Bhairava) externally and internally wi~h
flowers, incense, libations, etc., for as long as possible. Then Ill
the body, in the vital energy and in the intellect, one should install
the trident with the lotus accordingly.
This is as follows: 196 the root of the staff should reach the root
of the 'basic power' (adharaiakti). 197 The bulb is perfectly pure.
having solidity in the interior (with the capacity to hold all): the
~taff goes up to the roof of the pa late, where the opening ex is ts· It
includes all the principles ending in kala. It is named ananta · Th~
~not above it is characterized by mayti; the lotus of pure vi~ya
is the quadrangular bedstead. It is there that the Lord Sadas1va
abides. He himself is the great corpse (malzapreta). He is called
mahapreta because everything finds the excellence of rest there.
and because He is predominantly of the nature of consciousness,
due to the absence of a body in the form of knowable objects, and
because of being characterized by the cognition of nada. Emerg~
ing from his navel and penetrating through the three openings of
his head are three prongs representing sakti, vyapini, and samana.
above ntidanta and at the end of twelve. Above them exist three

TANTRASARA

159

lotuses with the nature of unmana. One should make this difference the seat of an all-pervasive superintending agent, so that it
may become one's basis. Then the desired deity should be conceived as abiding there. The offering of the entire being to that,
which is the very essence of all entities, is called worship (puja).
That, which brings about absorption into it, is known as meditation (dhyti na). The inner reflection of that, of nature existing in
the form of the primal sound (ntida), continuously oscillating, is
the repetition of mantra Uapa). Following the order of cognition
of this very type, by whose force the great fire has been awakened,
and which has brought the entire universe to identity with one's
own Self (visviitmikara~zam), is known as lzoma. After performing that, one should meditate on all the attending deities as arising
from the mass of fire as its ignited sparks, and one should worship
them in the above manner.
Meditating on the trident from the root extending up to
the end of twelve and resting at the top of the wheel of
the goddess (devicakra), one who becomes free from
sequence attains the state of wandering in the void of
consciousness.
From the base to the end of twelve, passing like a staff,
this consciousness wandering through the void is characterized hy its identification with the void beyond the
void. This is indeed void because of wandering through
the void, abiding in the void, and swallowing the nectar
of the void.

a

~ 3•F-a l:l fl I li I ?I I Cf Cl f(j)Ci : Cl') Ci CJ? ("Cl Ci I I f1 ("Cl Ci : Ci a I ~tel ffl "Ci"wfLr
Gfl~ ~ mTJ1scimct~IT"ill:l l!Cf, msfq "Ci"W ~~~ ~ ~
~ ~~ w~n:. "Ci"Cr~, f11 c=t ~~m ('1a~ffl1 ftr <'.! ~mfc=
RTU HI l:l I ;'.("1 l:l fn: - Ci d'{<)<t> I Cl fq ~(f)ftfoiftffl ~fe§:!>'idc=ct ICi, I 3l~ ml"
I

-

cftan faCB1&c=t ~ci1f"t~1~ ~~qR~~, nuT~, ~=~Jrt,
~5M 1a;:f. ~ -a

wm"f( , ~fBRid5l'1l~ ~5C11~clT=iBCl~

160

TANTRASARA

~ I (l?I" 3rf~ ~l&Q~ fif{!')C""l~mill~ ~axurf+:ra
a:;aHi, a-~ crnfcxn;:p'<§l0:Hi1§01J:J, w~~§OIJ:J 1 3qd){Ol~Ci'i101i
-~
'
'
'

'lJfT q '<: d5 a Ilfl J ~ ci Icf urflifu I
(l?I" f1cif4dJ'<01'{crT ~-g fum imcrill Bl-fc=Rt A 1aq')ct5i err ~
(1 g:of aJI: Y)5\5fITT«=f ~ ~ ~&:I I5J1 ITT- f a:mc=( I C1("1" 3m I~ J1 ca I H
-a~mi ~OFm8:1C""1MIJll<!lR c=fJil~ur fucmz:f l!~ fu:fu
ll IJI JJ 61 ;a cffflc:rm

~wRJ11-q-goT-;:r

~ fiug~fl, ~ ~R~§: I (1(1: ~J~fcm1Tf1Alf1;::j ~ J101qa: ~·

00:~ 311'iT<\~~iRa~ ~ i\Ji~fl. C1c=IT ~IJ\QAj~Jj ~a
~~ ip;t ~ fufwraaxa-;:i- ~ ~fl{~ 1a A Flc=f c=f-;:i- -ff
~~ I fuallldJM~l fu&"f~IA~l\Q 3R5f l[\Ji~fl I 00: ~l&Q~ ~
cftfa=Rffa~31~(f)M~i~ 1 ~-a~~3"l1a<!1a1
1J644~~ fu&Nll"HI~ tlRT 4k1~"""Ci ~S~~ ~ ~ ~-

c=ic=r:m

mciTI: ~

(Q-aT ~

furn fu &=rn ~ 11 Tf1 ~ I

"fiTCf~ CBAf"""Ci ~fuacct ~la 1$1~ I I I
Thus, only by the inner form 198 of oblation is the attainment of
the purpose really fulfilled, but in truth it is accomplished in one
in whom the state of absorption has occurred. Even then. external
rituals should be performed for the removal of 1imitations. For the
person who has not attained absorption of that nature, the external form of ritual is the main form (of ritual practice). He attains
absorption by practicing it. However, even for him, the inner form
of ritual is essential for the removal of the state of the bonded
soul (pa.fu). When the external form of ritual is not firmly established in his essence, then because of the strength of his desire it
becomes the giver of purity.
When a person is desirous of receiving initiation, for the purpose of consecration one should select a spot of land, then worship
Ganefa and other Gods, worship the small jar and the big jar, worship the altar, and then perform oblation into the fire. Regarding
indispensable observances (nitya). occasional observances (naimittika), the worship of the altar, and oblation into the fire should
be performed. Then, the ritual of the consecration of the disciple

TANTRASARA

161

is performed for the purpose of producing in him the capacity to
receive the impression of purification. It is like making the teeth
sour, that is, to prepare him to become inclined to the duty toward
the Lord; and as regards the teacher, it is the acceptance of such
a disciple. As regards the materials existing in the place of ritual,
these should be conceived as worthy of becoming the right materials for worship by energizing them with the nourishing energy of
the Lord, and then offering them.
Then, preparing this place of worship, abundant with all these
materials, the worshipper calls to mind the goddess malini or
matrka, and while throwing a handful of flowers to the deity, he
should think of them as being filled with the light of rays of those
syllables. Then, energizing white mustard, paddy, washed rice,
fried rice, and so on with the mantra 'phaf' and conceiving them
as flames of fire. one should throw them, beginning from the
northeast, in a given order. This is the procedure for the selection
of sacred spots.
Then, offering a seat ending in pure vidya, one should perform
the worship of Ganesa. Next, he should worship the well-decorated jar. filled with the substance of delight (wine). Then. placing
a betel nut (pllga) inside it, he should cal I to mind the root mantra
in the prescribed procedure as superintending over all. and. the~
he should make the jar charged with the mantra by repeating it
108 times. In the second jar, he should worship the mantra 'plz~!'
for the pacification of obstacles. After that, he should worship
the guardians of the quarters with their weapons in their respective quarters. Then, he should hand over the jar charged with the
mantra to a disciple who has been initiated previously, and the
teacher himself shou Id take up the jar (kumblza). Then. following
the disciple, who goes on pouring water in an unbroken line (from
the left of the kalasa) in order to pacify obstacles up to the end of
the temple, the teacher recites the following mantra:
0 Indra. in order to pacify obstacles in your direction.
you should remain alert hy the order of Siva to the end
of the ritual.

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: ~I~~ i f i' ~'~ill ~J 1 :ti!l!l~l/t

TANTRASARA

163

~"\1ct.-i~ I f~ ~l~lfciJ\Jj)llGfll@cj ~ ~?<::iffl I cicklHIJi lJ6~1Ji
Cl"W~ LJ:pildJlf11<i_ ~ ~ 3~1'<llfl I~~ ~l~lfu ~~I~
fqsf1:la M1fCf5c:b ct:>'ls1re C1c1 lJ){lfiRdt ~ d1<::ifa 1 ac;:~RHa101 ~ ~
'

'

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3CT:P1Sf~f'~ ~"fl I ~?f ~IC§'lct1 l1~Cf ~\:rlll(\ I ™~-a- ~fm~
~11fctHl(~::nra~1~1:r:t,_ ~ ~ I qcff"a~IR ~\:rlllCi, I ~wlqlll'<tll10fe:cfW ~

~ ~ ~?~f<t I L:!Cii:l§lfF'i~ C[dJllIB1@=41 ~~I 1{lcH1 lJe<llla
~rnrfm mTt ~~ I 3-TWmrf~ c:hfbc=t ~wlqlcU Cii81f51<~)1q\gf11(\
71{<)cpfl"'i1fcr fl"'iJtct I ~ ~ 3cmtt1~ ~ I ~ ~
f1 A 1a I'< Af1 ;:1 ~ a')~ fa , C1Ff ~ c::r2:l 1~1 RP cr;:n il a I ~ 1s·1 ~di a I ~
~
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~-13.-•HAIWlfufu~ J1"4=!cpci ~ ~asr:qlla, I 00~ ?FIB~~
3i 1<::i a., a1
a1 <S1 §>l=l 12l ~ q ~ il a, , Ji ;J)I ~Ci <::i J:t 3-H q
~"fl, ~a
~ltsell: ~ s;lOl+z:l 3-T~YllR::l ~ tHCil'<~lfl'<q4~<::il GJ&m" qf{al~

wru

"'a

~fami~ cfT~wfddJli c=rcf~ I mfufcrftFIT -a- Jtf<l"cid1 M~
1 ~ f"IAlfl~ 1 ~~ Rfl:i~\:rll<::ii ~s~ 3-rf~.
~~Rich~~ lJ){lAct 3-Tmcl~, ~ t11J:1fucn'i fcrl'w1
3-T~ HA IC1~ i:Ll t1Af(""IA~:

~ fQ A I\A H Ji 2'l I afll Cf<::i I
q ~ ~ tl i~•:rn fu<::rr ff;:~ G, Cb-

q<:f~ ~~:~II

~ m~ca Id 14fcref~ Ci r?1 t1 I{

"fflifz:rtlt a-11 ~ Cf5 I~ I~ ;:ni:r

?llllCi~ll=ll~ 119 ~ 11
With the name having three syllables, the word "hey you"
(blzoM is to he uttered once. Thus, going round from the east he
should place the jar in the northeast corner, and the jar charged
with the mantra should be placed on the scatterings (of the offerings) to the right of the kumblza. Then, worship of both jars should
be performed. After this, the worship of the Lord is performed at
the altar.
Then, conceiving the fire pit as the power of the Lord, and

164

TANTRASARA

kindling a fire, unifying it with the fire of consciousness ab~di~g
in the core of the heart, while cognizing the mantra aloi;g with it,
and conceiving the blazing fire as of the nature of Lord Siva, then
placing malinl and matrka there one should satisfy the mantra
with clarified butter and sesame ;eeds; sprinkling water from the
water jar consecrates the sesame seeds and the clarified butter,
and consecration of the large ladle and the short ladle is the gla~ce
characterized by the nonduality of the Lord. Performing oblation
according to one's capacity, he should place both ladles . . one above
.
mutually facing each other, representing Siva above
the o. ther,
and Sakti below. The worshipper should stand, placing the t~es
of both his feet parallel and straight. Then. he should conceive
that the full moon has arisen from the void abiding in the end of
the twelve from which oozes out nectar. a~d that (th is nectar) is
fa~ling on the ladle. He should go on reciting the 111antra, ending
with vai~ad, and should remain standing until all the clarified butter has been consumed. This final oblation satisfies all the host of
mantras.
Then, bringing caru (boiled rice to which clarified butter is
added while cooking) that has been purified by the sprinkling of
~ater and offering portions of it to the altar, the big jar. the small
Jar, and into the fire, the teacher should keep one portion in order
to offer it to the disciple.
Next, the offering of the tooth-stick will be described. It should
be thrown by the disciple. If it falls to the southeast, south. and
southwest, or straight down, that is considered inauspicious. In.
that case, oblation into the fire while uttering the 111antra ·plzar
will remove the fault.
The teacher should then make the disciple stand before the
sacred diagram (mwz~ala) blindfolded, without agitation, in order
for him to earn the right to have a glimpse of the mantra that he
will receive in the future. Then, he should sit on his knees and
throw a handful of flowers into the mandala. All at once, with the
blindfold over his eyes being removed.°he sees the 111antra directly
before him. because the means of knowledge. being graced by

TANTRASARA

165

the descent of sakti, allows him to perceive the mantra near and
directly, and he becomes identical with it. The nearness of the
mantra is directly perceived by those whose sense organs have
been favored by the grace of sakti, but those possessed by demons
see it with dread.
Then the teacher, worshipping on the right palm of his hand the
host of brilliantly blazing deities with his left hand, should place it
on the top of the head, heart. and navel of the disciple, burning all
the bonds of impurities. Then to the left of the disciple, worshipping the rejuvenating deity having a mild nature, he should pay
obeisance to him; then, outside of the place of worship, he should
present the offering of wine, meat, and water to the ghosts (bhiita)
and the deities governing all the directions. Then he should purify
himself by sipping water. Then, eating the boiled rice (caru) along
with the disciple, the teacher should remain awake in the enlightened state while maintaining the unity of his own self with the
self of the disciple. In the morning, if the disciple tells him about
dreams that he had during his sleep at night, the teacher should
not give him an interpretation of these dreams at that time, as he
could become doubtful and afraid of them. In order to relieve
the disciple, the teacher should worship the deity with the mantra 'phaf.' Then, worshipping the Lord in the former manner and
placing the disciple before the Lord, the teacher enters the body
of the disciple through the channel of the vital energy, and should
touch the disciple's six cardinal spots, i.e., the heart, the throat,
the palate, the forehead, the aperture above the head, and the 'end
of twelve' (dvadasanta). Thus touching the six causal deities, he
should conceive eight purificatory rites in each of the superintending deities, and making the vital energy of the disciple rest for the
moment in each spot, he should repeat this procedure. In this way,
when forty-eight purificatory rites 199 are performed on a person,
attainment of a portion of Rudra occurs in him, with the result
that he becomes samayin. Then he should worship the mantra with
flowers, etc.
Then, the teacher should narrate the conventional rules for him

166

TANTRASARA

to follow. 200 One should show devotion to the spiritual guide in
every way. The same devotion should be shown to the holy texts
and to the deity. One should be disinclined to contrary schools
of thought. One should see the son of the spiritual guide as one's
own. The person who is related to him in connection with study of
the text and the person who has been previously initiated should
be looked upon with regard. For the purpose of paying rega~ds,
one should not think of them as having been born of sexual union.
It should be kept in mind that this does not come automatically.
Barren women should not be looked down upon as the cause of
hatred. The name of the deity, the name of the teacher, and the
1~antra should not be uttered except during performance of the
ntuals. One should not make use of the bed, etc. which has been
used by the teacher. Wordly sports. whatever they may be, should
not be done before the teacher. One should not regard others as
superior to one's own teacher. On occasions such as ceremonial
rites observed for a deceased person, only the spiritual guide is
to be worshipped. During occasional rites, one should not utter
the w~rd sakinl, etc. One should perform worship on the days
of festivals. One should not associate closely with Va i ~1)avas and
others who hold a lower view of the truth. One should not look at
those belonging to this doctrine as being members of their former
castes, but as being identical to Siva. 201 When the members of the
teacher's family come to the house, one should perform sacrifices
a~cor~ing to one's ability. A person belonging to a lower order
of VaI~l)ava, etc., should be avoided, even though he has been
made a teacher, owning to the desire of knowing their doctrines.
Even so, he should not be looked upon as being superior to one's
own teacher. One should not associate with Kapalikas, etc., and
compare one's doctrines with theirs. One should worship in accordance with one's own capacity. One should abandon all doubts.
While sitting in the cakra, the divisions of younger and older.
which occurred due to birth, should not be brought to mind. One
should not regard temples and sacred places with greater estee~n
than the body. One should keep the ultimate truth of the mantra in

TANTRASARA

167

mind continuously.
Thus, listening to these conventional rules, and approaching
the teacher, prostrating before him, propitiating him with money,
one's wife, and even by one's person as his fee, one should then
satisfy those who have previously been initiated, as well as those
who are poor and helpless. Then, one should worship the milrticakra in the foregoing manner. In this way, the disciple becomes
the follower of conventional rules which lead him to the ultimate.
One earns competency in the practice of mantra, daily rituals, in
listening to a holy text, and in its study. In regard to occasional
worship, only the teacher is to be prayed to. This concludes the
instruction on the subject of conventional rules.
After meditating on all the paths abiding in one's
own Self, one should conceive one's self as being full.
Therefore, with a look of grace, one should see the disciple's self pervaded up to the end of the twelve. In this
way he becomes transformed into samayin.

312.T u<j)cf~I~ l~d5JOt I
31~ Y)?I CfStll arrfcffu: I ~ u fd 'fC"fi of: Ci~ Ifll CB ICi, 31cfm<:f: I m~

~ I f1 A UF:fi fufti cpc=q1 ~STif ~~ ~ fl IJj)C:: Ifu d1 ~
~q, (f5[ CSll§]q~ ~qCil"ci¢h u ef-g: ~~, c=fffi AU5Mlicfmil"

Q~IChlUTTq 31R~ ~~ efs:ilictSAUT J101qfa l]~ ~~ ~~

'let fa I~ fi mf-rr.ft~ CflTIT 9dff ea~ q IM u ~~ I <1'f 3ITffi ti lj)fa Ci I~
m ~MJtC'ilfl ~~ fflCictS~MI~ flA'«"1'"\ 3lmFf ~ ~, c=fffi
+:rttm ~R liWl'<:l~i 'l-"!JlqCil mqzr~v.m ~~*1~, dlAl'<:l~i
Cl"~ ~AG:4'<:1, cITa=JOll'<:l~i m4'<14'<1, effilUT ~~+:rm m4'<:14'<:1, CTTB
~-Ali~ WAG:4{1, ~ ~ <::l"~ I "(!Cf ™~~t5C51q~ ~Jlq~I:
"fRf ~ ~ t56 HI fl ~ ~ I c=fffi +:fW ~lCi AW I'< I~ i fl A 'Ri ad Ci l"ci ct')
fflctS q Ift I f5I q 4~ 3-Tfci:i :::i a iicr ~~"fl CldftJ t5(5 HI fl "ffcf?f ~f~ I
c=ra: ~ ct>M~l i:to5&1 ~ {ql,J:IR u 31*~~1a;:i~1 ~
31iflPd g)')~Yfl, (1(1: "CRB9ci-<:lg:<•Hflq~ g)c:q1ru;:i1 ru~lt:i'lJti <j)')~Yfl I

168

TANTRASARA

fc5~ - acfu1.:ta~qRg:af fch1~11wufd-<f%c-fl mmuR g?~fft m=rfu
fcffi ~ A~ IA05f1 lm n;:r ~ l!Q I ~9-tl Jffcrc=IT f~~ I -Rsfir IB
l!Q+=( 3=1;:w f51 Cir ~' ~ Cf) I'6 fU ICf)Ci ~ I
~ fa Fa Fc:f>ffl fl I

•rn

1

Chapter Fourteen
Now, the procedure of putraka 202 and other types of initiations
will be elaborated. This is an elaborate procedure, and it should
properly understood by studying the Tantraloka; however, it will
also be explained here.
After completion of the procedure for attaining the status of
samayin, one should perform rituals on the third day for all th~
deities in the sacred diagram (ma~1(iala), consisting of th.,e tndent and the lotus. There, the external family (parivara)- 03 of
th~ deities and the group of deities of the doors 204 should be w?rshipped outside. Then, to the east of the sacred diagram, beginning from the northeast to the southeastern part of the ma~1(iafa,
one should worship Ganefa the teacher the teacher's teacher, the
.
'
,
f
gre~t-grand-teacher, the perfected teachers of the past. the host 0
yogu~ls, the Goddess of Speech (VagISvarI), and the guardia~ of
the field, in linear order. 205 After receiving the proper permiss~on
from them, he should place the entire sixfold path there, beginmng
from the root of the trident to the end of white lotus, and should
then worship them.

?e

After this, in the middle trident on the middle prong, he
s~ould worship the venerable goddes~ Sriparabhaqa~ika togeth~r
with Lord Bhairava. On the left prong venerable Srimadapar~.
and on the right prong venerable Sriparapara, together with Bhairava, should be worshipped. On the right trident, occupying the
middle p~ong is goddess Sriparapara, and on the left trident the
goddess Srimadapara occupies the middle prong, and the other
deities are to be placed accordingly. Thus, as the supreme Goddess is predominant over all, everything attains fu 1Iness becaus~
of that superiority. Then, in the middle prong of the middle tn-

TANTRASARA

169

dent, the entire group of deities, ending with their weapons (astra),
the guardians of the quarters, should be worshipped, conceiving
them as being identical with the supreme Goddess. It is because
of her superiority over all that it is conceived that everything has
been worshipped. After this, in the small jar, in the big jar, in
the sacred diagram, in the fire, and in one's own self, these five
substratums are to be unified with nonduality. Then he should
perform the specific worship with flowers, etc., which were nourished by the nectarine fluid of the supreme Lord's essence of nonduality. Furthermore, one should fill the ritual ground with libations of water and materials for offering, free from any deceit
regarding the spending of money. If the person lacks money, then
the ritual called mahtima~z(lalayaga should not be performed. He
should offer living animals. In this way, the animals also become
recipients of grace. By doing this, one is showing compassion to
the animal and should not have any doubt regarding the efficiency
of animal sacrifices.

Clc1Ts-tjf ~~ faM1~1fG:fw ~ ~s~ ~ ~mcl
CJ)') <Ji h=t, ~ ck"1 I a ¢h Ci g:q Li I m~, ~-;:n:fuSft ~~~, Clc1: ~ ~
fa $"1 ~ ~f'~ ;::i f"I A~ - lSfS~ l!\° ht 3-i Ic-'""11 ;i mcrf~ ~
~serf~ g? Li f fl
~ a=rcIT afTZrt Jff ci 4J: a{<) q 1<:i 1i:t 3-TU- c:f ~,
rrcfim err efaq?R-i G:ifm~+:Jl•fli:t 3ffi ~ c=rwfcrti ~
1

1

mfmrf'C111~mf'am ~"&fffef~&i ~f"Jfff ~ fi'""l'tt1s:i~ ~ ~~
I <1<1 ~ fa"cil{~c=(,

mnml: ~tj -;:i- W~~. mu 3"llf1;:tJ:t'(Ulffl

~fli~ 'i~~ cmfcx:n ~ ~mim ~ C1 ~~Q"ClTfr.:r~
ER t'{5 c=a A I ?I ICi fuf~ I 31?1" -a "f"!Cf?r Cl If1 ;:i I~~ 0 IJ~ Cf ~~ - '""I """?I I0 Ii
t

'

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1!cf Cl I fH I~ G: '""I ifi W<:i" ~ {..ciCl '""I """?I
q'<l'""l~ffcrm~UT f"IA~A~ ~~ ft!ICllE;:<:ii:tlCl;oi<:il W~~ I 1!cf

Cl I fH I i11u-U";::r Ci"fl CTf5 I lfcnrf{ c-ct I C°t I

~UT q I G: I~ tSO I Ci, ~~fu 9:1G:~11 ;:a q lf ~ fCI k-+:J d~ fCI Ic-'""I i:lc1~1ft:r~fiq:

~~Ci~ ffl ~I tSll ~ 3-lTfJRf ~Cf 3"l ;:i ;:a I;:i ~ f1 '< fu fCI I Ci~ ~"flrt
~m1$11""if¢5Li1~1fffif'-;:i-if-<f1'""1'tt1acia1-a2hmf1+:J'tt11~mB~
l=fl ?t 1Cl~~~~~ I q A a 5 fl c=rwfu~c:Bt~ur NI~ c-'""I ;:i 1 ~ l!cffi~

170 TANTRASARA

fu>$11h4A1t11c:~1. ~ ~~~sm mrm 1 ~ ~ milt:{%=
~ CTffi
"ff"ffl m°Dmr 3IB:r ~ acr fl A fC"1 C£l fC"1 C"1 ~ I W~
I ciG:~""fi{ ~l6lqf1~ ~~~ $1f2;fa ~ ~C§:Ci~Al:i ~ ~
ru ""fi ~a , - ~ f1JOItaq1~1 rn ClI F'Ji Cf) 1<ft fill c=rc=r: ~ ~ ma=rurrfw
~ ~31 ~ a, I "ci""ffis-r;# ~I~ t<:i fufti Cj? ~ fc:t' ~ q '< I A~ : 31 Jjjct5 flWj)cfJ
~ mw:nfTi, ~ 'fql~l;:ci ~raa=t=a ~ 311!2)C""l~:, ~ ~urf a16l5;ffi
I ~ fo aI""fi Ci fd ~1~' CTffi 41\Ji R ct>ht? if.> AUT ~If i2)f?1 : I mnd§l:

mer

1

ml"fWR" ~~tlB"Cm, ~CG:a"fQ~~tl~ ~ 11~ ma-rurrfw
~JF!l=(, ~l5f ~~an I Z1?r actAHAcB crv:ff~ ~cf ~cxrcrj wl
1

~mfu II
3Rl: f1'1fcil~ 'fqfifli

~~ "ffm fcril G:~J\~: I
~I Gq ffl W~I aICi Ttf;:f 3111
ciltdct5Cii filli:J~~~~ I I

~q)~~~
afffl4"f~l'"F~rndl~ I
<TICfffi fcr~ ci Iact a
~Idle-Ji~~~ 11

~ sITT~ca Ia 1<lfcm'-wl Ci '":;;;>J fl I~ 1:!?1cPcft 8:1 I~ di I~ I;:j ~

ci<j)c:f~IJOI I rnctS+:f_ I I 9 b' I I

Then, propitiating Paramesvara with offering of sesame seeds
mixed with clarified butter, he should place the animal before
the fire for the offering of marrow into it. 20 r, After this, he should
propitiate the host of deities with that marrow. Then. addressing
the Lord and conceiving one's own Self as not different from all.
and being perfectly full of the six paths, the teacher should bring
the disciple in front of him. But in this initiation. which is performed indirectly in the absence of a disciple who is going to die,
the teacher should conceive the disciple as being present in front

TANTRASARA

171

of him, or place a substitute made of kusa grass or cow dung. The
teacher, after sprinkling him with drops of water from the vessel and worshipping him with flowers, etc., should place all six
paths into his body. The teacher should contemplate in this way:
The merit of one desirous of enjoyment should not be purified;
however, for one desirous of liberation, both merit and demerit
should be purified. For one who is to receive the nirblja form of
initiation, 207 the bonds of conventional duties should also be purified. This form of initiation is given to one who is about to die,
or who is extremely dull. This is the command of the great Lord
Paramesvara. Such a person also attains perfection by his devotion
to the teacher. god, or fire.
Here the distinction in attainment lies in the nature of one's
latent impressions (vasana), for mantras grant different results
according to one's latent desires. Therefore, ascertaining the
nature of the latent desires of the disciple, the teacher cogni~es
the principal mantra internally and meditates on his identity wi~h
nondual Siva, and by doing so he purifies all the paths abiding m
the disciple's body. In this way, his body, from the small toe to
the "end of twelve' (dvadastinta), and his consciousness should
be made one with the body and the consciousness of the disciple.
Having accomplished this, he should rest in the immense lake of
bliss, the essence of which is autonomy and Lordship, perfectly
full, with the will, knowledge, and activity of the Lord of the ??st
of deities, full of all paths, the entirety of the sphere of e~tlt_ies
terminating in consciousness. By means of this kind of initiatI?n
with the self of the disciple, the disciple becomes identical with
the supreme Lord.
Then if the disciple is desirous of enjoyment, he should be
united with the desired principle, either collectively or individually. After this, the teacher should conceive that the disciple has
offered his body, composed of the pure principle, and that he has
emerged immediately from the nature of the Lord for the purpose
of an experience of the result still remaining to be enjoyed. The
nature of this initiation is such as to disentangle all sorts of bonds.

172

TANTRASARA

Then, the student should worship the teacher by offering payment,
etc. to him.
After this, rituals in the sacred fire with reference to the disciple should be performed. Uttering the frlparamantra, the teacher
should say: "I am purifying this or that principle related to that
particular person." This utterance ends with 'svaha .· Thus, three
oblations are to be performed. These oblations, as well as the final
one, are to be done with the mantravausat at the end. In this way,
all the principles ending with Siva are purified. Then, following
the procedure of unification the final oblation should be offered.
After this, in regard to a pe;son desirous of enjoyment. one oblation for establishing the disciple in the place of enjoyment, and the
other for creating the pure principle should be offered. After completion of this, the teacher should be worshipped by the disciple,
and by the offering of payment, etc., to him. This is the nature of
the putraka form of initiation, by means of which al 1 the past and
the future deeds barring the present one, are purified.
The well-enlightened teacher, after conceiving his own
existence composed of all the paths and comhi n i ng it
with the interior and exterior, without any distinctions,
should make the intellect, the vital energy, and the body
of the disciple one with him.
When the disciple, after attaining all at once the state of
great bliss and consciousness, gets his rest there, then
the pasu attains the nature of Siva.

31~ qXlct~ l+:J 1fuct>'""t I
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~~~ fg:cftm 1ton~fu: - m"ITWR mJRTU, a<"fu1<9 -a ~
1

TANTRASARA

173

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YSilC:::~IAlf~ 119~1 I

Chapter Fifteen
When a teacher learns by himself, or through relatives. o: a
descent of grace on a person who is about to die. 208 he should give
him the immediate ascension type of initiation (samutkrama?a
dlk$a). Then the teacher, having placed all six paths in the disciple and purifying each of the six, one by one, should place the
goddess KalaratrI in the center of the delicate joints of the body
(manna). 209 Then he should gradually pierce the bonds of the delicate points by her, 210 and should then lead the consciousness of
the disciple and place it into the bralwzarandra. Then, following
the aforesaid method, he should offer the final oblation for the
purpose of unification so that. after it is offered. and after the
individual self exits the body. he may become identical with Lord

174

TANTRASARA

Siva. However, for the one who is desirous of enjoyment, the second final oblation is offered for the purpose of associating him
with the place of enjoyment. At that moment 211 his individual self
remains dissolved there, and for him nothing remains to be done
in this world.
212
In addition to this, a teacher may recite the brahmavidya
into the ear of the disciple. Brahmavidya, being of the nature of
the reflective consciousness causes an immediate self-reflection
of enlightenment in the lim,ited consciousness of the awakened,
bound soul. The samayins and others are also entitled to recite
21
213
it. If the nirblja type of initiation with conviction (sapratyaya) -l
is given to a dullard on whom the descent of grace has occurred.
then the 'hand of Siva' (Sivahasta) type of procedure should also
be disclosed to him. This procedure is fol lowed during offering of
the hand of Siva (Sivahastadana) to him.
There is a fiery triangle, dreadful with flames, from whic.h
sp~rks of fire with the syllabic form of '"ra" are emerging. It is
bemg blown from outside by waves of wind. This diagram should
be meditated upon using the palm of the teacher's right hand.
Throwing a seed there, one should conceive that it has the syllable "ra" above and below, by which a series of 'pha( mantras
are awakened, which burn its capacity of creativity. 215 Thus, the
seed of both become seedless by this type of initiation. It becomes
capable of destroying its latent seed power, as has been stated.
and e~en. immovable objects are capable of receiving an initiati~n.
The disciple should be conceived as being steadily established in
the world of air and carried by it, and should also be conceived as
being light in weight. Then, he is seen as hei ng I ighter when measured on the scale. 216
If mantra cuts the delicate joints of the body, and if
I ightness appears and the power of germination of
the seed disappears, the great Lord leads one who is
engaged in the right path to attain the desired ends
immediately.

TANTRASARA

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341cpt:G1Cj)~ err JtcidHfd~~ cntfon~s~~
z:IT1i: ~~~lllJ:iqRJl~al J11C'1"i1AI A~lm: 11

Chapter Sixteen
In this chapter the initiation of one who is not present will be
descrihed. This type of initiation is twofold, i.e., for the person
who is dead, and for one who is still alive (but not present). If a
person who offered service to the teacher but died before initiation, or was sent into exile, or was killed by black magic (incantation), etc., or by accident, he should be given initiation if he
becomes intent on receiving it at the time of death, or if a teacher
finds out from others that the descent of grace has occurred in
him. 217 Th is is the command of the Lord.

176 TANTRASARA

During the performance of initiation for one who is dead, there
is no need for consecration, etc. In the sacred diagram for the
proximity of a particular mantra, detailed ritual is tic activities
are needed: exquisite materials, like flowers. and so on: a place
as the sacred seat, and so on: the mandala, the sacred diagram.
like a trident with a lotus, and so on:·~ figure (akrti) as the specific form to be meditated upon: the mantra itself as self-effulg~nt.
These [ritualistic activities and materialsl are for the meditative
yogins and jiianis who are immersed in meditation, who possess
right knowledge, and who are devoted to the Divine. They are the
causes for the proximity of the mantra according to their order of
priority and posteriority. What more can we say about those who
have attained the perfect nature of the Lord?
After worshipping the Lord, the teacher places a figure made
of ku§a grass, etc., and should look at it following the method
received from his teacher. That is:
When the energy has risen from the mz1ladha ra cakra
upward, a shaft (da~uja) from which innumerable system of channels (nagis) come and spread out, the yogin,
by his power. should bring the shaft under control.
which should be thought to have gone to the void of the
nose, and then thrown outside in order to cause it to
pervade the entire world. Then, it should be thrown to
the extent that, from the abode of fire. plenty of smoky
flames may emerge and cover the entire path with its
net. This is the application of the great net 218 to drag the
desired soul near.
By the application of this great net. the host of paths
which are to be covered come under control and are
placed before first and then are brought near later. If all
are brought before, even then only the intended one is
rescued or drawn before. This application. named net
for rescuing and drawing of dead souls, I learned from
Sri Sambhunatha.

TANTRASARA

177

ef~ ~imci ~ ~, 3"ilCf5tfo11e.1 fcFrrWlf11C"1' ? ~ ~' y''-'I
'< IJ I a~ I fu ~1 TTCM~ Ci 01 q"f11 ~ 9d IQ f8 ~ II lql lffi1 I c=rc=IT R \q Fa R IQ P5t C"1 ("Q I a,

3:r~lf11~qa=rr ~er I ~ C1 ~~61c-J:JCf5q{A~W"f( C1Wcmcr:

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Bm~, ~WH6k11fl C1 tt=l:r=ctasfLr ~sfq af~i ¥crc=t
ma=runf~ fd"S 1'<:: ~u-rf ~fci di JrR Cf5 I;:c"1: I 3l?f ~ ~a If i2)~ I ~
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$fu m+=rcrf~cal"()l4fuef~ C"1T"?tf11{ ~OOect1~ct51~1;i ~
~l5~1i:tlf~ 11
If this is so, why does it not happen so externally? Is the
answer then that without proper practice in dragging it cannot be
fruitful? No; when one becomes engaged in such activity, if the
teacher is possessed by love and hatred, he could lose his absorption of lordship internally. Therefore, in that case, the teacher
remains conditioned by the restrictive power of niyati, so practice
is unavoidable. But here, in the teacher, on account of the presence
of the absorption of [in] the Lord, which is the characteristic of
grace, he becomes free. The Lord himself, by taking recourse to

178

TANTRASARA

the body of the teacher as his substratum, bestows grace on those
who are to be blessed with grace. It is true to say that grace has
unthinkably glorious capacity.
Thus the soul, which is drawn by the application of the net,
enters the figure made of kufa grass or the fruit of a jtiti (Jasminum grandiflorum). However, it does not move because of the
absence of the mind and the vital energy, or the totality of causes,
but by the force of deep contemplation-it does indeed m~ve.
Though it is of such a nature, the purificatory rite of consecrat10n,
and so on, is to be performed, which terminates in the final oblation and unification with the desired end. Then, by means of the
final oblation, the figure made of kusa grass and other materials
should be dissolved in the highest light of the Lord. Thus rescued,
the soul, by the final oblation, attains liberation, whether it was
in hell, the world of the spirit, or in the world of lower animals.
But if the soul is living as a man, then he obtains at that moment
knowledge, yoga, initiation, or discernment, because the body of
the teacher is a competent authority regarding this. This is the
procedure for rescuing the dead.
This is the method for a person who is alive but absent when
the descent of grace occurs. Only the figure made of kusa gra~s
and attraction are excluded. In this regard, the appearance of his
thorough contemplation is sufficient for his purification.
Initiation, again, is the bestower of both enjoyment and liberation, because latent traces of the impression of past deeds are
strong and because it is impossible to root out all these desires. In
initiation, the consecration performed according to the procedure
of the higher doctrine is stronger, but that of the other inferio:
doctrines requires further consecration for the purpose of purification. Even the person who is initiated in absentia experiences
manifestation of knowledge, and so on.
What a wonder that the teacher, by his steady absorption in the Great Lord, becomes the sharer of the freedom of will. Even viewing the person, though absent,
he becomes the initiator.

TANTRASARA

179

3l~ ti L<"1 ct~ IJ=t ~ a:>+:i I
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3l~ FM~~ CS'f'I'{: I I

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~~ mUl{OIA:r:?IL[fJ1<i~ <ictlqi ~~ J3'tlrnaf<:l 3lTiif"ff f~,
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fll(""1G:~IA I ™d5J:t I I 9 l9 I I

Chapter Seventeen
Reclanzation of the linga 219
The fol lowing is the procedure of initiation for those who
belong to orders beginning with Vai~I)ava, etc., and ending with
southern doctrines, or those who have followed religious codes of
conduct conforming to other orders, and also those who, although
being established in the highest doctrine, are engaged in attending a
teacher who belongs to a lower order, when they are made inclined
[to receive initiation] by the descent of the grace of the Lord.
Such a person should fast the day before initiation, and then
the following day, after worshipping the Lord in a general way, he

180 TANTRASARA

should be brought into the presence of the Lord. and his all pa~t
deeds should be recounted before him. Then, on receiving his
mantra from a teacher, the mantra he received from other teachers
should be thrown into the water. Next, he should be bathed, then
sprinkled with water from a vessel, purified with food cooke~ in
a sacred fire (caru), and [his mouth cleaned with al tooth stick,
and should enter the place of the ritual blindfolded. He should
worship the great Lord with the general mantras. 220 After this,
~ne should purify his vratalmantra in the fire transformed into
Siva using the general mantras. Then, placing his name between.,
the mantra (as prefix and suffix) saying, '"I purify his expiation,'
and ending with 'svaha,' he should offer oblation one hundred
times. Next with 'vausat ' he should offer the final oblation. After
this, he should evoke th; lord of vrata (Vratesvara) and offer purified butter into the fire. Then, by the order of Siva in regard to
the disciple: "You, Vratesvara, be impartial to him, and do not
cause obstacles for him," should make the deity aware of it. Having prayed in this way, he should propitiate Vratesvara and then
take leave of the fire. This is the method for the reclamation of the
liliga. Then other purificatory rites should be performed as before.
Now the disciple is ready to give dlk~d according to his will.
When a person remaining in the lower order, being
keenly touched by the power of the Lord, becomes
inclined to approach the true teacher, he should, after
purification, be given initiation even though he was formerly engaged with a false teacher.

3l~ Iti'.ll~~l'"i l~Cb'""t I

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181

TANTRASARA

aa Ci ICi I~ Ic-R:'l ~ ~Io i:t I Ria') ~ J1q6l i:t f°tj ~l lSf1:
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3"ite.llG:~li:t l~d5"{ I I 9 (,I I

Chapter Eighteen
The anointment (abhi~eka)
The person in whom maturity of knowledge has developed
should be given anointment in order to follow the course of a
sadhaka, or to become a spiritual guide (guru) to others. This is
because only the person who possesses knowledge, even though
devoid of al I the other characteristic qualities, has earned the
authority to follow the course of a stidhaka, or to bestow grace on
221
others, even though he might have received anointment. If .the
teacher not perfect in knowledge abstains from giving initiat10n,
he does not incur sin. However, the former one, who possesses
knowledge, incurs sin because he is duty-bound, for he is considered to be the bes tower of the status of the lord of vidva. Therefore,
being of such nature, if he abstains from giving initiation, this is
his sin.
After anointment for the purpose of fulfillment of identity
between the mantra and the deity, the new teacher should observe
the regular rituals of mantra every day for a period of six months
through the repetition of mantra, oblation into the fire, and per-

182 TANTRASARA

formance of specific worship. 222 From then on, being one with the
desired deity, he earns the right and authority of giving initiation,
etc., to others. However, he should not initiate an unworthy one,
nor should he avoid one who is worthy. 223 Even the initiated one
should be tested by a teacher while bestowing knowledge. The
person who receives knowledge deceitfully should be looked at
with indifference after this is known to be so. In this anointment.
worship of the deities should be performed in accordance with the
financial capacity of the person concerned.
The person who himself is well practiced in knowledge
and bears the authority in himself, and is able to transmit that knowledge to others, possesses the nature of a
sadhaka on the way to becoming a spiritual guide. Such
a person should be given anointment.
31[1 Cbl "i fci ~ IJ:il ~ ct5 'i I

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Tf:mq1ali1ma-cr ~@l'<l'L~i cfta-Tt q)')<:lf<"t, 3'~~
c:bL<"H"iJ"lliHP=t ~cpCi>il<:i~:h1Hll=( - ~ ~~ I ITT

m ~~

fufw sm: ~ ~ ~ ~ Q1Cfcx:r:, ~rrrf~ ~ 1a~1 ;fl~, ~CITTi ~
>id)fci'<'ld>~ flSkli<:ilA~f~ fct'5<:11$1HWl161C""11<"1 q)')~fa, ITT ~ldfJl"t'rt

°ffe<l'<ct'Silur +:F?lli ~ J11Mct'Silur ~ ~~~;:i~g;:i1~ ~ >i101fh011-<ctJila1 ~ ~ cvrrnt -a-~ ~1a~1'{17{ ~ 1 C1<1= q-<Af°??rn

m~~ ~ ~ ~ ~urf~c:qr, ~~ ~~1~1i:t ~~
err ~an ~ ~-a ~ mm 1ilf'"fl" ~~ "fl~ '1')01fc=t (f?f
6TBRf fufti ~ ;:ta~~ ~ c=rcITm tlh:f~ m~ ml 011Cf)1~
1

~TRlm~ma1~1,R:i~fciq~i tLrrnn ~m mmR ~~.
~ct
~~ efc=Rcr 'mlfu' ~f~cn~~anuW{
31 ~Ci ij-;:nfq ~ cpc=rrclc=rr c=rwftr ~~an: f~~~ q)(Vf~~ «d I01"
~ "fl"cf~~ , ~~a-nm c=R=lf'<:rmef~ 3m"J:{ -JITcrc=r: ~ e:11
3ql50Frr'R:ilfld<"l I Cifd$11~ ~ Cf>Ts~ ~~~CG.l;ffi

mmma

TANTRASARA

fcrfq: ~rIT-Ci;;::+:J'<oi c=rfutllflCilR~i qcffdA ~~1i-<011a

183

CilciCi:

1?1-lRBT~ J1lck1'i $"1HMliJfiaHra<Hict~ I ~
q 3Br ~G:fum ~ra~ ~~ Wr .mr~C§,1Aai:t. c=rfufu~ q~
fiCiH+<"l ('.!Cf)flfd;;::+:J

~MR-lct5~ct51~1~ I

3"1~~§q'<:: fuqT d~ICi<:ililJEOllf°a ti

~ "L:!Cf ~ ~~ ~ fcf5 d 1Ci'1fl i:t I
3q1l'lqf{Cf)fY~I ~ CiG.l~HIAl?lch

ra~rnm ~ ~ qRf1iascqq1~ ~u: 11

~ .~th=ref~ L(i I a I <lfu'<:"f-a-a- Ci~ f1 I {
ect>l ~ fCi ~I A I ~ct5J:t I I 9 ~ I I

~ea I~ Cf) I~ I;i ;:rn=r

Chapter Nineteen
People, and even teachers, who followed lower doctrines should be
given an initiation called the 'final purificatory rite' or 'last sacrament' (antyasali1skara dik$a), 224 which should be performed following the procedure of reclaiming the dead, provided the descent
of grace has touched them. The same applies to those who had followed the order of the higher doctrines, but who have fallen from
the right path and have not performed any rites of atonement. This
is the command of the great Lord.
All that was described as the procedure for the reclaiming of
the dead should be performed on the corpse. The burning of the
body is done as the final oblation. The teacher should perform
the final rite for the dead person, for the confirmation of the faith
(pratyaya) of the ignorant, 225 according to his power of activity, knowledge, and yoga. Then, in the body of the deceased, the
teacher should place the mantras (nyasa) from the feet to the head,
and, drawing the departed soul near by the application of the net,
he should arrest it, penetrate it, stir it, and enliven it with the
transmission of the vital energy to the heart, the throat, and on the
forehead. In this way, the corpse begins to shake. Then, the rite

184

TANTRASARA

of the unification with the great Lord being performed, the body
should be burnt as the final oblation.
After this, the initiation called fraddhadlksa 226 should be performed even for those who have been purified by means of th~
final rites of the dead, and also for those who have not been purified in this manner. For them, this final rite should be performed
on the third or fourth day, every month, or every year.
.
Then, completing the rite ending with oblation into the fire,
one should take up a food offering in one of his hands and, conceiving his power as the virile energy of the Lord representing
the enjoyable object, which has assumed the power abiding in the
limited self and has made her identity with it, contemplating thus,
the performer should offer it to the great Lord, the supreme agent
of the enjoyable object. 227
In this manner, when enjoyment ceases, one becomes indeed
the master. Although by means of initiations, such as the rite for
t,h~ dead, the reclamation of the body, and initiation during t~e
sraddha ceremony, one attains the fulfillment of one's aim in
r~gar~ t? those who are desirous of enjoyment, an abundance 0
ntuahst1c activities are performed for the attainment of a plenItude of fruits. Therefore, all should be performed in regard to a
person desirous of liberation for the attainment of oneness with the
deity;. this is performed daily throughout one's life. like other d~ily
p~act1ces. But the knower of reality needs no procedure beginmng
~1th the final ritual for the dead (offering into the flame) and en~­
mg with fraddha, etc. The death of such a person is a "day of festival' (parvadinam) for the disciples, for it fulfills the shortcomings
of consciousness of those who follow the lineage. The descendent
of the teacher has a single end which, in essence. is nothing but the
supreme reality. This day of ceremony is like the day of receiving
the seed of the lineage from the teacher while he was alive.
Everywhere in the ritualistic procedure of .fraddha, etc., the
mlirtiyaga is the most important one. This is supported by the doctrine called Sri Siddhamata. The procedure of it will he described
in the naimittika section.

!

TANTRASARA

185

Siva is by nature inclined to show grace. Being so
inclined, the person on whom He shows grace unavoidably becomes identical with the Lord. It is merely his
will by which the means (uptiya) are imagined to be so.
Though knowing this, the wise person takes recourse
to means having limitations, and then he remains free
from doubts.

3l~ ~1 ~a c=f ;=11 cl >l ct>'< a 11 """~H::i:i._ I

m cfTan ~+chl'<RTW $1Hlfl"R:TR' ~, m q act~lmH' >rm
malCftan ~JfT, ~ cpCill'ilJ:L 3mficr m~;:f 1_!~ 3"Qf'~ I <13f
~, ~-m-r~, ct>1 ~:i:i._ ~ f?rfuct m~~, ~ q m~q,
C1c=( -;::i- ~ A %J-a O':i :i:i._
Cl?r R-ac=r~ ~, a 4"! l:Il c;:rrq Fc:f ~~,
%~fTr ~ q I f"l ""4 >l fl'i 6 A "j)"'5(5"Ff , qcffG:"""f, qfq ?I CBJ:L ~ I c=rafi1
C1?f

1

~ fCI Cf> IM~ l'i f0i I Ci._ - ~ ct"f~ I ~fl:rf-:acB CJ: ~
31H l'i Ci+:!,_ "("1"£:lW - 11'<1 Ci g:J If rn=r;:f a (q cf fu";:f $1 H fl Im~ ~~
- ~ ct-f~ I "(i?f Fl l'i Ci li_JIT, ~m-rr 1_!~JIT tref1!_JIT qfq ?I Cf)A._
I

I

I

I

~ ~mfu I -4-mf'~ - $1HfllW, ~llf51fllm, 1_!{lcig:Jf1JE<IJ1Ji;::j,

\J"F""=H=i +ch 1'< >l Il'i a 1Fd:"i 1R , M1 fctJCf)l ct"! a: , ~ 11 f5I ~ I'L~ I 31TfuA"~,
~ c:m 1a:~ f-;=f, BC9CP:, fCI Gi 1$11 , fl A~ A~') Fa fl 1w - ~~ ;:rflif"ffCf5
(1 cf) l'i

firn-~"iCf>l{OIJ:I,_ I Cl?r 9?Ci~la11Cf5~ ~I~~ ~ur;f ~ ~z;fcf5
~ *Y>') '<a 1f"l I'< +=1 3-Tfcv=rf~ aw 1J 1it~ a :w:r-ac,, rn=r: a;+i llll ~ 1affl ~cl

~ ~ ~~ ~"""""ll•nmcrr~ ~c=(, ~ur ~Cf>TCYi C1wfu~

·w 1'<MI Wf"l C@cl ~ LT ~ ~ q ~usr9- err fut q- 3:r~-ac=( l
(13[ @U ~us-ff Ta A C'1 A q)')'< d@ I a ~q ~ l:i I~ ad a Id ct5 I fcrn:f
~Rffcrf~Ber

~m

~~ur;lau~qcftq1qt< l'<«1)fu-

lf1aa1tFl-a1fu"i1 iJi~fl. ~, '«!)tjlci-ci4"lllll~ldA~l~·ci ~I~

m~~ 3-rfct '<Ci+:!,_ 3-TCfffi Cf)~ a : a~{() Rfuf-a: 3:rfu-{utcr ITT-<1.
q

;:r

~ cnfuc=r ~ ~UFn=r - ~ ci4"l~l~ I Y'<A~ci;+illll'l""lldlfqt:(J~
'

'

'

186

TANTRASARA

Piqfl4~1':t1f1.,1d5M~·ffl

~fm'<f"l 11amcrwr-f"IAfciY 1~1J11Mffl

~

~~m4=<AJj)41a~l=l. ~~zcr: 1
3:rf~ ~tlw~ 1c:rnfH:-~d1l~Pj)&1f"I Fa m I

4'<A l+ici1~ I
a~1=c:fo;ci '<6fflfuC::: 11

~W"{tm "ci A t=q1 fa'< f"I ~l &rr&fUT&l I ffl Ci I A I:2f A f"1 f1 Ci : ~~ ICl q;1 "<j)ii : fCI IAl ct fi ctl f% fci:r: I
3-11 ....H!:l+iciR~fn•q~C::~ H uh:fq I ~ct:>A IC""I,

c=ai-acx~rn=r-g a6eClf"IC::2J eC11tl~S6Pf~ll=( I I

Chapter Twenty
Here, another chapter is introduced with the purpose of showing
the lifelong course to be followed after initiation (se~avartana).
That initiation, which is given to those worthy of knowledge
for the purpose of steady attainment of purification, is also given
to those unworthy of knowledge, but to them it is given for the
purpose of attainment of liberation. This type of initiation is the
~ablja type. 228 Thus, having given initiation. the teacher should
mstruct the disciple about the duty to be performed during the
remaining period of his life.
The duty for the rest of [the initiate'sJ life is threefold: indispensable observances (nitya), occasional observances (naimittika).
and those performed with a particu Jar desire (kcl mya). The last
one is only observed by those desiring enjoyments (sddlzaka) and
therefore will not be described here. The nitya is the one which
occurs regularly: the naimittika is the one by which one is able to
attain oneness with the Lord. The auxiliaries to it are the prayers
during the junctures (sandhya) of the day. which are to be performed on a daily basis, on the day of the festivals (parvadinam).
and on the day of the offering of ku.<a grass (JWl'itrakam). etc.

TANTRASARA

187

They should also be considered daily observances, for they are regulated by the time of their occurrences. This is the view of some.
However, there are occasional (naimittika) observances that
are not regular in regard to the followers of the lineage of the
teacher, as, for example, the time of the arrival of the spiritual
teacher and his relatives, the day of a festival related to him
(tatparvadinam), the day on which he received knowledge, etc.
This is also the view of some. In these instances regular worship,
the prayers at the junctures of the day, worship of the spiritual
teacher, worship during the day of a festival, and worship of the
pavitrakam also need to be performed without fail.
The occasional observances (naimittikas) are the days on which
the disciple obtained knowledge, the day when he received the
holy text (sastra), the arrival of the teacher and his relatives in
his house, his birthday, the day of his initiation and the day of his
departure from this world, secular festivals, the exposition of the
scripture (i.e., the commencement of it, the intermediate [phase],
and the completion of it), the day on which he perceived the
desired deity, the day of union with the spiritual partner (melaka),
a command received in a dream, and release from the observance
of convention (samaya). All these are the conditions for performing special kinds of worship as occasional rites.
Then the disciple who has been initiated previously should be
given the principal mantra, which possesses a potency of its own,
which is in essence the pulsating consciousness of the mouth but
without being written down. 229 Then the said disciple, for the purpose of being identified with God, should practice to attain oneness with God during the junctures of the day. Then, by means of
that, for the attainment of such a sort of impression, one should
worship the great Lord every day on the altar or in the liliga ·
Regarding it, in a heautiful altar, one should contemplate one's
own form as reflected in a mirror and it should be considered that
one's own Self has become identical with the host of deities to be
Worshipped there. He should perceive it to be the reflected image

188

TANTRASARA

of the deity himself. Realizing thus, he should worship it with
an offering of beautiful flowers, sandal paste, wine, propitiatory
offerings of water, burning incense, lighting a lamp, presenting
various materials, praising with songs, a recital of musical inst:uments, and then should recite hymns in order to obtain undeviating identity with the desired deity. Just as fwhen one is] looki?g
continuously at one's own face in the mirror, determination of its
real nature occurs without any delay. Regarding this, no particular
order is needed except attainment of one's identity with the mantra. The one who has attained absorption into the highest mantra
and from whose nature the taints of the impressions of bonded
beings have ceased as the result of the penetration of the flow of
devotion, for him the net of all the bonds has dissolved and whatever remains in the heart is the highest, agreeable to all. This is
the view of our teachers.
The power of sight, composed of the highest nectar arising
sportingly, basing itself on the light, extending as the supreme
truth of entities, the knowers of the secret worship you with it.
Making the earth as the base of all, and sprinkling it
with the fluid of delight, and collecting flowers made
of one's own mood emerged from the mind, having
defused perfume, and placing it on the vessel of the
priceless heart of my own-full to the brim with the
nectar of bliss-I worship You, along with the divine
Goddess, day and night in the divine temple of my body.

~ ~~ffili~l=l 3'.Rlm~ ~aa1-act') ~1aua

c=rffi
~~rn~~f;:f, Jrtr:, ill~~1 mmct>ic·~;:r ~~ 1 ~~ ~
~ 3w.=IT<ne=(, ~ er ~ f~C1, J1 MJ1 1 IB mfUR: l1cfcfifa-mr:
1

~cITT:J"F"lg:!~UT, ~ 341l1Af°d~: I +:rrJffq~~i:rafoT ~ ~ JfFlm

wm"fl

Fl'<~ I~ - ~ ~ mq ffi~~m<:rr ;:r ~
fficfj err
qft~ ~ 3ffiftc=( ~ ~ 5M ~ ll I: I 31~ ~I ITT ;:r '< Bfl'! J:t ~= ffft
I

mf1 l5(3 Iq ~(=(, f~mc=( ~ml{ - ~ ~cf mill~~ 3"f 1a1 B;:i fu-flJf~ur

TANTRASARA

189

~ ~?<:ih=t 3ffU l'<:Ci<:i I I C13f lJ)'<idg ~ ~1Rhag {~~~ll~lj)fflch
ql'(41?i 3-T~ !>'il~'(Uj <S11Uf1<:j +fifusch t11c:tof lj)&:lJl4A~Clllfu@~qf(j)Cl')c=i

~err~ 3-Tci~ I C13f ~ 3:rrt11".:<S1f11dct 3ifWPTfUct5A"""?if~~ ~
~ 'tcT 'tcT >10"R1=l, 3TIUR11U 11 iftj mf{;l fa kl -a- A """?i Io Ii ITT ITT
~O"R1=l ~ ~ 11 'ei l])'<d: I ~ ~~~cw:rR ~ ~ fiwl{: I

mm

Thus contemplating the import of the two verses above in the
core of one's heart, one should meditate on the host of deities.
Then, showing mudras, repeating the mantra, and lastly, offering it, follows one after the other. The withdrawal (visarjanam) is
its identity with consciousness. The main food offering should be
eaten by oneself or should be thrown into the water. The creatures
born in water had formerly been given initiation by means of eating caru (sacred boiled rice). If the caru is eaten by a cat, a mouse,
or a dog, then, doubt having arisen, it becomes the cause of hell.
The knower of the truth, with a desire of showing grace to the
world, should not behave contrary to the social order or remain
secluded from it. Thus, here ends the worship of the altar.
Next is the instruction regarding the lhiga. 230 The liliga should
not be installed with the application of sacred mantras. This is
particularly true for the vyakta form of liliga. One should worship li1igas [that are] firmly established, following the order of
invocation and withdrawal, because this is the basis of all worship.
In th is regard, one should worship the body of the teacher. one's
own body, the body of the sakti, the text in which sacred mantras
exist, the vessel used by the heroes (vfrapatra), a rosary, a weapon
(prahara~1a), a litiga collected from Narmada river (btil:zaliliga),
a liliga made of pearl, made of gold, made of flowers, made of
charming materials like sandal paste, etc., or a mirror as the lhiga.
It is by the force of the substratum (maladlzara) that the excellence of the attainment of perfection in mantras occurs. Hence,
prior and posterior to it is the main, as the mantras act in concert
with the quality of the substratum. Therefore, in accordance with
the difference of aim to be attained, that very end is considered

190

TANTRASARA

to be the main. This is the view of our teachers. The best of lasting impressions is the conception of one's own identity with the
supreme Lord.

m-, ru ~1 ~fl ,i:i ,;zj , ~,
~~m~1~%J ~ ~ qcf, - 11~ mo=
+nf~ mm >1~
ITT fl, A, ;zj . fl, A ,~fl, A ,~ • fl , A ,~ ru ~1

1

(f5f

~ fG:;:f fllAl~J:t, ~~ft:(IA""1ClAi:hj)cf~1q:klc:~11R ~~ qa:fW:
fllAl~fllAl~J{, 3R<TI"~~~ m<:lT: Cf&l'ii=JIU1flf1~~fua~g;:ia=

~lT fl IA I~ f~~, lTITfmT~"f(:.f >1~'lWT: ([1 ro I"i Cl~ I'{, lft~
~ m~m q1t:DHci~IJ:t, AIU'f{:i m?111~ ~CfC'iYXlG:~<:il'{, ~~
h"m ~JctC'i g: Itl ~ ~ IJO{ ~ ~JctC1 ;;ii ~1 c;: ~ l'l IJO{ ~ ~ II '@ f<:i cp ro 11 t:(I~ IJO{
~~ q1t:DHci~IJ:t, 3"11~1(t)'f{:i >1~ ~I ~IClOlffl fc!>Clfl~cfmn:
I

I

I

cpm1a:> Itl~ ~I A, c;oi I~q tl 'f{:i ~~ ~Cfff ~ t:()"U I A, 311~JRU"
~ctC'i "i a+nf~, cPiIB~ >iw=IT °Uf?r'lWT: ~CfC'i.., ci
J:t - ~
f~~ I fu5iliH;!.1, AUIJ1lm, FcitX•fcF•di, 11cf~;:fi~t:J1, ~dt,
I

I

Rl,

~c;oi ~era -=?.1, 1tffif~ uIBuIT~~, fq ~ 11 '!9 ICS! g ~al ~Cl aIci ""?-1
~ I -afG: lTITf·~fhn~UT <:1"~~ ~ 31T~Jf CfJff~ Clill
~~m~1~= 1 3"1~m~1~~ ~fur c=rGJ ~ - ~qcf ~= 1
~-n -a- ;or affi >1uR - fuf~cr fern~~, ~l'l 1l1Cf)1r=t1 i'!f~
qcff~ l1Wf-3"1i~lll~I~ qcf~lllHIJ:t, ~mTJ1 ~fcf<:fflT cict')i!:Wf:
~ rmtc:n: 1 ITT 71~ %Rf= fl fl '"fl 1.., CffQfC!c1, ~. ~, a~,
3R1UIT, ~f~ err~ cicti~lll ~~~ - fum-~ filAW;'.J" I
I

I

= ,

ITT Bm 11~ atl Ici {O IWA UT

11mru fl Aw ;"fl err~ m~ ~I ~OT

¢cf ~~ err qf~~ err 3ffifiC1, c=rc=rT TPU~~-a:rrfefw
~UT 'l~C1, <lc1: qf?f ~ICl'{<)cj ~ ~ltt<:iiic=f"mffi";::r ~;;r

'lef~ ITT mtj? ffiffi ft? ICl a~ I 'lJrf~ c=r-acr ~Cl fl Id ¢t>fl cfui cpc=al
"i '<~I RP~ Ici I\A a:>Gi a~ AC1 d1 ~ 3"11Cl'<011 aCi { 0 Ict5 AUT
atiTimrrUFti

m

CS1

f% '< '""C""I %1 c=rcfut ~Cl, ~ ~ci '<a Ict5 AUT, l!ci lJ-.uT ~l=fui ~ y;w II fu

I ITT 3-lTtITT fu~ qf?f ~"[,f(qf ~a Ci Ici d1 (lLff~

fq I,i:i

r;f

TANTRASARA

191

qf~;:r ct;:r MU°C1, qf?f"f~ ~ arma~1ft:P: CIT, G:~~ q1?11Cf51~

~, ID~qft J 1 a~ fa-=rurr~ A =f1 T"tftcprn~ ~fm a ~1R=n:, qc=rf~
~ft-T: ~<""11 C1 l])~ d5 I: ~~1X:lf';:a-, OR-al #~, 3Br ~W ~ ~"ill(
S:P""l I~ I fl -s:rfa tSG ~ ~ ~ ~)':>~ fc=t, cpc=qT ':!~ut a¢~ ll i
'!" <:l fa, C1C11-scrcf~
"i I cft i -:q- 3-nl <:{~~ fc:raftifu' 11~ err

au:

I

I

~~~UHCIJf

m\Ji

-aCICil~I&:~ ~ m~-~ cIT°ffiCf5'<~1ll: I
c=rills~ mfr1011a1~c=r-~efwC1Lf~ - ~~~1"iaA'lsti~<Wr= 1
3i 1!SG +:f a 5 C'il s-Rf ~Rfz:rnT~ qcffu"i I Fl ~Jt ~ ""1._ Cfl5rtacr ':!ffiffi tf5 Ci AFc-1 ,

~ ~w - #c1" qCi:\1""1i ~1fT1""1i ffiuli ~. ~1R-nq1a
~ ~~ lJ){)Oll I

The Procedure for (the Celebration of) Festival Days (Parvadinam)

231

(Those days marked as a) festival day can be divided into general,
general-general, general-special, special-general, special, and
special-special; this is its sixfold division. This occasion is called
a day of festivities (parva) because on that day the completion of
a procedure (vidhi) is celebrated. The first and fifth days of every
month are general occasions for festivities. The fourth. eighth,
ninth, fourteenth, and fifteenth of both halves of the fortnight are
general-general. Both these groups, because of their association
with a particular constellation of stars and planets on differ~nt
lunar days, which will be given later, become a general-special
type of festival day (parvadinam).
These are the days of special festivities: the first quarter of
the ninth lunar night, or the dark fortnight of [the lunar month
of] Margaslr~s·a (November-December); [in the month] of Pau~a
(December-January) (the festival occurs at) the dark ninth lunar
midnighC the midnight of Magha (January-February) (it is at) the
bright lunar fifteenth; at midday [of the month] of Phiilguna (February-March) [it is at the! bright lunar twelfth; of Caitra (MarchApril), it is at the bright lunar thirteenth; in [the the month of]
Vaisakha (April-May) it is the dark eighth of the lunar day: in
lyai~fha (May-June) it is the dark ninth of the lunar day: [in the

192

TANTRASARA

month] of A~a{iha (June-July) it is the first day; of Srava~w (JulyAugust) it is the previous portion of the day on the dark eleventh;
of Bhadra (August-September) it is the bright sixth lunar midday; of Asvina (September-October) the bright ninth lunar day; of
Kartika (October-November) the first portion of the night of the
bright ninth. The star Citra is associated with the moon: the star
Magha is associated with Jupiter: the star Ti~ya is associated with
the m?on; the star Purvaphalguni is associated with Mercury; the
star Srava~w, with Mercury; the star Satabhi~a, with the moon;
the star Mula, with the suw the star Rohini with Venus; the star
Viiakha, with Jupiter; the s'tar Sravana, ;.,i~h the moon. If counting the month M{irgaslr~a onward, tl~e number of them becomes
eleven excluding Aivina, then the parva is special-special.
. . If any special occasion arises on any other festival day, the~
It IS called anuparva. If an aster ism (a grouping of astronomical objects) of a star and planet occurs. there is no importance
[concerning the specific] time of the day, for the tithi itself is the
bestower of auspiciousness. The main feature of performing ritua!s during festival days is the continuity of the performance of the
n.tual called. The rituals performed on the festival days should be
given dominance to anuyaga. The words murtiytiga and cakrayaga are its synonyms. :m
In this ritual, the teacher, his relations along with their sons.
a knower of the truth, a daughter, an outcast woman, a prostitute, a woman who is having her monthly period (aru~1a), and
~ woman who knows the truth should primarily be worshipped
m cakrayaga. They should be worshipped individually and as .a
group. There, the teacher occupies the seat in the center. and Circling him, either in a circle or in a row. beginning with the teacher
and ending with the disciples, following the order of vlra and sakti.
Then, they should be worshipped individually with sandalwood
paste, incense. flowers, etc. Then, the vessel should he contemplated as Sadasiva, and, filling it with wine, it should he meditated
upon as the nectar of Sakti. Then, it should be worshipped as

TANTRASARA

193

Siva, its enjoying power, and by her [the agent of enjoyment], the
host of deities should be propitiated. Then, meditating on it as a
unity of the triad, composed of the object (nara), the instrument
(sakti), and the supreme subject (Siva), one should propitiate it in
order to remove the layers of coverings (avara~za). One should
propitiate externally and internally in order to attain both enjoyment and liberation. Then, the propitiation should be done in the
reverse order. Thus, the complete circular movement nourishes
and accomplishes the fullness of cakra. The vessel, in the form of
the universe, should be placed on the base and then, from it, first
propitiating the host of the deities, one should propitiate oneself
with it. In the absence of the vessel one should shape the palm
of his right hand in the shape of vessel (bhadra), and placing the
palm of the right hand over the left one in such a way that no gaps
are present. This is called vellitasukti. By the falling of the drops
of wine, the vetala and guhyaka become pleased, and by the flow
of it Bhairava is pleased.
No person should be given entry into the place of worship. If,
by mistake, [some person] enters there, one should not become
doubtful. If one does become doubtful, then he should perform the
circular ritual twice. After this, fried and pungent food should be
placed abundantly before or inside the sacred house, not known
to common people, and everybody should be made to unite and
be named with term 'deity' (devata), excluding his personal name.
This is the description of virasmizkaraytiga. Then finally they [the
teacher, etc.] should be propitiated with offerings of food, betel,
clothes, etc. This is the principle of miirtiytiga.
.
Even a person who has never seen the mawfala, by worship.ping during the days of the festivals (parvadinam) with the murtzytiga ritual, obtains within a year the result of putraka initiation.
without performing sandhyti and other rituals. This is the procedure for the elderly, those inclined to worldly enjoyment, and
women. The teacher should give this kind of instruction only when
the descent of grace occurs.

194

TANTRASARA

31~ 4 fa ?I d5 fafo: I ~ q- .sffi"C MA IC1 I f?rf~+:rc1 .sffift:i (§:I A Ci Iai
fuf~ ~~{1$11~'<d5~, ~ ~ ~Ci;:Jjilflld') ·fcr;n 4~?1d'501 ~
R tLf)fl ~ I ' ~ I ITT ~I t5il(t)~JcfC1TCl ~fufmfu-=i 1.-a
qfq ?I d5So\

m

I

m Cf>Tfflascpw 1q sa co:~n '!')C'i a ci') -R ~ 1a ci') ~~ ~ >ITT-Pi~ 1a ;:Jji Fa a=
I ~Cffl45aet:~n ~ *~'<qq?M1f+ffcw I ef&JOlllHl'""flYXlet:~n ~
sITT Ci r?1 f1'iCl:I q fa et:: I illf fu~~
~Jff~ 3"11 ~fl'l I <lLff~ qf~

aci

~. tf\qufJj)ffil'<:Mru~Jrja1c=t >l"~ 4G~~C51Yff1q?~IJ l~f;aAfY ~
I C1W~~~ 4et:d5C'il~q"iCIOf~'LClll~RJ -a- J11;q;=aAcfJ,
;~TkFfl A 4 ( d)u ~·I ;a A""1Q Ci,, fuzf'~ ~ -~ ~ qfq ?I d5 IfUr
~ ~ f1Att11~ofa~q~~ ~. ~~~ ~ ~ I

acrra

Clffi A t5l Ri q: ~:, "ci I<j)A ffti ~~ f?Jfc:;:f q- ~ ~'LCll I;q I 4 ("(f)(llfl:,
~ fu~ 1=flf~

mm 4f°a?ld5So\, 31~ "W11 l=fffi-q;, 3l~ en~·

aet:as'<u1 ~ ~. ~

3-lftr "ff~"ITT11sfq 3icITTUT >i~~m

ffic;{Jqf%a$1Hld5'<u'1 $1HR;:co:1q=ti: I

·~ mtZITfl1fu-$1-R~f~4'<:A~l~llfFl C1GJ ~ I'~~
1~ 4m?lasmfu: 1
The Procedure Called Pavitraka, 233 the Offering of the Sacred
Thread
The ritual 'offering of the sacred thread· (pavitraka) is the fulfillment of the command of the Lord preceded by an injunction
sych as given in the Srlratnamala, the Trisiromata, and the
Srisiddhamata. As it is said in the Srl Tantraloka: "Without the
'offering of the sacred thread' (pavitraka), everything is fruitless.'·
Therefore, from the beginning of the lunar bright fortnight of the
month of A~d(llza until the end of kularpar~zima, the full-moon
night of magha, this offering of the pavitraka is to be performed.
In connection with it, on the fifteenth day of the dark night of
K(Jrtika, kulacakra and nityacakra are to be performed. This is
the opinion of the knowers of the Nitya Tantra. However, according to the knowers of the Bhairava Kulormi Tantra, the pavitraka
should be performed on the bright fifteenth night of magha, while

TANTRASARA

195

according to the knowers of the Tantra Sadbhtiva, it should be
performed on the last fifteenth night of the southern movement of
the sun, that is, the winter solstice (dak$i~ztiyana).
During that period, one should worship the Lord according
to one's financial capabilities, and performing oblations into the
fire, and then propitiating him, he should offer the pavitraka. The
garland for the pavitraka may be made either of gold, pearl, or
silk th read, cotton th read, or kusa grass. It may contain knots
representing the thirty-six principles (tattvas). One garland should
be made containing the number of knots of pada, kala, bhuvana,
var~1a, and mantra which reaches to the end of the knee. Another
one shou Id be made to reach to the end of the navel, another to
reach the throat, and another should be on the head. Thus four
pavitrakas should be offered to the deity and to the teacher, while
meditating for the purpose of the fulfillment of the entire path.
One should be given to the remaining members of the group also.
After completing the offering of pavitraka, one should have a
great festival. One should perform the pavitraka for either sev~n
or three days at the end of the four-month period (between midJuly and mid-October), or once when there is a state of emergency (an unfortunate event). If one is wealthy, he should perform
the pavitraka every month: otherwise, during the period of four
months as described above, or once. If one is unable to perform
the pavitraka, he should repeat his mantra as atonement. P:- person who is endowed with right knowledge and possesses nch.es,
but refrains from the pavitraka, incurs a sin. Being polluted with
greed, although learned, and abstaining from the pavitraka (he)
disgraces knowledge. According to the following statement:
One who corrupts the decrees of the Lord after obtaining right knowledge must perform atonement.
This is the description of the procedure of the pavitraka:
$11., C9 I~

~Cl a 1a ¢t5 'ff f'-;:rf'cu:

ffif'CPCf>T<"+t Cl 1;=ci5fq

"fnf?T

"ff~~

Tcrn-~ ~, ~ "ffwfcrmfu ifLi q 0l fffi~
Cl"mfu-OlTcr lcrn-~l'1 ll llct1 ~')0lfq_ I

196

TANTRASARA

On the day of receiving knowledge. and also at the end of
worldly festivals, the upsurge of consciousness becomes exceedingly great. Therefore, the nearness of the host of deities becomes
particularly great. Hence, considering the occurrence of such
upsurge of consciousness, one should perform a specific additional form of the anuyaga, etc.
3fV CLll~l~fu: I

°ff<f~ll~fi~uf l];~ d:il{.~lcl~ 31~cl~,

msfq

m1~1a

q'<~1t£l1ll1fll err f1Jj)fbaf1M1-<.1fbfi ~ cx:rmaTicl-, 31~
(f){ia11q~11q

tmmrclf~-~~nsq1af"imcr;=rrmfua~am

cx:rrqaffi:f-+n=f~~~ 1 a f;F~1fl;:if'~'R:1: ~'R:IT Rllfl:iaa
l~V"H:Cf>l~'R:ll d:il{.~I fctJlP"llOll Lbf!CIC"fl ~. ~~ ~efftcalllT
~ 3 f'm {.~ °ff~ err qmUF{ ~~ q ~ ?1 <:i
a I l fl ~ff

qcqi:rm

CfflieffilUral: l Io Iq fa lJ)~ -a ~~, 3n~ d"'l I{.~ ~ Cf5 C"Y dcrcln""( I
(1(i: f11l"!1~1 u~ll-;:r ~ c=m~, c=rffi cx:nqaTicl- ~?I a 1Cfl'i q e1 fl~~,
~~~ ¥~ "fP51T<!fu 5'l fl ~·fl lj)Ufa- fq Cf5C"Y I fct~ 11 ~~I li1f~
';:r ¥ qa=f ~ uc;f~ flk'id"5, q ~~mm m~ <il~4qfu
~:rn:~fo i q Gfl 1;:fi cx:rrqaffi:f ~~, rnrfCr affch~ a@;fl Mui ~
~ ll ICl~ ll Il.~ If1 l"l I f((l: I mnsfq ~Jff<:ffaT fum"cfTW fq fl J'6 3 q f'M CU
WTIVCK(~ I

The Procedure to Be Followed During the Exposition l?{ the Sacred
Text 234
One should worship the teacher, who is fully endowed with knowledge regarding all sacred texts. and who should he cordially
invited to expound the sacred texts. 235 The teacher should explain
the text to his disciples, or to the disciples of others, according to
their mental development and aptitude. The teacher should explain
the text, even to a person who is established in the lower doctrines.

TANTRASARA

197

out of compassion, while his heart is well-disposed with devotional feelings toward the descent of grace caused by the diversity
of the will belonging to the supreme Lord. However, the teacher
should exclude the delicate points of secrets.
As regards the exposition, it is prescribed that the recipient
should be seated on a lower seat than the teacher, and the recipient
should eagerly await receiving the knowledge, having also regulated his speech, mind, and limbs. Only then does the teaching
become fruitful.
At first the ground should be smeared with the sandalwood
paste on which a square should be drawn or imagined. That should
be the base of the lotus: above it, three lotuses should be drawn.
On the middle lotus, the goddess of speech (VagISI), and to the left
and to the right Gar:iapati and the guru should be worshipped. On
the base lotus, the deity supervising [prevailing over] the subject
explained [in the sacred text] should be worshipped. Then, one
should propitiate the sacred diagram, offering from a water vessel.
This being completed, the teacher should expound the text containing sutras, sentences, and the section. The exposition should be
uniform throughout, without contradicting earlier [statements] by
later statements. The teacher should present the view of the opponent first, and should make use of 'principles of centralization'
(tantra), 'repetition' (avrtti), 'extended application· (prasalizga).
'figure of speech' (samuccaya), and 'admission of an alternative'
(vikalpa), which are accepted as logical and proper for the presentation of the text. He should represent properly the viewpoint of
the opponent first, and then by refuting it. he should arrive at the
object aimed at hy the ascertainment of the meaning of the exposition. He shou Id expound the whole of the section, but not more.
Throughout the exposition, at the end of each subject, propitiation
and worship of the deity should continue until the end of the exposition. Then they should worship the seat of learning, and performing the ritual for withdrawal, the place should be smeared and all
the material used should be thrown into deep water.

198

TANTRASARA

This completes the procedure of the 'exposition of the sacred
texts.'

31~H"Fi~Rtif5W: l

~ a=ra$11'if'it:o~ ~ ;or ta')foa crwfL1 -w::IT~
marmf18:, C1q 3P1~ e;l Cj)l""t 341 a I'< ckf ;:ff c;trl~ I 34 Ci fd $11 ;ft Q

~dJl\q"ci$1llli:\la1: ~~ ~ ~ ~~ wf~ ~

~cie1lfa - ~~w dffiel'l: amau ~ -;:ffi~, ~
CJ, Gt Ci IGt M~ 3-RSfUsi wra-ffi ~c=RT eCf)6t I{I C1 >r~fu Brfra:rRfl{
3i ICl ct~ C1 ~ ~I~· Ifcrc:1fa: ~, ~ fa ~'p:~ LiJiT: mffer iHt?lW r:, "ff
f%00~~ I

$fu fp4;qf:itipfci: I
Freedom from Conventional (Samaya) Duties

Alth~ugh a person steadily established in knowledge does not
require the performance of any rite such as atonement, etc., he
does have the responsibility of showing the right path of conduct
to t~ose who conceive that only by performing rituals will they
attam mok$a. However, a person who is not a knower of the truth.
and whose attainment of mok~a and bhoga are thoroughly dependent on the performance of ritual, transgresses the conventional.
ru~es (samaya) by not performing aton~ment, and [because of
this] undergoes suffering for one hundred years and becomes an
eater of corpses (pifoca). Therefore, the procedure of the rite
atonement should be explained. In regard to such person. the~·e _is
no at_one~nent for killing a woman. Regarding other forms of ~in.
considermg the seriousness of the sin, one should repeat, without interruption, goddess malinl once or three hundred thousand
times. This he should continue until he becomes free from doubt:
that is, until the feeling of guilt is gone. Then. at the end, _the
special worship should be performed~ and even on that occasion.
cakrayaga should be performed. Cakrayaga is essentially performed everywhere as the last ritual.

?f

TANTRASARA

199

This is the procedure for the release from convention (samaya).

3l~ 1'<1'l5"1 Im fu: I

"fnf ~ ll 11 ;:ft~ 3Lffi"~ ~ 3-llR~: ~~Jfi g)?<A fct, ~ f%" "fl"
fcrWs=i·Ci~ I Cil f°tja'j ~CJ >IT~,~ ID ID~~~
~ ~ -~ill "fnfw ~I ~ fd I f~d') l1U5ff ~ <1?f mauf t:fTW
~ <1?r f"I +:I +a +:I~ ~U(QT (i (ql ~: ~ ~ (Rit ~ ~

~ mJFf efa=rurn=( 3i k-A H Ji,_ ~ ~ ~a ~:fl fmti
~ a cti l!\JI i 1') ~fa,

mm d Rfrd I ~

1

~ lj)'tl~J\l~fu: I
~ ~ fi:t Rid') q;i:f '1')cf* 11

wu Fa a f3fa:

fcF1 I fY $1 H <:4) l 11 ~ a <:4 h=t I~ o I lj)l:Ll

~

m~;::idlJ)L(""11"dl4fcR"fml

(i~fil{

1

a II

~~~acf;;:rnCf51~1~

~

fci~IJ:flffl;d?+:t_ I l~ol I

The Procedure for the Worship of the Spiritual Teacher (Guru)

236

After al I the pujas are completed, and upon the day following t~~
completion of the cakrayaga, one should then perform gurup!IJG ·
Previously, the guru has been worshipped as ancillary to the nt~s,
but now he should be worshipped as the main object of worship.
However, the worship of the teacher not being performed as the
principal object of worship, one remains bound by the bond of
operating the functional rite [one is bound by his own entitleme~t
performing it]. Therefore, the gurupfija should be performed m
every respect.
One should first draw the sacred diagram named svastika, and
should offer a golden seat there. After this, worshipping all the
paths in it, the teacher should be seated upon it. and worshipping
him, one should propitiate him with offering of water, food, and
money. Then, surrendering oneself to him, one offers praise for
the remains of his food, and [after] consuming it, he then pros-

200

TANTRASARA

trates before the teacher in obeisance, and then should perform
cakrapuja.

This is the procedure related to the worship of a teacher:
The person who performs the indispensable (nitya) and
occasional observances (naimittika), etc., showing no
misery, attains liberation only by the practice of rituals, without having knowledge of the truth, or taking
recourse to yoga.

l!ct ~ f~ -;:tfm~ C5lf f~~ I 3-Tq;-;:r-r 3if4-q 3i IJI A~
>i1+:J1ali~ ~ 1 ITT firu;::i:i15iA~ fu~~ "fffaft q fcn:rWR-ACbllii,
rn+:J~fffl -a- ~l~Hl\+:Jd:>Cillii ftict:llii fl(f)flj"1Jl~t56Clf(j);'.J: f1?!'Ciffl -a-cv
I

4Q)c-HiiSl<-0~fox:i'€li ~ ruA~f;:i ~ ~11~'4, - ~ ~~mcmmr
Fa" f1+:t'tt1= ~11f5lficrm ~ l!ct>Lf)Mi;:uqct>: l!Cf>Tf~~~. m ~

tRBW1liIB~lfffim~ m 'ml1" ~~ cTICf>l;'.J IA ~ I d'J~fl ~
'
'
t:rc=ri1G:4'<1+:J~lf,l4R dG:IJIAlf°tl~ll~ ~. ~ c=rwfcfo l!Q m~
tfT~t9JICl~llf511tl1, Q"-{ ~ fqfqmf~~ICllJ:J~f~ mcrfflct:l;:a1a1,
~ ~l"iliq{A9d'<a1A~f~ ~~11~, "ffi"fm=( ~ fq{flru'<C'il=
f1 +"I '{("I I -Cl :J9 G: iSI ""W fCI I fl T?li I;'.J ~ q {Ji I cl"ff fcl :;:+:I ~ q {A ~Cl '<: fCI '{<) q I Ji~ f;:nc=

+:rR ~ Ga>~ 11 f5I ¢A , ct-f~ ~ ~cf~cf fli 1J1ct:> ii rrr ~~ err - $~ cP{
l!Cbtf5C'4f+if'~ l!Cb+AldCI 3"11JIAI(\ I

Chapter Twenty-One
Thus, all the rituals of the indispensable (nitya) and occasional
observances (naimittika) have been described. Next. the evidence
of this agama 237 will be elaborated. This universe is composed
solely of consciousness, which abides in a consciousness characterized by reflective awareness (vimarsa), which has been ascertained to be its inner verbalization or articulation (sabdana). 238
Sastra, the sacred text, is of the nature of reflective awareness

TANTRASARA

201

manifesting itself in the form of all substances existing in this universe, along with the diversity of the relations of deeds and their
results. Therefore, the entire corpus of sacred texts is not different from the very nature of the Lord. In reality, it is the giver of
one fruit, but because of the regulating power (niyati) of the Lord,
people are strongly attached to its various divisions for the fulfillment of more than one purpose. Some are strongly inclined to the
Vedas, having the characteristic cognition of duality born of mayti.
Others who are also like them are strongly attached to Samkhya
and Vai~IJ.ava doctrines with erroneous notions concerning liberation. Still others are attached to Saiva Siddhanta, etc., which is, in
essence, the reflective consciousness of the nature of transcendent
Siva. Others are attached to the Matmizga agamas, etc., whic,h is
characterized by the reflective consciousness of immanent Siva.
But some, the rarest of the rare, are deeply attached to the doctrines of the Trika school, 239 characterized by the reflective consciousness of the nature of the great Lord, free from all limitations, whose highest essence is freedom and bliss, and who is
composed of pure consciousness. Yet others, also forsaking the
former, and also the latter, either leaving it or transcending it,
thus attain the accomplishment of a single purpose by following
only one agama.
*~sRr
fi+H""CilJl:s:tHl'i t!C15~-<ct514c=asfq
3ru"f~,
s:ilJ""llO<'i~
~~qlctffl

3Wi ~ :r:a I s:i'1~ &] C1f'Ci ("q I<"\

~1,:110~ ~
31fdJflaa1~1:

fcr~zr~{-aq 3lf"ffif·m=cp{:
I ~616"""1"""1Ci~CUCJ(l ~"fQJR*~ ~fd>l'<I~ (fG:~ CfCffU(\
~ ~ fi~H'i - 3-TTS$lli*~· 45C1l("Cf)~fW ~: - ~q
~ <sFico: P 1ckt, A-4 ;::i Ch cfax=asfq ·frch=rcf $1 cpa fd A ?I ~~ - %mc=rG:
I

q { ftH (Sl Im

fuRmqmr~f~:ITll1(=(, R~f8sfq 3"llJIAHi mm~ ClTCffl ~qJl~I
3"1;:q0l~fc=R"Cf.>T't.Lfa=rrcfiaj (i()llJilOl:tffl ~flfdlCi,, ·~ ~

Li~ <'i I

rn' ~ IB -f'.fh::rf'ufasrfuq {~ ~q m'ffi~q 3TITTli:" m emf~
I

1lS('J Cf) C1 , ·~~f'a-rc=rr ~~ · ~ (Si 1fl ffl mm~ 'QCf ITT rn ~n=r:

202

TANTRASARA

Fa ~cnrcizrt - "flGJ "ff"llT: 3-Tmcrrc=f m~ Ci <id: Idi sftr
3ffcffi~, m"flf~ ~ ~ffi~ ms~ CITT4~ Cf.>T<:rf<:1, d51fa((
~Cfll q 4ci fl 1~, m :q- ~"CB1=l 3-Rcnfum - ~er CS1 f2>Ci 'I\~ ffif;~g?T
., I;:q ll OQ

I

JfTT"fum. ~futlFl -m a11~nAa s:ifof;d iSIM1aa ~c;1Qqcfat11m41~

~ - ~ Rmffl JM1l: 3"l R1Rm1 a 1=a'l qRts: , C1TfrT CfITTR >ITT1tt
~P=t10ncpcfa1 31~411;.aOQAa 3"l111l"ls:llAIOl'.JiA
~"fl" 3-TlTTli 3-TT~l'.JiUTiaT
m ~ ~, $fl1C1l""f~'"i I
,1

fifud'ld51~14"1\AI~ <:1~
~ lfll llt~lfl'i f4 c=r&fu ~a a Li-=fl: I
~ flAtt!Al'.:iruK'!IB~l~l""f~T-

"f!'R ~~ ~ll'e'iATjJ"fl'<:lc-A 11
~ ~~r.1cP]/cil"cillffci-<foci Ci;:;;5f fl I~ 3111 P""ll>'i IA 1o<::rna:>1~1-=i ~
~Cbfa~IA1f%Cbl=l I I~ 9 11
Even in dualistic doctrines, it is accepted that all the agamas,
being the creation of one Lord, are considered to be authoritative. Depending on the validity, in one place non-contradictory
harmony regarding truth with harmony occurs, and as a result one
is inclined to some activity; while thinking that it is not so. one
becomes disinclined. Therefore, they are similar. Mutual opposition with a difference of subject matter is of no account. Killing a
brahma!Ja and the prohibition of it are like the difference between
purity and excel Jenee of the soul. In the absence of sa lizska ra, one
fails to earn the right to follow the code of conduct.
Therefore. the argument is the same for both, like a difference
of a5ramas. It is said that the excel Jenee of any act ion is determined by the excellence of its fruit, like the Upani~adic portion of
the Vedas. 240
If we admit that all the sacred texts (sastras) were created by
different authors, even then we may suppose that al I the sastras
were created by omniscient authors. This is because the agamas
are associated with the concepts explained hy omniscient authors.

TANTRASARA

203

as wel 1 as other relevant matters. If the eternality of tigama be supposed, even then the logical arguments, i.e., anvaya and vyatireka,
perception, etc., as well as their validity, are grounded in tradition (prasiddhi). 241 A notion such as "I see real silver" depends
on somebody else's knowledge, as in this case on a goldsmith's
knowledge.
Therefore, the tradition (prasiddlzi) is agama. To some, it gives
a perceptible result, as, for example, one who is hungry eats. A
child becomes engaged with each individual object only because
of being impelled by prasiddlzi, and not by the logical connection of cause and effect, and its negation. At that age, there is an
absence of logic. etc. Furthermore, at that age, its presence is of
little use. Inference of the logical connection of cause and effect,
and its negation. taking recourse to prasiddhi, are required for the
accomplishment of some action. Some prasiddlzis are the givers
of unseen results, such as emancipation after death, dissolution
in prakrti, and emancipation of the soul. Other prasiddhis bestow
similarity with Siva, while others terminate in the oneness [with
Siva]. These seen and unseen results are again manifold. Therefore, in this world full of different traditions (prasiddlzis), what:
ever state a person wi 11 have in the future. he selects that kind of
prasiddhi and is forced to accept it as something highly desirable
(or undesirable). For this reason, what would be the purpose of
verbal argument in regard to a person who is quite empty? From
among those prasiddhis, one should be taken as valid. and the
val id ity of that agama should be accepted. Therefore, a person
should take recourse to whichever agama grants excellent results.
What could be the purpose of further arguments?
As the wise person considers the light of the consciousness shining as supreme reality. in the same way, he is
aware of self-consciousness. Therefore, one should take
recourse to that holy text which is the essence of the
intuitive 1ight of reflective consciousness characterized
by the all-inclusiveness of anuttara.

204

TANTRASARA

A person exists in the behavior devised by his own conviction of common usage, but only becomes free from
doubts when he becomes the supreme Lord, after attaining steadiness in the highest prasiddhi, the transcendent.

3l~mru~1A 1~d5'i 1 1

31~*1i:tfCil ~ ~ *1Jj)f::Atjfll1~11<t>C11fF"11{C)<t>li 3-lfUd51Ro1: >rfu"
~1i:iCTt.>1fMCb~fwllll1R{<)~a,a3ffi l:ilJ1fia1'<:1G.1

'~~C1[gfu°trtt:CU1~~af~ I
3"l ct 501atRo1 fCi f'Ct flUJ 11 c;: H ;::c:q fJf a 1: I I
3"1H~tjO;~i:Jl61'<:C1Jf "cict'Sf'Ct Ci1Jld51: I

~sftr~~ Ci~ld"ii fu.ITT=f ~ 11'
cicHlll ~ g);fllllll:, ~

mGT - me_IT ~ ~~ ~ mul

"fifufu q ~I illf q ~ ~ 3c~?tG:, ¢ C[cf fCi ~~ W=( I ffi f;§:CfJ I'""! f<:f
fuct1~1lfqsqi:i1: "frcfw Rcf~f: tjtSOf1~an:11~. ~ fua1ll1m
~fl:IT~ ~~~ 3fi~<:IT ~~"{UTT~ -a- I IT5f ~ ~~.
~uf <ft~, mwT: qc:, 1icrT~ en ~ 1 IT5f f i I 'i 1 fua
1(f~afitq 11rrrf~~q ~f~ ~v-tj ~IOlfl~lgCbl~
mcrf<:ffiIT ~fcl"G:.l?tl ~I C1 {C)q ("Cl ICi, ~~I Fa C1 I~ ~ 3 L"ci 14 ~ci­

CRP-%"ITT- ~Rf~ 3qffimcrcrTim'R:li fu~tqef~ufcn ~ ~
Y'<IY'<c-8

~sfq q

1

:wro=a

C1mf6 - mm-~-~-11ur-m-~~fu ~

~~Ci fCI I f;:r - Cfjfl Ien aj ~er 3-F(=firfCTTc=( fcnn ~I ft) ICl fq q {I q '< ~
"& &1 q su Cf) fll *1 tn•fCI 1JI 1a("Cl ~;G:a ("Cl 1C!.l -;:rt
~ma {Cl q ("Cl Ra
3"ffi ~i:tfflg);fiwf~: 1 ~sfq qsa~1R=P: ft:~~. ~ra~1fm ci
q sq {ti q a 1. l!ci" q Xl ~ 1 ~ 1mCi : . m.l?tl 3"l ;;ii ~ '""l ~ i~ ::i cm-rrr - ~
~~{C)q~I Clil~I ~~: f~ ~f~~IU[{<)qj ~L"cil'<:Al~rr}q­
I

omurt

ru ra :

m

~ ~"fl - -a~ qzqf~ ~ m~ ~"C1-Rfh ;:i- f-cB-f~wcrm.
C1wfu~~lSOCid5'<0 Ia ct'SliaO~ ~~Q"f#-;::rr li I JI ¢'Cl'i lfITTG."lTIURf
cft;:rfq ~~ ~. oolstf~ R?1\lst1~;-ue<:i1~cr ~

TANTRASARA

205

~~~, c=rf~~f'~ ~ 5 f1 I:r:<:i ftr Ci~~~ C:Wi HI A I ~t:Ol.fl J II Ci,_ ct 6 a ci')~
A~ =a ~b ~Ji~ fl CfCf~ ~, (1(1: s:i Io 11 ;:a: , c=ic=r: ~ Gi ~J\C'i 1,s:i ch

~1Rb?1Cll"""cii:t1 '\9;:1 CbfY ~fl, A I~ 1;ci ft'; "flTOT 3ITTf.ITT: ~ ~lfu>?il:l l;:ci a<1qR
~ IJC4 I fc:p=t ~ T{C) 4 I ~I Rn: - ~ fl cp1)i£ll ~ o1 ct 3TTtTRTU <:1 :nQ Iti <pca:T ~
3nU<:r~Cil<:ilJ=tfq ~ fu~ q~~a,_. ~ q- fifd;:Ji~A - ~ fu~

mcrcrr "Cl-;::r q Ciffll: ~~ih-ncrr ~. ~ 3fu:c=r ~ qlfaffia <:R11"
fcr~, -a-~ fficrc=( :rafu ~ q- fcr~1~Fa - ~ ~a1afCi 'tifci-afCi
-~-g;ihi I ct 9:<:i I Ci "ff~ I Ci ~ffiA

·~ ~ fi~clCJ?~ ........ ~ .......... I'

~ I C1ill TFUqql'\9ctg)J~AIC!.li 3"ll\A~4)';:flc:tl""flli 3"lclRkal ~~
J1 L("Cf I 3 q f"i ~ c=<:i Jf"R -Rf'~ ~ iSt I tu~ ll I : I
Chapter Twenty-Two
The entire worship of this character is now going to be ascertained
according to the Kaula method. This is meant for those who have
attained the proper confidence and in whom the engrained desire
for Kula yaga is going to develop. Therefore, in texts such as the
Yogasalizclira, etc., it has been stated:
Bliss is Brahman which abides in the body. That bliss is
established in a threefold way in the last syllable under
pa-varga that is the labials. The person who is not a
brahmacarin and abstains from the procedure of following the three ma-karas (that is the ritual involving
the three forbidden elements) is bereft of bliss. Bliss
being bereft of wine, etc., and those who. forsaking
it. engage themselves in worshipping in the cakra in
both ways are cooked in a dreadful hell. Therefore, one
should follow the prescribed procedure.
The Kula form of ritual is to be performed in the following
way. The ritual is sixfold: external, in the fakti, in one's own body.
in the union of the two. in the vital air, and in consciousness.

206

TANTRASARA

Among the six, each latter is more excellent than the former,
but the performance of each former one is based on one's sweet
will. One who is desirous of attaining enjoyment should select
the second, fourth, and fifth; but the sixth is the principal ritual
for the one who is desirous of liberation. Even this kind of person
should perform the rituals beginning from the second. as far as is
possible, during the occasional observances. for in that way the
precept is fulfilled.
Now, in regard to performance of the external ritual, there
is the altar; the vessel full of wine, called the vessel of the vfra;
the red cloth; and the Siva liliga, which was described earlier. In
this ritual, without taking recourse to [the rituall bath, etc., one
attains purity by simply taking repose in the perfect blissful state.
Then, while meditating on the oneness of the vital energy, consciousness, and the body, and [with the awareness that this] consciousness is identical with great Lord, one should repeat the mantra twenty-seven times. Then, one should place the mantra (nyasa)
on the top of the head, the face, the heart, the secret part, and the
murtis, first in the natural order, and then in reverse. In this way
the fullness of identity with the great Lord in his apard. parapartL,
and para forms is attained.
The number of principles (tattvas) from mayo, puru~rn, gu~za.
buddhi, to earth principle is twenty-seven. The principles kaltL'
e~c., are included in it. The vidyafoktis possess the nature of the
h1gher-~um-lower aspects. The five Brahmas (Brahma, Vigiu.
Rudra, Isvara, and Sadasiva), Sadyajata, Bhavodbhavatva, and the
others have twenty-seven aspects. This has been explained by the
venerable, glorious Lakulefa as well as others.
The great Lord (Paramesvara) possesses five .<aktis, even in
its highest aspect, and each of these .<aktis possesses five aspects.
Thus, the number of foktis is twenty-five. When these saktis are
not shining distinctly as differentiated from each other. they are
then said to be one; that is, a non-differentiated point (anudbhinnaviblulgti). With the pervasiveness of the twenty-seven. she
should be meditated on as the flame of consciousness. It repre-

TANTRASARA

207

sents the intellect and the vital energy, and it should be tied into
the sacred hair on the head (sikhti) while uttering the mantra once.
It should be thought of as being bound so securely with great Lord
that nothing extraneous can approach it. Then, all the articles for
the ritual, the place of worship, and the guardian deities of the
quarters, which are in front of him, should all be conceived as
being of his essence because they have been permeated by the
whole group of instruments of knowledge dominated by that sort
of intellect [related to the supreme Lord].
Then, the vessel for the offering should be filled with the pervasive thought of tying of the sacred hair on the head and should
be worshipped. The altars also are to be worshipped by a few
drops of the I iqu id uniting the tip of the thumb and the fourth finger. One should worship the host of mantras located in the cakras
of the body, and should offer oblations to them. The worshipper
should perform this ritual in the vital energy.
Then, on the altar one should draw a seat with the character
of the trident ending in three saktis representing Para, Parapara.
and A.para. All the principles from earth to the end of maya are
included in the syllable "sa, '' and the syllable "au .. is to be c~n­
ceived as the seat of three saktis. In the syllable '·sa, ··all the pnnciples ending in mtiyti, and in "au," the threefold saktis ar.e ~o
be worshipped and [over there] the sakti with the charactenstic
of reflective consciousness (vimarsarzlpa sakti) should be wor~
shipped. Thus, uttering the mantra (saub) once, the placement of
it as the base (adlza ra) and the one to be placed over it. (a~lzeya)
should be done. Then, in the consciousness, which is mdeed
cldheya, one should conceive this universe in it, which is also composed of consciousness. Thus, this universe is enclosed by means
of consciousness, and by this universe consciousness comes into
being, because th is universe has appeared from consciousness and
terminates in it. From the knowable objects, consciousness arises
and gets its rest therein. The reality of the nature of consciousness is arrived at only by means of mutual activity of enclosure
(coitus). Therefore. it has been stated "enclosing all the syllables."

208

TANTRASARA

Then, one should offer sandal paste, incense. wine, flowers, and
so on, as long as one does not become completely absorbed in the
supreme. Then gaining repose in one's own Self, one should then
throw everything into the water.
This is the procedure of the external form of ritual.
3-TV

~,

ITT

~~

efma 1C'i If"l I<:fl {I a 11 '{

3~t:rn={

3~~1c-J:JC5c=B;:r mm1fl~1'<~6CiFaf~~o qn·q~ C£J141"<:1a,.

~m~ ~ ~<§:{<)4<"1~1 rn m~, ~~-a fm1te1=aw~1N
~ 1Rtsfd Cli I'L~ 1a Ji_, rn ~ 1-& 1(SF"t1 Cl'l Icf<lCf q,_JFf efm?I <:i 1;a A lfl ;:j
cn101?1~
ruf1Jh~1Rts: ~CJ;~ Fa~1 ~: 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ "fRf1

+:rm

~I
The Procedure in the Sakti (Ritual)
The pair is mutually eager to have the nature of the other. Sakti
likes to have the nature of the vira, and vira that of .fokti. As both
are of the nature of both, it is shining at the beginning and ending i~ S($fi (coitus), essential for awakening the nature of Siva
and Sakti in both, which is the function of both. By means of
the restraining power of the Lord, the predominant nature is
normally present in both. This explains the specific center. that
is, the secret parts, which are also designated to be conceived as
sakti. Then, it is worshipped by means of the pervasive thought of
sikhabandha; that is, the tying of the tuft of the hair on the head.
Visarga sakti is to be conceived in the seat ending with three saktis,
in three corners, and in the center. This is the specific feature of
the concept of pervasion. The same procedure is to be done on the
specific limb of one's body, in that very cakra; then it is done in
the brahmarandhra and in other minor centers.
3-TV ~ ~a101il<ie=t

~il G:«i <"1~ s;nl ~ oa: I
Ji I0Q IG.l~J Ifl~· ICi Ml d1<"1 '<: qrrM"Jf

IB Ci ICi 1c-R:i A_ I I

~tiffi~~WI

TANTRASARA

209

~-lcildcil fl:rws~ CiGQf"i~IRid5C"QCi: 11

d¢t>Atlfld.1ftk~ldi"cici') "Ci"W ~ I
~ Y)Mllru"""f l.-:(4~ ~'lj)~l*1ct1fuf~ 11
l! d A I:r:F•G: fFG.l f% Ci fl ii) ~l 1:8C1 f~ I
3'l ~d ¢t> l I o I&:l ¢t> Ci Ia k·~ Ia fii C'il l:l ci I I
RJ1RJ1mmm-n - ~ruas1*1i:tl:lfct~44Ri:t~1 1
¢t>A~nsiawa~= firu=c:a~h
l1an:T ~ 11
3"1~awaaa k·J:ias- i:t ..
101~{011ftn 1aa14+-t 1
Ci m Rb Ci g:a I c-J:i d)- A :r;q I:r;q *1 '14~ I I

m-

nruJ

~8~1fiftFdCilJ1fiaTI~ I
a_x ~ I C""'l'4 4)"ci ¢t5 I o <:i fQ

c=rrA c=raT CiT+il:llR ~ l!~ 11
~ <:llAM~CiC\ llff1aR-ia1fias2i ~ClcIT 1
¢t>ACil'<Ci~l/1J11c=t ~ f%" fifdfutnfti"Ug: 11
~UIAlifl'< - ~~l:llc-Ad5J1Jl<1Cil'<Al+"Ci'i I

-:r:TI" ~ "i IL<j)fuc=i ~ 11 ""dl fua 'tj\fa d5 I'< o i ~ ~ I I

3'lT1ctfao9:::tqa~- "fCii fifdcti:tlc-Afilci~)Jl:lf(\ I
~ 11 :r:a'i fu Ci Ic-A d5 9'l:l - l1~ <il I 4 <1c{ fa -~1.+-'R........
ts ~ .,. ,. .IRti~i:t......-a~~: I I
fq I c-A I

:r:<:il :r:(:l Id~ 11 Ci, ~ 11 :r:a I~ c=d 9'l:ll dl:l I c-A C"Q Ia, I

~1f=nH=Cj) ag:~fuai ~ y:w11Fa ;TI~ 11
~ ""ciT4 ~~ <1m ~ Ultt>li~llti'Ugl(\ I
31~ ~ ma1 ~ sft+F(
~ 11 :r:a'l fua u@:;r ~S~ucl I I
~ l"CLl i f"d*ilffifl I- A"ictfmfuci ~ ~ I
3fuc=f -a~ ~'!0-cl:l 1g:~h ~ lJ ~a -a- ~ 1 1

mw

(!~~en~ fuf~$11Tilqqlfc; i:rcrfu I ~i<::rffi ~ ~fu ~

-aaa ldctiJ:\ 1 1 ~ R'<1+=G:J4~

210

TANTRASARA

The Procedure Regarding the Pair (Yamala)
The characteristic feature of the sakti is [in its being] that by
which perfect steadiness of nonduality is attained. Therefore,
without considering age, caste, worldly and otherworldly spiritual
relations, one attains supreme identity of nondual ity born of both
[male and female] (1).
The iaktis are of three types: the created, the caused, and the born
of the union of both. They are conceived otherwise by subsidiary
divisions. They are mutually worshipped and propitiated because
bliss is adjacent there (2).
The [principal] cakra should be properly worshipped. Other m.in~r
cakras should be worshipped after that. The external worship is
~o be performed by the offering of flowers, sandal paste. etc., and
m.wardly they are to be propitiated by means of offering food,
wme, etc. (3).
Thus, the upsurge of the mass of bliss becomes manifest by means
of various activities and, as a result. all the minor cakras, being
dissolved in the principal cakra, become identified with it (4).
All of the minor cakras attain the fullness of enjoyment by means
of enjoying their respective spheres [of enjoyment]. and as a
result they relish their own nature. Thus, all the deities of minor
ca~ras become centrally inclined to the principal cakra of consc10usness (5).
When the fullness of the rays, characterized by the host of the
deities of the minor cakras, bring about vigor to hoth the sakti
and the possessor of sakti, they both become exceedingly inclined
toward each other (6 ).
fAt the time of unionl of the pair, while they enter the highest
abode of bliss, the agitation born of its vibration agitates the minor
cakras as well, and they should be conceived as identical with it
because they are not distinct from it (7 ).

TANTRASARA

211

Thus when, by means of the comparative development of balance,
this pair loses all distinctions, which is difficult to express in
words, then that consciousness is known as the compact unity of
the emission of both (8).
That steady abode of anuttara, the beyond, is characteristic of both;
that is, transcendent and immanent, which is otherwise designated
as the lofty, all-inclusive universal bliss. This is neither the state
of tranquility, or ever-restfulness, nor the state of rising, but is
called the highest Kaula, the cause of the rest and the act of rising.
The one who is desirous of the attainment of the non-limited
nature of the Self should make himself identical with consciousness. It is true that both, with the characteristics of resting and
rising regarding the sakti and the possessor of sakti, rise simultaneously (9 -10).
On account of the mutual absorption of both, the very nature
of the Self, both are of the characteristics of resting and rising,
because both have the characteristics of both. However, it is the
sakti who bears the rising of creation in her womb, but not the one
who is the possessor of the sakti (11).
In this sakti, the Kula, which is embodied in the teacher. should
be transmitted into the sakti, and through her, because of the close
union which emanates by the mutual contact of both [should be
collected] and distributed among the people (Ila).
Therefore, in this twofold creation of rest and rising, those who
concentrate on the former, the state of visarga and that it ~s the
cause of both (that is, those who reflect that everything is the
expansion of visa rga), they become steadily rested in the perfect
state free from all limitations (llb-12a).
That which rises from the mutual union of both should be collected externally from the principal mouth. Worship with it will
satisfy the host of deities. and it will be the bestower of attainments and liberation (12b-13a).

212

TANTRASARA

By t~e practice of visarga with the nature of rest, the restful [st~te
of] Sivahood is attained, and also the host of deities shines wi~h
the same nature. At that very state, the rising of the absolute void
occurs, which is devoid of bliss (niranandamaya). It is free from
modality, not only of the abode, but also of others ( l 3b-14a).
By the delightful tasting of the external object, by which one's
?wn blissful nature is filled, and not only by this. but also by the
m~er organs which are taking delight from tasting the delight!ul
obJ~ct, the nature of one's own and, by this process [of th~ tasung
delight and experience of fullness one's own self], the perfect state
of the inner search of this experience adds to the delightful nature
of the minor cakras and, from there, to the main ones (15b-16a).
This threefold visarga conforms to its meaning. It is full in ever~
respect, from where everything is created, from where this ma~i­
fold remains present, and where creation is dissolved. In this
de~cription of visarga above, which is threefold, mantravrrya
bemg continuously reflected upon in its threefold form, the t~ue
?otency of mantra is then attained. Thus, in mantravlrya, which
15. the inner core of consciousness, the mantra [abiding there] gives
birth to various results (16b-17).
In.t?e middle of the triangle, there exists an ever-blooming lot~s
vellmg the ma~z{lala. In its center is a stalk having a lotus with sixteen P.et~ls, with a root inseparably attached to it. In the course of
the fnct10n of the two lotuses having a stalk attached to each ..the
host of kalas lying within the moon, perfectly ful 1 and charnung.
and those lying within the sun, and by the association with blood
and semen related to the three-petal led lotus, the creation of the
sprout representing fire occurs (18-20a).
Thus, taking recourse to the mudrcl representing the moon, the
sun, and fire (known as swi1gaffa mudra), one who has internalized the sequence of creation, etc .. in his heart, regarding
the sequence of creation, etc., quickly attains the fourth state
(anakhya) (20b-2la).

TANTRASARA

213

In consequence of the absorption in the klzecarl mudrti of both the
sakti and the possessor of sakti, or, in other words, when perfect
equilibrium of both occurs, whatever experience comes about in
the enjoyment of drink, sport, and fun merges in vimarsa following the course of unmanifest (avyakta), dlzvani, rava, sphofa, fruti,
ntida, nadanta; remains as antilzata without any break; and finally
becomes the virile energy of the mantra (mantravlrya) (21b-23a).
[The cakras are eight:] the outgoing and ingoing of the vital air at
the ti me of their cessation; in the ear while hearing a sound; in the
eye while perceiving an object; the coming in contact of both the
sexual organs; during their union; at the end of twelve; and in the
ytimala (23b-24a).
From the middle of the breast to the end of the lips the unmanifest
sound exists, abiding in the throat; one who listens to it inside
both the cakras at the time of the cessation of agitation where all
have their rest, that is, nadablzairava, the Absolute having eightfold forms, that is, ardlzacandra, nada, sakti representingjyoti,
dhvani, samaraftlzis is stated to be the absolute extension of the
mantra (24b-26).
Thus, calling up the above extension in the mind in every act, and
in whatever it may be, one remains nonattached while living and
becomes absolute Bhairava (27).
The place where the void and the nonvoid dissolve is the midd~e
path in the form of a shaft where the fire and air have dissolved 10
the eq u i 1i bri um of the trident. This is to be meditated upon in such
a way as fluid that has gone to rest in the fluid (28).
Remaining steady in firm conviction without allowing any doubt
to rise, one should continue contemplating, "I am not,'' and should
get oneself free from the bondage of llclira, witnessing the host of
divinities in the body, merging pleasure and worries in the mass
of consciousness, and all the time viewing the recipient of them
which abides in the centers of the ears, eyes, mouth, and nose and
other centers. In this way klzecarr is certainly attained (29-30).

214

TANTRASARA

When getting one's body placed in a distant sky and instantaneously following the sahasamudra, contracting both the hands
gets it to fall, while one remains looking below. This mudra turns
into vyomacarl (31).
Here ends the description of the ritual named ya ma la.
3ffic:Ll If~ if> >fro1 fu~ 5'\l mfi fa~~ I~ I C"1qu11::Il1-0q:q I

ref! +4 cfOl "i

3q'ig:&Fi ~IOllWI: I fu~IH'{C)Rbt(j) tifa<alll: m-fyq Fl'{C)NCi: I ~ l!Ci~

<:rrn~s~ ~ ~ (fWfcH'..'l R fcf f:a fct>ctiCi Iq

~ (fG] c=Rit a'UI J Ic;:~f ;::i

ru G Ci f@G:~: rnix.IT

ercf ch R1 f1 I~ It;Ri crJ R{qant:f cralm C£l I
Cf)

l(=ll T

~31aM'1a:H\Q1 crrart~. ~am~ ~mR1ct>i-RCl¥
l!a fcrfw cbaC'"P=t<.-mPl~tlHCi\QI ~ 1 lJfl~1«1{ ~ g)')C1~ IJ 1: flcffct+=t:,

~sfQ-~sfQ- ~1011qp1 filIB~;::i ;:i- f1<p~a W<1: ~ cr{~fci ~~I I
cpfafCi?ii\CictfP+=A§l+=t~·~cHl:C:ll4a4~~C(ilq1co:H1J:t 11

Thus, in the vital air with the characteristic of such an extension of immanence, one should associate it with consciousness.
and then with the association of sarizvid, the offering of tarpa~za,
food, sandal paste, incense, etc., one should be made steady.
This is the ritual regarding the vital air. The ritual in the form
of sarhvid has been discussed earlier in regard to one who has
attained steadiness in it. After performing one of the rituals
among them, if the disciple becomes free from doubts and attains
purity of the heart, then showing him the ritual without taking
recourse to offering sesame and clarified butter into the fire, and
so on, he should be given initiation only by mere glance while
keeping in his heart the aforesaid permeating extension (vyapti).
From the initiation given in absence to the end of the occasional
ritual, the above procedures are to be fol lowed, but they are to be
performed keeping this as the principal ritual. The seven forms of
kulayaga are performed in the body of the spiritual teacher. but
when this is performed once along with the aforesaid rituaL everything becomes perfect. Thus may the end be auspicious.
This is a work of revered Abhinavaguptapada acarya.

Notes
Chapter One

1. Like ignorance, knowledge is also of two types. That knowledge
called pauru~a is free from thought constructs (vikalpa) and is of
the nature of pure I-Consciousness. It shines in its fullness when
complete identification with Siva occurs. That ignorance, which is
also called pau ru~a, is composed of vikalpas, which are contrary
to the perfect I ight of consciousness on account of their being limited. This imperfect knowledge (apar~zaj11tina) is the root cause of
worldly existence. When that ignorance called pauru~a disappears
as a result of initiation, the impurity born of past deeds. which are
the cause of the body. still persists. For this reason, the knowledge
of the Self (puru~a) fails to shine forth. Defilement (mala) called
karmamala is of the nature of prarabdha, the impressions of ~ast
deeds that w i 11 be experienced in this body. On the complete extmction of pra rabdha, the body falls off, after which the pauru~a t~pe
of knowledge becomes manifest. The order is as follows: initiauon.
destruction of the pauru$a form of ignorance. competency to ~tudy
agama texts, emergence of the bauddlza form of knowledge, hberation while living, destruction of prtirabdlza, the fall of the body.
and the emergence of the pauru$a kind of knowledge and the
attainment of one's own nature.
2 · Although apparently distinct from consciousness. thought ~on­
structs (vikalpas) are not different from it. When. through nght
reasoning (sattarka) the purification of vikalpas takes place, then
one arrives at the state where vikalpas merge back into their source.
which is indeterminate (avikalpa) by nature. This process of purification of vikalpas is described in Chapter Four.

215

216

NOTES

3. The descent of sacred texts (sastra) occurs through five currents,
known as consciousness, bliss, will, knowledge, and action, representing five faces of Siva. These are the five .foktis of the Lord
and are connected with the faces of Ifana, Tatpuru$a, Sadyojata,
Vamadeva, and Aghora, respectively. Among the holy texts
(agamas), some are predominantly dualistic, some are dual-cumnondual, and some are perfectly nondual. The number of dualistic
aganzas is ten, while those which preach the doctrine of dualitycum-nonduality are eighteen in number, and those whose view is
perfectly nondual are sixty-four in number.
4. The compound word svabhtiva~1 (svasya bluzvaM denotes the fundamental reality of one's own nature which is identical with consciousness.
5. The undivided, eternal, and ever-present I ight (prakasa) is also
re?resented by the technical term spanda or 'vibration,' a con~c1ous throb that goes on vibrating, and illuminates everything else
m this universe.
6 · The word nirakara means 'without any form'~ however, in this context nirakara should be understood to mean 'that light is not of any
specific form because it is of all forms.'
7. This is the reference to the descending and ascending arcs of consciousness. The descending arc is the ~nfoldment of consciousness
which brings the universe, and all limited beings, into existence.
!he ascending arc refers to the yogic process which brings a lim~ted consciousness to its fullness; that is, a limited knowing subject
is elevated to its original source.
8. The 'means' (updya) are a door which allows the practitioner to
enter the inner sanctum of Siva. This entrance or absorption is
technically called civefo. A bound being is limited and therefore
devoid of freedom, thus a human being is i ncapahle of conceiving
its own real nature. When this limitation disappears by the ·means'
(updya), the state of identity with the Absolute that occurs is known
~s absorption (samtivefo). Th is absorption is fourfold: horn of
Sambhu or Siva (!iambhava), born of Sakti (sdkta), and born of a~lll
M~zava). The fourth type of samavefo referred to in the text is the
absorption brought about by anuptiya.

NOTES

217

9. The updyas are the 'means' to attain the supreme end of human life.
Updya is the means and upaya is the 'end,' which is Paramasiva,
the supreme Lord. Some of the means help to obtain that end
(upeya) directly. while others lead to increasingly subtle states of
being unti I the aspirant is able to intuitively realize that the
supreme is not merely attained by entering some mental state
th rough upd_va. Al 1 the means serve some purpose: a~zava merges
into fakta, and sakta merges into sambhava. Upon attaining the
sambhava upiiya, one merges into the non-sequential 'intuitive
knowledge· (pratibha) characterized by that self-effulgent light
(prakasa). These means are relatively distinct because of gradations in the intensity of the 'descent of grace' (saktipata); that is,
the intensity of contact with the grace of the Lord. The degree of
grace one receives varies with the preparedness of the person.
When the grace is supremely intense, the person does not take
recourse to any sort of spiritual practice or meditation. He sees and
realizes that the entire universe continuously emerges and dissolves
within the core of his heart.
10. The whole text of the Tantrtiloka and its short version, the Tantrasa ra, are elaborations on the subject of these four means. ~he
exposition in the both texts begins with Chapter Two. in which
Abhi navagupta describes the nature of anupaya.

Chapter Two
11. The term anupliya refers to the attainment of identity with Siva
without the application of any means.

Chapter Three
12. The perfect Absolute is in reality partless and full~ it should be
meditated upon as orbicular and without any parts. This reality
shines to the _vogin who has attained 'absorption without taking
recourse to any means' (anuplzya). as a mass of the fire of consciousness into which all beings enter to be consumed. The yogin
experiences freedom from pleasure, pain. doubts. and determinate
knowledge (vikalpa). and is finally absorbed in the highest 'indeterminate state' (nirvikalpa).

218

NOTES

13. The 'autonomous energy' of the Lord is known as icclzasakti, which
is inseparable from the Lord. The essence of the Lord is light
(prakafa), which by its free will manifests the multitude of creations and dissolutions. The entire picture of the universe shines on
the screen of one's own consciousness. inseparable from the Self.
14. The absolute light is known as the void of consciousness and likened
to a mirror. By means of its freedom (svMantrya) the entire universe manifests as a reflection in a mirror. The reflected objects are
apprehended according to the cleanliness or purity of the mirr 0 :·
All objects of the universe shine in it, along with all of their individual distinctions. The different sense organs and mind are also
described as mirrors and their reflections possess specific characteristics which are perceived according to the comparative purity of
their surface. For example, a mirror, clear water, or the retina of
the eye can reflect a form or color, while the sexual organ is capable of reflecting only touch, and so on. However, the light of consciousness is capable of displaying all sorts of reflections.
15 · The principles of original taste, touch, etc., shine in the Lord and

are inseparable from him. However, on the empirical level they
become manifest as reflections. Even then, they remain in contact
with the original (bimba). Otherwise, the chain reactions as
referred to in the text would not he possible.

16 · That power called cit§akti is of the nature of singular, self-conscious light (praka§a). The insentient objects which shine in our
se~ses are also composed of light. However, we are unable to perceiv~ them as sentient because they lack an awareness that "I am
s.en~ient.'' In contrast, the knowing subject, although remaining
limited, is aware that he or she exists, and is capahle of consciously
reflecting on this self-aware existence.

17. This universe is perceived as possessing two aspects: first. its relation
with speech, specifically the sounds that denote meaning; and second, the entity denoted by speech or sound. The former is known as
partimar.fo and the latter paramanfonlva, literally 'that is denoted
hy sound.' In addition, there is a sup1:eme form of speech that is
inseparably associated with Lord called paranada or para viik.

NOTES

219

18. The Lord is associated with three principal energies (sakti) called
anuttara, iccha, and unme$a, represented by the three phonemes
"a," '"i," and "u," respectively. Each phoneme has two aspects: a
short and a long measure. The corresponding long forms are known
as ananda, rsana, and iirmi. This tradition states that the short
vowels are predominantly of the nature of light (prakasa), therefore, they have the characteristic of the sun; the corresponding long
vowels, having the nature of repose, are considered to be of the
nature of the moon.
19. The syllable '"'"a" has another "a" as its corresponding phoneme. The
one represents Siva and the other Sakti. The vibrative union of both
gives rise to bliss (ananda). representing the phoneme "a." It is
from the energy of ananda sakti that the universe comes into being,
which in short are all the remaining phonemes beginning with
iccha and ending in "k$a." This union of "a" and "a" is characterized by consciousness alone. while pratyavamarsa~za, the cognitive
desire to create sisrk$afllul, is known as the energy of will. This
desire representing will (iccha) is the desire to get back to bliss that
has been as if lost.
20. Icchti, rsana, zmme$a, and iirmi represent the energy of will and the
energy of knowledge. respectively. The energy of action does not_
exist in any form either manifest or unmanifest up to this level of
unfoldment. When activity shows itself. only then four neuter phonemes, which are "r, ·· "rr. ·· "/,"and".(, .. appear. They are similar
in nature to that of .. r" and .. !" belonging to the group of consonants.
21. Four phonemes, namely "e," "ai," "o," and "'au," represent the
energy of action. When the movement of the supreme vibration
becomes completely externalized, then it is known as ··au, .. in
which the flow of the unfoldment stops. Then all the divisions of
the energy merge in the one which shows itself as the bindu or drop.
22. Bindu is the compact mass of consciousness assembled into an undifferentiated point from which the creation of the universe proceeds.
23. On its way of unfolding the universe, the ak11lafakti belonging to
Siva first manifests bi11d11 represented by one dot. Further. out of
hindu, the kaulikl visarga sakti emerges in the form of two dots,

220

NOTES

one above the other. It is from this sakti that the creation of the
entire universe takes place.
24. Emission (visarga) is threefold, i.e., a~rnva, Stikta, and Hzmbhava.
They are characterized by difference, difference-cum-nondifference,
and nondifference. The picture in the form of a~zavavisarga shines
to the view of the limited subject as "this." In this view, on the one
end lies the limited subject and on the other lies the universe. These
two get merged into the unity of limited knowledge and its object,
which is nothing but the unity of knowingness (citi) and the object
of knowledge (cetya). This is known as visarga, where repose
occurs in the heart. In the second visarga, known as cittasambodha, the entire universe-while shining as one with consciousness with all the distinctions of subjects and their objects-yet also
shines, transcending them al I. The third visa rga is known as the
dissolution of citta (cittapralava) when al I the distinctions of knowing subjects and objects are obliterated, and therefore shines as one
with the subject of supreme consciousness.
25. The energy of emission (visarga) manifesting itself as individual cognitions appears as the universe. She, that is, Sakti, is the cause, or
the mother, of all sorts of gross words and sentences. In agamas it
has two appellations; the one is called mdtrkti and the other malinf.
The former is the seed (blja) and the latter. is the recipient (yoni) of
the seed. The one, when agitated, gives birth to diverse phonemes.
All these phonemes. being the indicative sound. represent all thirtysix principles (tattva), beginning with Siva and ending with the earth.
26. In reality the number of cognitions is six. They are anuttara, icclza.
unme~a, ananda, lsana, and firmi. However, because of expansion
and reverse movement the number becomes twelve. When anuttara
proceeds to expand it becomes "a.'' Similarly, "i" becomes"/'' and
"u" becomes "ii." This movement is called prasara~w. At the same
time, mutual relation of "a'' with "i," "a" with "u, ., "i" with "a, ..
"u'' with "a,'' "a" with bin du, and "a" with visarga occurs. It is then
known as pratisamcara~za. Thus the phonemes which come into
being following the above methods are of mixed character. They
make the fullness of the Lord.

NOTES

221

27. The number of Kalikas is twelve. They are called Kalikas because
they cause change through the process of mutation denoted by the
word kalana. Cognition is nothing but the energy of the Lord on the
pure level of consciousness. However, with emergence of mayti,
differentiation sets in, with the result that reflective cognition
(parii mar.Sa) descends down to the worldly level and assumes the
character of syllables on the one hand and the principles (tattva) on
the other.
28. There are four levels of speech. They are para, pasyantf, madlzyama, and vaikharl. For detailed account on the subject of four levels of speech see Abhinavagupta's Partitrisikti Vivara~w. See also
Padoux's Vac: The Concept of the Word in Selected Hindu Tantras.
29. Even on the level mayti these phonemes can possibly be enlivened by
contact with pure knowledge (suddlzavidyti) through which they can
be utilized to serve the purpose of both enjoyment and liberation.
30. Pure absorption into Siva (samblzava samavesa) signifies pure consciousness. When a yogin attains it, he realizes that all the six patl~s
(~a<;ladhvas) are not different from his own Self. They reflect in his
own consciousness, rise in his very Self, and gain their rest in it. In
the integrated unitary consciousness, creation, maintenance, and
dissolution shine inseparably from one's own nature.
31. If one is capable of merging his consciousness into the pure light of
absolute consciousness through stimblzava upaya, then assidu~us
tasks, such as bathing, religious observances (vrata). purificat10n
of the body, meditation, recitation of sacred syllables (mantras),
sacrifice, or oblation into the fire are not required.

Chapter Four
32. The thought constructs (vikalpa) are of two types, pure and impure.
The pure vikalpa, though being a vikalpa, is an aid in achieving the
highest aim of human life, liberation (mok$a). On the other hand,
the impure vikalpa entices beings with worldly existence. It is
because of its existence that the Self conceives itself as limited in
knowledge and action.

222

NOTES

33. The imposition on the innate nature (svabhava) of different kind of
pure properties is known as purification (smizskara). The very
nature of consciousness is its freedom from thought constructs
(vikalpa). This indeterminate nature of consciousness (nirvikalpa)
is also the very nature of the Self. This is known as innate nature
(svabhava). Listening to this nature of the Self repeatedly, thinking
of it, and meditating on it continuously help the thought construct
to become purified. In the beginning, the layers of pure thought
(§uddha-vikalpa) remain as if indistinct. However, in the long run,
through practice, the layers of pure thought become perfectly distinct. It is important to emphasize here that the perfect purity of
one's own innate nature (svabhava) is revealed by pure thought
constructs (fuddha-vikalpa) when the latent impressions of duality
are removed. At this stage the vikalpas do not stand as the cause of
the duality. With the purification of vikalpas, in the right manner,
consciousness shines forth with all its glory.
34. The erroneous conception latent in the soul, "I am in bondage," is
the root cause of worldly existence.
35. That deep-rooted impression of the soul, ··I am in bondage," is
uprooted by the conviction contrary to it, i.e., the pure thought construct (iuddha-vikalpa).
36. The right form of reasoning (sattarka) does not arise in the soul on
account of descent of grace in a lesser degree of intensity. The right
~orm of reasoning begins to show as a result of study of agamas and
instruction by a teacher.
37. The study of agama gives rise to the series of thought constructs
free from doubt, which in turn give rise to the series of pure
thought constructs (iuddha-vikalpa). This is the characteristic of
the right form of reasoning. This right reasoning is called bhavand.
the layers of pure thought. It is like the wish-fulfilling cow which
grants all desires. According to this system. intuitive reasoning
(sattarka) is considered to be the most supreme limb of yoga. By
the right application of it, one becomes the true knower of the
nature of reality. It is by th is means alone that one is able to discern
right from wrong.

NOTES

223

38. The five under the group of self-restraint (yama) are: nonviolence,
truthfulness. not stealing, restraining one's sexual urge, and nonacceptance of gifts. They are not considered to be the direct aid in
attainment of consciousness. This is because the real nature of consciousness which is Siva is not touched by any of these means.
39. Withdrawal of senses from the external objects and placing them in
one's heart is known as pratyalulra. However, for the consciousness
which is al I-pervasive, withdrawal is not possible. In the same way,
concentration, meditation, and absorption (samadlzi) are related to
something which is limited. Therefore, they do not serve any purpose in attainment of the vision of that which is by nature unlimited.
40. Practice is an activity which is performed consciously either in the
vital energy, in the intellect, or in the body, etc. Lifting heavy
loads, studying a text and continuous effort to understand its meaning, occupying oneself with dancing and music add confidence and
later proficiency to the respective spheres. However. consciousness.
having the nature of light, is ever shining and changeless. Therefore, practice does not add or take away anything from it.
41. The universe is the sportive play of three energies (saktis). The ~i.rst
is the supreme energy in which all the principles (tattvas) from_ Siva
to the earth shine as pure consciousness, free from all deternu~nat~
knowledge (nirvikalpa). The second, known as Sriparapara saktl,
by which everything shines as different-cum-nondifferent li~e t~e
reflection of the elephant in the mirror. Though the reflec~ 10 ~1 is
one with the mirror, yet, as in the case of the elephant. it is ~t~trnct
from the mirror itself. The third power. named Aparafakt1, is the_
one by which everything under the domain of the delusive po~er t~f
mtiyti shines with difference. There is yet another energy (sakti)
which abides in everything, permeating and threading through all,
which is known as Matrsadbhava, Kalakar~i1)I, and other similar
names. Each of the above-mentioned saktis. following the order of
creation, maintenance. and dissolution, possesses three aspects.
Therefore the number becomes twelve.
42. Knowingness (pramiti) which abides in all the knowers is the active
principle. It is known as existing awareness (mMrsiidblzava).

224

NOTES

43. By the power of Kalakar~il)I, complete shrinkage of time occurs. As
a result, the sequence of time completely disappears, which reveals
consciousness in its totality.
44. When supreme consciousness, which is the knowing subject. consumes all differences, it is known as fire. In reality, heing of the
nature of I-Consciousness. it assumes by its power of autonomy the
forms of intellect, the mind, and ten senses. Thus the number
becomes twelve. The knowing subject (pramMli), who is of the
nature of fire, assuming the nature of an instrument of knowledge,
becomes known as the sun. At that state it is known as ego
(ahmizkara). The state which is known to be the instrument of
knowledge is in reality the eternal aspect of the knowing subject.
Now the question regarding the creation of the knowahles arises.
The instrument of knowledge cannot be designated as such without
the existence of any knowable object. Therefore, the instrument of
knowledge itself assumes the nature of the objective universe. From
the level of the knowing subject (pramclta), down to the level of the
object, they assume four aspects each. These four aspects are creation, maintenance, dissolution, and the nameless (anciklzycl). The
total number of the aspects is twelve. As these aspects are manifestation of consciousness, the yogin, while wandering along in the
void of consciousness, can easily attain steadiness in any of these
states and attain absorption by unifying these four states.
45. The term kalana has different meanings. Kall is the conscious agent
who performs kalana, therefore she is known as Kall. The number
ofKalis is twelve. They are as follows: (l) sr~tikalI, (2) Sthiti Kall,
(3) SamharakalL (4) RaktakalI, (5) Svakall (sukalI), (6) Ya ma Kall.
(7) MrtyukalI, (8) RudrakalI (BhadrakaiI), (9) Paramarkakali, (10)
Martal)<)akalI, (11) KalagnirudrakalI, and (12) MahakalI (ParakalI.
MahakalakalI, KalakalI). This kalana also occurs in relation to the
knowable, the instrument of knowledge, and the knowing subject.
As each state is of the characteristic of creation, maintenance, dissolution, and the nameless one (anakhyll), the number of the divine
energies also becomes twelve.
46. Here the word Mahesvara does not refer to the highest Lord of this
system hut to one of the triad, Brahma, Vi?I)U, and Mahdvara.

NOTES

225

47. For example. while performing ytiga one can one day offer flowers
to the Lord. Then. next day. the one may offer sandal paste, food,
etc., until finally one is able to offer oneself.
48. Srrparva is another name for the Malinlvijayottara Tantra.

Chapter Five
49. The term "'bound soul" (pasu), which literally means animal, is a
technical term of this system. With the appearance of limitation,
the soul, which is essentially composed of pure consciousness,
finds itself limited in knowledge and action. Its innate nature
becomes as if veiled, for which reason it becomes known as atomic
(a~lU). At this level of existence the bonded souls are of great variety because they receive the grace of the Lord, which is based on
comparative distinctions of intensity. The right form of intuitive
judgment does not arise in all. Therefore, they have to depend on
(igama for the rise of that intuitive knowledge. At this stage. there
is a need for a spiritual guide. A spiritual guide is a person meant
to lead the seeker in selecting an appropriate agama for him to
study. When the agama is studied properly, pure thought (suddlzavikalpa) arises. However. in the case of those who lack right understanding. purification of thoughts (vikalpas) in this particular way
is not possible. Therefore, they need to rely on other means for tha~
purification of thoughts (vikalpas). In short, these means are.: meditation, taking recourse to the vital energy (pra~za). and makmg the
body the instrument of knowledge as a means to attain one's e~ds.
The body itself is a gross instrument for the attainment of the hig!1 est aim of 1i fe. For those who are steadily convinced that a body 15
the Self. it becomes a suitable means.
50. Meditation is performed by the intellect (buddlzi). This kind of
practice is fruitful for those who think that intellect is the Self. On
the other hand. those who are convinced that the vital air (pra~za) is
the Self make the pr([~za a means. In order to remove vikalpas, the
as pi rant makes use of body (kara~za). mudra. and different sorts of
(isanas.

51. Vital energy is of two types, one general and the other particular.
The particular form of the vital air manifests itself in five different

226

NOTES

ways. They are known as pra~za. apana, samana, ud(/na, and
vyana. These particular forms of vital energy. although manifested
distinctly in these five ways and functioning in different parts ~f
the body, are basically resting in the general form of vital air. Their
basic nature is to 'move forward' (ucc(zra~za). The general prti~za is
known as vibration (spanda), pulsation, blossoming, etc. At the
start of the creative impulse, after manifestation of void. the consciousness assumes the nature of vital energy.
52. Kara~w is a particular type of a~rnva upa)~a which relates to the
meditation on the body, etc.
53. The supreme consciousness is self-luminous by nature. It is only
because of its autonomy that it takes on the nature of everything. In
other words, we can say that it shines in multifarious forms. One
should meditate in the core of one's heart because the heart is the
essence of all the principles, which abide closest to the heart. First
of all the aspirant should meditate with concentration on the uni:1avoredness (sc1marasya) of prcl~w. apana, and udana, representing the moon, the sun, and the fire. This meditation is to be per~ormed by stopping the outgoing and ingoing movement of vital air
m such a way that pra~za, apana, and udana, after giving up the
functioning in their respective manners, become one, leaving out
all distinctions. As fire blazes up with the churning process of
ara~zi, in a similar way, the opposing movement of both pra~w and
ap(ina, being stopped, enters into the current in the middle path.
which transforms it into the fire of udana, known as the great terrible fire blazing upward. This fire is known as the great fire
because it consumes the limitedness of the conscious subject. its
object, and its instrument of knowledge. Thus, with attaining perfection in such meditation, the meditator becomes free from all
Ii m itations and then he makes an effort to attain oneness with the
highest subject.
54. The highest subject is supposed to be encircled with twelve energies.
They are associated with creation. maintenance, dissolution. and
the fourth one designated as nameless (a11(ikllyc7). This nameless
one. being without limitations. is associated with each of the other
three. Therefore the number hecomes twelve. They are as follows:

NOTES

227

(a) srni-sr~fi,

srni-sthiti, srni-smizlztira, srni-antikhyti (b) sthitis th it i-s th i ti, s th i ti-smizlzara, stlziti-anakhya (c) salizhara-sr~fi,
sa rizha ra-stlziti, salizhti ra-smizhara, smizhara-anakhya.

sr~ f i,

55. The transcendent wheel (anuttara cakra) consisting of twelvefold
nature. going outside through the outlets of the eye, etc., assumes
the nature of the object. This object is characterized by the moon;
the sense organs, representing the sun, are the instrument of
knowledge (pranuz~za); while the knowing subject is the fire.
56. After the destruction of all the objects, they remain existent in the
form of residual traces. Therefore, they should also be placed into
the flames of the fire of consciousness.
57. While giving exposition of the mystery of uccara related to the
movement of the vital energy, the author states that due to this
movement an unmanifest sound becomes manifest. This unmanifest sound is called unstruck sound (analzata). Before the rise of
pra~1a, the aspirant causes it for a moment to rest in his heart.
58. By the term void (iii nya) negation is meant. This is the state of dissolution of all objects. The heart is known as the void where nonexistence of any positive entity is possible. It is essentially of the
nature of consciousness where bliss the essence of it, remains perfectly blossoming. It is because of th,is nature that it is called innate
blissfulness (nijananda). The experiencing subject feels it as tl~e
very nature of the Self. With direct vision of one's own nature this
blissfulness becomes manifest.
59. At this level, as there is no existence of objectivity in any way, the
experience of the delight that occurs there is called .niran~nda.
Then the energy of consciousness. after making the void manifest,
assumes the nature of vital energy, which possesses dual form. On
the one hand, prti~za is insentient, and on the other it is sentient. for
the Lord has made it distinct from other insentient objects by
bestowing sentiency on it and has made it the experiencing subject.
It experiences the bliss of its own (11ij(l11a11da), however. as the
experiencing subject proceeds along the knowable objects touching
the instrument of knowledge. In other words, when it becomes
slightly inclined toward externality, then the bliss which remains

228

NOTES

associated with it is known as nirananda. Th is is because it loses
the earlier nature of blissfulness belonging to the experiencing subject alone.
60. Parcinanda literally means the bliss belonging to the other. With
the rise of the knowable which occurs along with the rise of apa~za,
distinction or otherne~s shows itself. Therefore, the bliss that
becomes manifest, at this stage, does not belong to the Self but to
something distinct from it. It is for this reason that it is called
parananda.
61. On the level of samana all the knowables become intermixed with
one another and show themselves as the unity of all. The delight
that develops as a result of this is highly extensive and nourishing.
It is for this reason that a yogin experiences this particular kind of
bliss as brahmci nanda.
62. The number of the movements of the inhalation and exhalation is
21,600 during the period of 24 hours. When the yogin is able to
dissolve the inhaling and exhaling breaths in the middle current
(madhya marga), only then the vital air known as pra~w transforms
itself and becomes udana. When one is able to rest there, one exper_iences bliss abiding in the experiencing subject, which is quite distinct from nij[L!landa and other types of bliss. It is called
rnahananda because of its greatness.
63. After one attains and experiences mahananda, one advances further and as a result of the rise of vyana, the great all-pervasive one.
one experiences bliss free from all accidental attributes. This type
of bliss is known as bliss of consciousness (cidlinanda).
64. Some technical terms connected with the concept of repose
(vifrcintl) are known as pragiinada, udbhava, kampa, nidra, and
ghf"a~zi. Their meanings are as follows: when the yogin utilizes the
means related to the body to attain the highest reality, he experiences a sort of delight which is the result of his intention toward
fullness (pfir~wtii). The emergence of delight occurs only at his
contact with fullness. When the yogin remains absorbed in that
delightful state (even for moment), his firm conviction regarding
his identity with body is severed as if with the flash of 1ight of con-

NOTES

229

sciousness. Then he experiences a sudden '"upward movement"
known as ""a jump upward" (udblzava). This takes place because the
pu 11 in the opposite direction becomes absent. As all the bonds
functioning in the lower regions are cut off by the light, this upper
pul 1 leads the aspirant to feel and attain his own innate potency, the
energy of which cuts off all the bonds of ignorance. This state is
technically known as kampa, which literally means shaking. Then
the state that follows is called nidra. At this state all external sense
organs cease to function, and even the internal ones stop to function properly. Hence he feels a kind of slumber which is a temporary state, for when he attains steadiness in pure consciousness, he
experiences the immanence of consciousness and is able to realize
that all, whatever that might be, is, in essence, consciousness. Wi~h
this direct realization he wanders or whirls (ghanzate), that IS,
arrives at the state of vibrate consciousness, until finally the state
of great pervasiveness (malzavyapti) begins to shine forth. T~e
effect of this is that his ignorance, which is his firm conviction 1Il
the form of conceiving the nonself as the self, is destroyed first.
This is followed by the destruction of the conviction of conceiving
the self as nonself. Finally, the yogin directly realizes the true
nature of the Self.
65. The five states like waking, etc., are related to the triangle centrally
located in the 1111.lladlu1ra, where the delight is experienced. The
bulb is the location of udblzava, kampa is experienced in the hear.t,
the palate is the place of the sleep (nidra), while the whirl (glzfinu)
is experienced at the ·end of twelve' (dvadasanta).
66. The absolute state of the heart of repose which is attained thro_ugh_
uccara is technically known as unmanifest [liliga]. This liliga ~~of
three types, i.e., avyakta, vyaktavyakta, and vyakta. Avyakta lzn?a
is characterized by absorption (/lnam) where everything loses .Its
individuality. However, it is only experienced while one remams
unified with it. It is this state from which the universe emerges and
where it finally goes to rest. The manifested-unmanifested (vyaktavyakta) form of liliga is of the nature of absorption with highest
reality, which shines in the form. "'I am This." Therefore, it is
related to the pure level of dynamic energy on the one hand, and on

230

NOTES

the other, to the objective world. The manifest (vyakta) li1iga is of
the nature of cognition in which I-Consciousness becomes subordinated and manifests itself as if distinct from it and therefore shines
as "This." However, even at this level it does not lose its pure
nature of consciousness.
67. The movement of vital energy is of two kinds. The first one is vibrative and natural, while the other is of the nature of activity and is
born of effort. The dynamic movement of the vital energy is ever
associated with a sound which is known as unstruck sound
(anahata). It goes on sounding automatically in the heart of every
living being. There is none to utter it or to stop it. All the phonemes
abide inseparably in it. Furthermore, yogins experience two distinct aspects of nada. The first is ever shining which does not have
any rest. It only rises once and remains shining forever. Another
aspect of ntida is one which rises but which also sets. However, the
subtle nada where all the phonemes inseparably abide is known as
the unmanifest sound. Two seed mantras (bljas) called srni and
swizhara are its manifested forms. In other words, ntida is cognized by the help of these seed syllables.
68. These are the letters from "ka" varga to the end of "pa" varga. In
this context they are used as mantras.
69. Samaya is known as convention, i.e., a supposed relation between
words and their meanings.

Chapter Six
70. The vital air is 'of the nature of universal vibration' (stimdnvaspandana), which assumes the form of 'individual vibration'. (vi§e~a
spanda) known as pra~rn. apana, samtina, uddna, and vy{i!lG.
These five prti~ws are locations that must he harnessed for the
attainment of supreme reality.
71. The external objects to which one could take recourse for the attainment of the highest reality are: a sacred diagram (ma~1(/ala), an
altar. vessels. rosary beads, scriptures. the symbolic form of Siva,
a human skull (!lira), a form made of plaster or a painting, or an
image or statue in the likeness of one's teacher, etc. They may be

NOTES

231

employed in any number and exhibit a wide variation in specific
form. provided one recognizes the object's purpose is attaining the
highest reality.
72. The procedure regarding the vital air (prti~za) is discussed first
because in its creative upsurge, consciousness first assumes the
nature of pril ~za. For this reason, one desirous of the attainment of
supreme reality first takes recourse inpra~za. Furthermore, all the
'six paths' (~a(iadhvils) are supposed to abide inpra~za. In the Tantra loka. Abh i navagupta writes: "The former of the sixfold paths,
which again is threefold, is known as the path of time. Clearly this
path is established in the vital energy (pra~za)" (TA 6.37).
73. Manifestation or luminous shining forth of entities occurs in a twofold way: either by following a sequential order or manifesting
without any sequence. The former shines through the relation of
cause and effect, i.e., the cause shines prior to the effect, which
comes later. When it shines without any sequential order, for example, the knowledge arising from the perception of a painting
appears as a unified whole in which priority and posteriority sh~ne
at the same ti me. The author states elsewhere that the 'mutative
activity' (kalana) is responsible for the manifestation of all si~
paths which are distinct from one another, and also for those entities in their respective forms of limitations. Both sequence a.n~
non-sequence shine in the vital energy, which is one of the ac.tI~I­
ties of time. As it causes mutations. divisions. and change. it is
known as kclla. which is derived from the verbal root '"kal, .. one of
the meanings of which is to cause change.
74. Consciousness is eternal. It is free from the fetters of space and
ti me. The Lord, who is in essence light, on account of his free will.
creates the universe composed of sentient subjects and their objects.
This is done hy the power of time called Kall, the dynamic energy
which is the cause that creates change in external and internal entities. However, it is relevant to note here that consciousness in its
essence is entirely free from change.
75. The power of time. which is inseparably associated with consciousness (sa 111vit), causes everything to manifest externally. The result

232

NOTES

of this mutation is that the very consciousness itself assumes the
nature of vital energy, in which all forms hegin to shine forth.
However, in this process of externalization, consciousness by its
free will separates the universe from itself. At that time it cognizes,
"I transcend everything." This is the experience characteristic of
the void (ffmya) of consciousness. This void of consciousness
seems to be static. However, dynamism in the form of a slight
vibrating pulsation begins to show itself. When this happens, the
first creative flow begins to proceed outwardly into manifestation.
This flow is not the flow of consciousness but of the vital energy.
76. When the power of activity becomes predominant, the entire creation shines forth in a twofold way. First is the 'path of time'
(kaladhva), and second is the 'path of space' (defridhva). The path
of time consists of three forms known as varna, mantra, andpada.
The path of space has also three divisions, i.e .. kala, tattva, and
bhuvana.
77. Normally the movement of the vital air proceeds from the 'region of
the bulb' located below the generative organ and the anus. However.
no spiritual result can possibly be attained by the normal movement
of the breath. Therefore, the vital breath should be made to flow
from the heart by one's own effort. The 5aktis named vamti, }ye~!
ha, and raudrl belong to the prahhu iakti and impel the movement
of the breath, either singly or in combination. While the !§aktis
related to the Lord, one's own power. and the vital energy jointly
all cause the vital breath to move upwards, at different ti mes they
assume the dominant and subordinate roles with respect to one
another. When the vamafakti aspect of prabhu becomes predominant, the person remains inclined toward the world and material
objects; when the jye~flzasakti aspect of prabhu assumes dominance, it brings about the enlightenment of the aspiranc the raudrf
aspect of prabhu keeps a person Ii nked to the world. but at the same
time it helps him to attain identity with Siva.
78 · In the movement of the breath from the heart up to the ·end of
twelve' (dvada5~linta), the vital air occupies the space of thirty-six
digits in length. If the four quarters of the day are supposed to exist

NOTES

233

there, then nine digits is the length of one quarter. One half of a tufi
is the time of the junction (sandhi).
79. The day is the period when the sun shines and the moon, in the form
of apa na, declines. For this reason, the day is conceived to be the
period of the dark fortnight. Similarly, during the night, apana, in
the form of the moon, arises; therefore, the night is conceived as
the bright fortnight.
80. There are two places of 'repose' (vifranti), composed of half of a
tufi each. They are in the center of the heart and at the 'end of the
twelve' (dvadasanta), free from the changing effects of time. Both
locations are the junctions of prti~za and apana. The time unit for
each of them is one tuf i.
81. Here the concept of day and night is explained in a different way.
The day is the period when manifestation of objects occurs; the
night is that period when blissfulness becomes predominant.
82. 'The passage of a planet from one sign of the zodiac to another'
(salizkranti), occurs in six sections each along the path of the vit~l
breath. They are: makara, kumbha, mfna, nze$a, vf$a, and nuthuna, while on the other half they are: karka, sitiz/za, kanya, tuld.
vr~cika, and dhanu. Similarly, the sun's progress towards the north
and towards the south, respectively, is also conceived of as occurring in the breath. The period during which the sun moves to the
north is considered to be the bestower of good results in the other
world, while the period during which the sun proceeds towards the
south is considered to be the bestower of good results in this material world.
83. The twelve superintending deities, one for each month, are ca!led
rudras and named Daksa Canda Hara, Candi, Pramatha, Blnma,
Manmatha, Sakuni, Su~1~tL N~nda, Gopalak~, and Pitamaha.
84. If the movement of the vital breath covers one digit, only representing a season (two months), then the sun's movement occupies only
the span of three digits. As a result, the span of one year will be six
digits and in one single movement of the outgoing and ingoing vital
breaths twelve years can be conceived.

234

NOTES

85. The normal period of the year with reference to human beings and
the supposed year of the vital breath are different.
86. The span of a divine year is said to to consist of 12,000 human years.
This period is divided into four divisions known as: krta, consisting
4,000 years: treta, consisting of 3 ,000 years; dwzpara, consisting
of 2,000 years; and kali, whose duration is 1,000 years. Thus, the
total comes to 10,000 years, while the remaining 2 ,000 years are
considered to be junctions. The span of these junctions is 400, 300,
200, 100 years and counted in the following way: the last 100 years
of the kali are added to the first 400 years of the krta; thus the span
of the first junction is 500 years. Similarly, the duration of the juncture of the krta and treta is 400 years plus 300, and thus 700 years;
next, the duration of the juncture of the tre({l and dvapara is 300
years plus 200 and thus 500 years; finally, the juncture of dvapara
and kali is 200 years plus 100, yielding 300 years. Therefore, the
accumulated duration of all the junctions is 2000 years.
87. Different lndras are said to be the rulers in different cycles of Manu.
During the period in which Brahma remains active, fourteen cycles
of Manu pass on. This long period is said to be a span of one day of
Brahma's life. His night is of the same span.
88. The term "three worlds°' refers to the nether world along with the
bhub. bhuvab, and svab.
89. The night in avyakta is said to be a kind of dissolution. However,
this is a subsidiary dissolution (pralava) and not a principal one

(mahapralaya).

-

90. According to the teachings of agamas, those who have attained liberation following the doctrine of Saq1khya and other systems are
certain to be created again at the start of new creation. This is
because their liberation is of limited nature and docs not elevate
them above mli_wl. For details see Chapter Eight.
91. The sheaths (kaiicukas) are five or six. They are n iya ti, ka Id, raga,
vidya, kalci, and maya. Maya is the all-pervading principle. The
day of kalci is the duration of 100 years of those who 1ive in the
principle nivati. In the same way, 100 years of kala is the span of a
day of thos~ who I ive in the principle raga. One hundred years of

NOTES

235

principle called raga are only one day of the principle ofvidya. In
the same way the day of the principle kala comprises 100 years of
the pri nc i pie vidyti. Similarly, one day of maya is made of 100
years of the principle kala.
92. The night related to the principle of Sadasiva is considered to be the
great dissolution (mahtipralaya). During this period all the paths
(adhvas) remain dissolved in the state of equilibrium. The superintending deity known as Sadasiva is dissolved in the primal sound
(nada). This primal sound is in turn dissolved into sakti, sakti into
vyapini and vyapini into sama11a. In sa111a11a there is no trace of
time. It is the everlasting state. It is from this state that time arises
1ike the opening and closing of the eyelids. Though all the limit~d
souls rest in this supreme state of equilibrium, they do not attam
final liberation.
93. The creations and dissolutions are highly extensive and varied and
abide in the vital energy. The vital energy is essentially of _the
nature of vibrative energy (spa11da). This energy, from which time
and its divisions emerge, is ever-pulsating. Time is not at all absolute but relative. and it has its base in the will of the Lord. On
account of the vibration of consciousness, the minute moment
becomes varied and it is experienced as highly extensive.
94. There are two 'ends of twelve' (dvadasanta). One is above brahmtirandhra and the other is in miiladhara. The first is known ~s
sivadvtidasdnta, the end of twelve related to Siva, and the other is
known as the end of twelve related to sakti.
95. The six causal deities (kara~za$afka) each have six centers. They
abide in those centers in the ascending and descending order. The
superintending deities of the respecti~e centers function in different stages of 1i fe and finally bestow release (mok$a).
96. The ten principal channels that pra~za circulates through are i(ia,
piligala, su~·wwul, gandhtirl, !zastiyjihva, pzi$a. ya.(a, alamlzbusa,
kuh a, and S(11ikhinl. Although all the channels have emerged from
the navel. they become manifest in the heart.
97. The superintending deities of directions are ten. They are Indra,
Vahni. Yama, and so on. They rotate in a cyclic order and as a

236

NOTES

result, limited souls act in accordance with the nature of these deities. Sometimes they are morbid, sometimes they are haughty, sad,
elated, happy, unhappy, etc.
98 · The names of three principal channels are i(la, piligala, and su~
umna. They are supposed to be located inside the spinal cord. f~[J
is placed at the left, pi1igala to the right, and su~unzna in the middle of the spinal cord. I(fri represents the moon. pi1igalii the sun,
and su~wnna the fire. While the vital air samana moves along
these three principal channels up and down, they assume the
nature of the sun, the moon, and fire.
99. All the Sanskrit syllables are divided into eight groups (varga). All
the vowels come under "a" group (varga). The number of vowels is
sixteen. Then come the group of "ka," "ca," "ta," ''fa," "pa,"
"sa," and the group of semi-vowels.
100. The number of half mc1tras regarding "ka" and so on is thirty-three.
Half nzatras of long vowels are thirty-two. Phonemes known as
pluta have six half matras. Therefore, the total of half matras is 81.

Chapter Seven
101. According to this system, the Lord's power of action (kriyasakti)
manifests time and space as 'paths' (adhvas). The path of space is a
means of unifying and traversing insubstantial and substantial
forms such as the intellect, the altar or image, the void. Despite
this diversity, all these forms abide in consciousness and have their
place of repose (vifranti) in consciousness.
102. On the path, all forms shine internally and externally through the
outlets of consciousness; this is how they are created and manifested. Consciousness, in its autonomy, shines as hoth the knowing
subject and its object. The variety of objects, though not different
from the knowing subject, appears as if different from it.
103. The aspirant attains the nature of Bhairava hy perceiving everything.
from the all-consuming fire (kMagni) said to ahide at the bottom of
the earth, to the highest principle, i.e., andfrita§iva, in ascending
order and unifying them into the singularity of I-Consciousness.

NOTES

237

104. Worlds of a variegated nature are included under the principle of
earth. The sphere under which they shine is called the sphere of
Brahma. Similarly, other spheres, e.g., the sphere of prakrti, the
sphere of maya, and the sphere of sakti, are wider than the preceding one. All the principles from water to prakrti come under the
sphere of prakrti. All the principles from plirll$G to maya come
under the sphere of maya. The extent of the sphere of sakti extends
up to the Sadasiva principle. Thus, the number of spheres (a~ztjas)
is four. The spheres are the masses of substance which have fallen
from the state of energy.
105. According to this system, there are ten 'guardians of the quarters'
in accordance with the number of directions. The guardians of
each direction are composed of a group of ten, consisting of a
superintending deity and nine subordinates. Taken as ten groups of
ten guardians, the total number becomes 100 deities; therefore,
they are known as the "Hundred Rudras" (Satarudras).
106. This system envisions a limitless number of 'worlds' made from
and dominated by each principle. These worlds exist so that souls
which have not received the Saiva form of initiation, but have
attained a lower form of perfection through a continuous practice
of concentration, receive a body and sense organs best suited for
experiencing pleasure and pain in a particular world, an.d may
finally attain identity with the Lord. Every world has supenntending deities who are called the Lords of that world.
107. Located in the intellect principle (buddhi tattva) are eight ·wor~ds'
(bhuvana), each dominated by a class of heavenly beings or -~eity_:
pisacas, raksasas. yaksas, gandharvas, Indra, Soma, PraJapati,
and Brahma.
108. According to the Svacclzanda Tantra, the names of the worlds
under prakrti are: Akrta, Krta, Vaiblzava, Brahmd. Vaf $~zava,
Kaumara, 'belonging to Uml'i' (Auma), and 'belonging to Srikat).t
ha.' K~emaraja explains that those who have practiced yoga with
renunciation attain the 'world' (blzuvana) named Akrta, while
those who practiced karmayoga reach the blzuvana named Krta.
Similarly, those who practiced nirmanayoga go to the world of

238

NOTES

rbhus. The abode of Brahma is attainable to those who practice
yoga with conviction that puru~a is one universal soul. The abode

of Vi~IJU is the final resort for those who strictly practiced yoga
according to Vai~IJava tradition. Those who practice yoga maintaining celibacy (brahmacarya) go to the abode of Kaumara world.
The abodes above this named Au ma and Sraikantha, are the
abodes of those who pra~tice yoga according to the Saiva doctrine.

109. There are seven groups of eight deities who preside over different
principles. The first is called patyntaka, the group of eight Lor~s
beginning with Lakuli§a and ending with Amare5a. The second ~s
15
called Guhyti!jfaka who are the Lords of fire: the first of them
Bhairava. The third group is Atiguhyti~'ftaka, which rules over the
principle named wind (vayu). The fourth group of eight is called
Pavitrc1naka, with Sthanu, etc., who rule over the principle called
akafo. The fifth group of eight, beginning with Stlz(i/a and ending
with Clzagala~14,a, rules over ahc11i1ktira. The sixth group of eight
divinities called Yonya!jfaka rules over the in tel leer. The seventh
group of eight is called Yogti!jfaka which rules over prakrti.
llO. The eleven worlds of the Rudras are as follows: Varna, Bhima.
Ugra, Bhava, Ifa, Ekavlra, PracaIJcJa, GaurL Aja, Ananta. and
Ekasiva.
111. The names of the worlds in impure vidva, kale, and niyati are Kro~hefa and Cat)Qa, Samvarta and Jyoti: Sura and Pancanta, respectively.
112. !he worlds under kala and mtiyti are as follows: Ekavira, Sikhi.
SrlkaIJtha in kala, while in mciyti, Mahatejas, Varna, Bhava. Udbhava, Ekapir1ga and Isana, Bhuvanefa and Angu~tha.
113. In pure vidya principle there are five worlds. They are: Halahalarudra, Krodha, Ambika, Aghora, and Yama.
114. Every principle is composed of subtle elements (kahls). They are
called nirrtti, prati!}fhti, vidya, fantti, and fantatltll. The number
of worlds in nirrttikala is sixteen~ in pratisthti the numher is fiftysix; in vidya the number is twenty-eight: in sanM the number is
eighteen. There are no worlds in .frintcitrtti. Thus, the total number
of the worlds in all five kalcls is one hundred eighteen.

NOTES

239

Chapter Eight
115. The generic attribute of all jars is jarness, i.e., that which permeates all jars. The highest Lord, Siva, is far more extensive than any
other generic attribute; therefore, he is the greatest universal by
whose 1ight everything shines.
116. According to this system. where some specific characteristics such
as, support, solidity. etc., are found, that is to be known as the
earth principle. These characteristics of the earth are seen in the
regions beginning with the all-consuming dreadful fire (kaMgni)
and ending in the world of Virabhadra.
117. The theory of the nature of absolute causal relation states that even
at the emergence of creation, the universe is nothing but an expansion, an 'opening up' (srni) of the light of the autonomous Lor~.
The Lord is also the cause of 'maintenance' (stlziti). i.e., the umverse remaining steadily present within the Self; and 'withdrawal'
(sa!izhara), the state of rest in one's own Self. According to this
theory, in reality no change has taken place in the Self, which is
identical with consciousness. Furthermore, internality and external ity are not distinct from each other but two sides of the same
reality. The artificial or fictional causa'l relation is not real. and is
accepted only to help explain the state existing in mayti. The ~o~er
of causal relation is limited and governed by the Lord's restncttve
power (niyati).
118. For the creation of a particular object, some elements are ?resent
in the beginning and others follow it in a regular order. This or~er
11
of sequence, in the form of priority and posteriority, renrn ~s
invariably presenc for example, the clay used in making a jar is
always present before the jar itself comes into existence.
119. Every effect has in its background the sentient cause as its agent. If
the conscious agent is absent, the aggregation of all the causes,
either individually or collectively, cannot produce the intended
object. For example, even if the stick for moving the potter's wheel.
clay, and other necessary materials for making a jar are present.
the jar cannot be produced if the potter himself is absent. Therefore, it is concluded that a conscious agent is required for produc-

240

NOTES

ing an effect. However. all of the above-mentioned instruments,
along with the sentient agent, are considered as the cause of any
action which in reality terminates in consciousness.
120. It is generally accepted that the causal relation depends on or is
controlled by the restrictive power of the Lord. Therefore, it is
relative. but the absolute causal relation depends on none. Consciousness shines in the form of the universe. For instance, all the
principles (tattvas) from earth to Siva are dependent on the one
prior to it. The earth is supported by the water, the water helps the
earth for its solidity. Furthermore. all the elements are unable to
come into being without the existence of subtle elements. In the
same way, these subtle elements cannot come into existence without the blossoming action of the sense organs. That again is impossible without determination regarding different sense organs. This
also is not possible without the existence of the primary matter
inseparably and equally linked with all. which is known as
miilaprakrti. This primary matter, being an enjoyable object, is
unable to exist without the subject that enjoys it. The subject that
experiences it is the sharer of the experience of different objects of
experience. It is for that reason that it is considered limited. Thus.
the limitation that is seen in a conscious subject (pztru$a) is only
imposed and not real. This imposed limitation is due to klila, ka/[l,
niyati, raga, and vidya, which cannot be activated without consciousness (sa,,zvit). However, consciousness, being partless, cannot manifest without the existence of the delusive power called
maya. Freedom, the cause of 1imitation. has comparative distinctions of manifestation. These features are shining in the beginning
as slightly unlimited, then unlimited, then slightly blossoming and
finally are fully bloomed. However. these states of the manifestations by the power of freedom could not be possible without that
which is perfectly luminous by nature. which in this system is
called Bhairava.

121. This remark explains the existence of differentiation or multiplicity
in spite of the presence of the Ahsolute everywhere.

122. Mount Meru cannot be supposed to he the cause of the jar, because

NOTES

241

it exists in a distant place. The question implied here is, how could
the universe be created by a Lord who remains distant?
123. This is to say that the effects can be produced in a variety of ways.
124. Siva is, in essence. consciousness. He is perfectly full and free
from desire. In the state of maya, the limited soul feels a longing
for an object in order to fulfill his desires. The desire arises in the
1i m ited sou 1 because of some want in him. The Lord, on the other
hand. does not lack anything. Therefore. there is no question of
any desire in him. However, on account of his freedom, a sort of
intention toward tasting of his delight continuously goes on. The
pentad named siva' sakti, sadasiva, isvara, and suddlzavidyti, who
abide in the pure path (adlzva), shine with comparative intensity
from the relish of the taste of delight on account of his autonomy. It
is because of the comparative intensity of this relish that consciousness manifests itself as "I" (aha111). This is known as the
state of sakti. In other words, consciousness which is absolute
(an utta ra) now sees (as if), on the mirror of consciousness, its own
reflection and cognizes it to be its own, then the cognition that follows is ""I am This" (alzam idam). In this instance, the substratum
where it shines is ""I" and "This" shines as an indistinct outline of
the picture. In the cognition, "I am This," ''I" is the principal and
"'Th is" has the subordinate position. The principle known as
sadasiva abides where the host of the subjects called mantre5vara
cognizes the universal light of consciousness as ··1 am This:'' But
on the level of the knowing subjects called mantrefrara, thi_s ~og­
mtion assumes the form of "This is L" where .. This"' is vividly
prominent and ··I,. is subordinate. This principle is called isva:a,
where "This" as the knowable shines with "I," invariably one with
it. In suddlzavidvti on the other hand, there is no distinction
between princip~lit~ and subordinacy. There both .. I" and ''This"
shine in a balanced way.
125. In this triadic system, subjects are of seven kinds. They are known
as sakala, pralaytikala, vijl1tinakala, mantra, mantre.frara,
mantramalzefvara, and Siva. Impurities are of three kinds. They
are lz~zava, miiyfya, and karma. The a~zavamala is of two kinds.

242

NOTES

First, it lacks right knowledge regarding the Self, which is of the
nature of consciousness. The second is the wrong notion of conceiving non-self, that is, the body, the sense organs, pra~w. etc., as
the Self. The impurity born of maya (maylya) causes the notion of
difference. The impurity born of deeds (karma) appears to the soul
to be of the nature of virtue and vice. Impurities are considered to
be the bond by which souls remain bound to worldly existence. The
knowing subjects who have all of the above three defilements
(mala) are called sakala. The souls known as pralayakala have two
such impurities, i.e., a~zava and karma. The vijllanakala souls have
only one mala. They are of two kinds: (a) free vij1zanakala souls, in
which all impurities have ended, and (b) vijllanakala souls, in
which some trace of impurity still persists. From among the first
group, eight vidyefvaras are selected, and from the second group
seven million mantras serve the Lord to help the worldly people.
126. Siva is always perfectly full of His five powers. However, he manifests different principles in which a particular energy shines predominantly while other energies remain subordinate. On account
of this factor different principles, even in this pure path, and distinct features like Siva, Sadasiva, etc., become manifest.
127. According to this system, defilement (mala) is not a distinct substance as accepted by dualist Saiva thinkers.
128. It is comparable to a seed, which does not take root and blossom
externally and is going to be destroyed.
129. The characteristic of kala is limited doership.
130. In some doctrines kala evolves after niyati, but in the present text
niyati is mentioned after kala. The reason for this is that the causal
relation cannot stand without time, for the regular order of the
cause preceding the effect cannot take place without time. Priority
and posteriority can exist only when time comes into heing.
131. Kala is the agent which creates the knowable object and the effect
as separate from itself.
I 32. Sukha is the state of agitation which is pleasant. raj as is the state
of agitation which is painful, while tamas is the state of agitation
which lacks awareness.

NOTES

243

133. Above intellect (buddlzi) and below the primordial matter (prakrti),
a gwza principle (tattva) is supposed to exist. It is only an aspect of
prakrti, the balanced state of three gu~zas. Therefore, the balanced
state of gu~zas is called prakrti and its agitated aspect is known as
gu~w tattva. However, gu~za is not counted as a distinct principle
from prakrti. The impelling force that agitates or breaks the balance of prakrti is the superintending deity of the tattva. The agitation in prakrti occurs in relation to those who desire enjoyment,
but in those in whom these desires of enjoyment have disappeared,
this agitation does not create any effect. According to the Trika
system, agitation in prakrti is caused by the Lord SrikaIJ.thanatha.
134. According to Samkhya philosophy, prakrti is insentient, while
puru~a is sentient but non-active either in bondage or in liberation.
Therefore, some external agent of aaitation is required. According
,
b
f
!o Saiva philosophy, agitation is created by the intervention
Isvara.

°

135 · As, for example, when one perceives an object, the cognition "I
see a tree" arises. In this instance, "I" is a subject and a tree is an
object. The relationship between the two, the experiencing subject
and object is the result of alzalizktira. For seeing a tree, eyes are
sufficient, but the sight of the tree is experienced by the instrument "I" ahmizkara.
136. When, by spiritual practice, the mind becomes subtle, it do~s n~t
require any external instrument for perception. At that pomt, it
can see through the sense of touch and experience touch through
the sense of hearing, etc.
137. This is a reference to the Vaise~ika school of thought, according to
which sense organs are born of matter.

Chapter Nine
138. Here thirty-six principles (tattvas) are understood in terms of
seven kinds of knowing subjects (pramtitti) residing on the seven
spheres along thirty-six principles.
139. The plural ending attached to the names of these seven knowing
subjects indicates the existence of a great number of knowing subjects belonging to each of these groups.

244

NOTES

140. In the lowest sphere, from earth to prakrti, reside the sakala knowing subjects. The sakala knowing subjects are capable of perceiving only the principles from earth to prakrti. The higher knowing
subjects, who possess more extensive subjectivity and therefore
possess qualitatively different energies (!foktis), are capable of perceiving the higher principles.
141. In TA 10:3-5, Abhinavagupta explains:
The principles from earth to prakrti are divided into
fifteen on the basis of the [seven] possessors of power
(iaktirnan), their powers (iaktis). along with their ·unique
nature' or "thing in itself' (svarupa). There are thirteen divisions from puru$a to kahl; eleven divisions
[exist] when the pralayakala [group of knowing subjects] becomes the thing in itself; it is similar with mtiyti;
[there are] nine divisions when the thing in itself becomes
vijnlintikala; seven divisions [manifest] when the mantra [knowing subjects] becomes the unique nature; a
threefold division [arises] when the mantramahesvaras
become the unique nature. Siva, whose nature is consciousness, which is dance of uninterrupted 1ight, has no
division.
142. The expression prameyarnyogya means: 'that which is worthy to
be conceived as an object itself,' that is, as insentienc it is neither
energy nor the possessor of energy.
143. According to this system, the universe is of a threefold nature.
non-transcendent (apara), transcendent-non-transcendent (partipara), and transcendent (para). In other words, reality is primarily
conceived as possessing an objective side (nara). energy (sakti),
and a possessor of the energy (saktiml1n). However, Abhinavag up ta points out that the 'thing in i tse 1f' (sm nlpa) is the
sphere of objectivity, the .frlkta is the sphere of perception, and the
possessor of power is the perceiver or knowing subject. Therefore.
all seven knowing subjects are Siva, who possesses different energies, that is. different powers in the different spheres in which they
operate. The thing in itself is common to all of them, which provides a degree of objectivity.

NOTES

245

144. Limited knowledge (vidya) and limited agency (kala) are considered to be the energies of the sakala souls, who are defiled by all
three impurities (malas). Although sakala souls are bound and
limited by impurities, they possess the powers of knowledge and
action.
145. The word asplzufa means indistinct or dormant. In pralayakala
souls, vidya and kala are still present; however, they remain dormant because they rest in deep sleep (su~upti).
146. The sevenfold differentiation of the saktis is used for the purpose
of elaboration and instruction. In reality, there is only one fakti
belonging to the Lord; that is, His svatantryasakti, which is
inseparably united with Him. This autonomy manifests itself as
many saktis, but at the same time keeps all of them within and
shines as one.
147. Distinctions among the instruments do not create distinction in the
subject. The supreme subject, by means of its power of freedom,
creates divisions in its own Self by causing some to shine as an
object, and others as an instrument.
148. Here begins a long and complex argument in which Abhinavagupta
attempts to refute 'doctrine of perceptibility' advocated by the
Mimamsa school. According to the Mima1i1sa theory, in o~d~~ to
be perceived, every object must possess a quality of percept1biltty.;
any object devoid of this quality cannot be perceived. ~bhi­
navagupta disagrees and attempts to prove that perceptibility is. not
the quality of an object, but a power possessed by the perce~ver.
All entities already exist within consciousness, and when a given
entity appears within the organs of perception of a perceiver, then
it becomes an object of perception. Everything is illuminated ~y
consciousness, including defilement (mala), as well as non-existence, because for a thing to be non-existent, it must be included in
consciousness. Therefore, objective existence depends on consciousness, and is not perceptible independently from it. For Abhinavagupta, it is important to establish this position. because he
needs to argue that the knowing subject must develop a higher
level of subjectivity to be able to perceive the larger and subtler
spheres of reality.

246

NOTES

149. The one who is self-luminous does not need anyone to perceive this
shining, because it is the very nature of the divine to shine. Therefore, He does not assume the nature of objectivity, and because of
that the quality of being perceptible, which is distinct from its own
Self, does not appear in Him.
150. The point here is that this feeling of jealousy does not abide in the
beautiful woman, but in the person himself.
151. The act of watching this dance becomes complete when a person
attains the state of aesthetic pleasure by becoming one with the
unified light of awareness manifested through the watching audience; thus, vidya and kala awaken subjectivity in sakala souls
where objectivity is predominant.
152. The point here is that when objectivity in the principles frompuru~a
to kala are conceived and the portions of the veils (km1rnkas) come
into perception in the form of objects, then the subjectivity of
puru~a is lost.
153. The distinctions have been ascertained. but the number of objects
which possess multiple natures cannot be stated. Therefore, the
author, taking a clay jar as an example, presents its varied nature.
Its quality of being a knowable object is nothing but its identity
with the knowing subject. Therefore. when the jar is known by all
knowing subjects as a jar, then it comes under the sakala group.
When. on the other hand. it is only perceived by Siva. it is none
other than Siva Himself.
154. The seeker who apprehends the earth principle as Brahman, but
who dies before becoming fully established in Siva, attains the
state of vi}Fztin{ikala.
155. Those who practice the _voga of conceiving the earth principle as
Brahman, by the end of the day of Brahma (kalpa), or at the time
of death. attain the state of pralayakevala.
156. When the group of seven knowing subjects, from sakala to Siva, is
agitated (prak\wbha), they become intent on functioning in their
respective fields. This agitation is known as a ·pulsation' or a
'change.' This brings about the appearance of the seven .<aktis: therefore, the number of possessors of the .foktis (.foktiman) is also seven.

NOTES

247

157. The purity of pure knowable (suddlzaprameya) is a result of it not
being touched by the knowing subject. This is the case with the
earth principle as well as the thing in itself (svarzipas) of all the
other principles as well.
158. When a person well-established in prti~za perceives an external
object, his breath goes outside to a span of sixteen digits (migulas).
When the final measure comes in contact with an object, the
breath becomes identified with it. This is explained by the term
tanmayr.
159. Those who are endowed with discerning capability are able to conceive fifteenfold nature to the end of pradlztina.

160. With the lessening of the number of thought constructs, the span of
a tuf i also lessens. The lessening of the thought of this-ness
(idanta) diminishes gradually, and it finally results in the form of
absorption into Siva constituting two digits (migulas).
l61. The word savadlztinata here means 'steadiness of consciousness of
that is not to be diverted from here to there, or from this to that.' It
means that the yogin remains attentive towards that one from
which the knower of the object (gralzaka) arises. and from where
the object gets its rise. It always remains steady in self-luminous
consciousness alone.
l62. According to early Saiva thinkers, such as Kalla.ta. the meani~g ~f
the word piita is goddess Kall, Matrsadbhava. Bhairava, Prattb~a.
However, the author himself is reluctant to go into depth explami ng the mystical meaning of this word.
l63. When a yogin practices meditation in the tu.ti related either ~o
mantramalzesvara, mantrefrara, or mantra, he is able to attam
the siddlzis corresponding to these states.
164. The dream state is considered to be an instrument, or rather. a
door, by the help of which one is able to arrive at the right form of
knowledge.
165. The supreme consciousness externally assumes threefold nature.
These are the object of knowledge (rlipam). the instrumentality
indicated in the sentence a hove by the expression "by means of
sight." while the word alza111 indicates the subject of experience.

248

NOTES

Therefore, the subject knows the object by means of the instrument, i.e., sight. However. the supreme subject (para) permeates
and remains above these three.

Chapter Ten
166. According to this system, there exists a subtle energy which functions to hold all the principles (tattvas) in their respective places.
For example, the principle earth is held by the subtle energy called
dharikcz. As the function of this energy is to contain or stop the
earth, it is also called nivrtti. Similarly, the subtle energies called
pratinha, vidya, and santa are active in other principles or in
groups of them.
167. A~z(ia sphere, or egg, is that which serves as the wall separating
one sphere from the other. They are also called coverings or veils
(avara~za) which do not allow one sphere to penetrate another.
168. This is to say that the qualities, such as smell, taste, touch, etc ..
belonging to earth and other tattvas exist also in the sakti tattva;
however, their existence is not in the gross form but in the subtle.
This is the reason why Siva is ritually worshipped in the phallic
form made of five different elements.
169. The principle called Siva is free from any sorts of mutations, limitations, or thought constructs.
170. This is to say that transcendence cannot be an object of meditation.
If an object of meditation were to exist in it, it would not be transcendent. Therefore, the kala that functions in the lower level, just
below the highest, is known as stintti. However, Siva is beyond
santcl; therefore, no name is suitable to describe the Immutable One.
171. Anything that shines as knowable remains existing for some time,
but when the quality of being an object of knowledge disappears
from the heart of the yogin, that which remains is known as thirtysi x principles. Even if, for the purpose of teaching, in that state,
the divine is conceived as the thirty-seventh principle, then upon
the disappearance of even this objectivity from it, the divine is
conceived as the thirty-eighth principle.

NOTES

249

172. When the whole scheme of thirty-six tattvas is grouped into nine
divisions, then their names are prakrti, puru~a, niyati, kala, maya,
vidy{/, isvara, sadasiva, and Siva.

173. The worlds are perceived as objects of knowledge shining in three
different forms of knowable objects. They are: kala, tattva, and
blzuvana. In the same way, when they rest in the subject, they are
also threefold, i.e., var~w, mantra, andpada.

Chapter Eleven
174. Abh i navagupta 's thesis is, in essence, that consciousness (sa171vid)
is a perfect unity, full and unchanging even when taking the forms
of all manifestations and activities. What is contained in the first
ten chapters of this work constitutes a short-cut for a small number
of truth-seekers who, according to this system, have been pursui~g
spiritual perfection over many lifetimes. The significance of this
knowledge for others is made clear in this chapter.
175. It is stated in the Bhagavadgita that the fire of knowledge burns
the karma of al 1 deeds. For one undergoing the experience of p~st
deeds, it is necessary to remain involved in actions whose fruits
are to he experienced in the future. The doer has to experience the
results of past actions gradually, not all at once. There is no end to
the cycle of deeds or their results, and for this reason the descen~
of grace (.<aktipdta) needs to be discussed. According to the position represented here, when Sakti 'opens up' in one's own selL
right knowledge dawns spontaneously.
176. Ka rmasd mva occurs as a result of balance of two mutually opposite past actions. Both of these actions possess exactly equal power,
and therefore restrict each other from producing any fruit. Accardi ng to this theory, saktiptita takes place when these two deeds are
ha lanced and their results neutralized.
177. According to the teacher Khetapala, that sakti whose nature is to
restrain (n i rodlz i kti) arrests the ma/a. When impurities (ma/a)
become perfectly ripened, the above sakti becomes inactive. and
the proper manifestation of knowledge and action occurs. This culminates in the decent of grace (saktiptita) on a seeker.

250

NOTES

178. When the Lord assumes the form of bound being by accepting the
limitations of time, space, etc., this does not entail any differentiation in His innermost nature.
179. The term jhafiti means 'without delay,' that is. taking recourse
directly to anupaya.
180. The term 'by gradual process' (krame~w) refers to a method of initiation, performance rituals, etc.
181. This is the Saiva explanation of the nature of the descent of grace.
In the process of manifestation, the supreme Lord (Paramesvara)
creates limited beings by concealing (tirohhava) His own Self
through kancukas, tattvas, and the malas. He reveals his own Self
by bestowing faktipata on limited souls. The entire process of concealment and revelation is the result of the autonomy (svatantrya)
of the Lord.
182. This is to say that the autonomous and omnipresent Lord is impartial and therefore there is no object, activity, or person that He
prefers over others.
183. As it is stated, the right kind of teacher (guru) is considered to be
equal to Bhairava. This is because he possesses the fullness of selfrealization as wel 1 as the right understanding of the meaning of the
icistras.
184. Although sakti is present everywhere, it has different forms with
different effects: asjye~thli-fakti, it leads one to the ultimate goal;
on the other hand, the ghora and ghoratara-saktis, that is, the
fearsome and the terrible, lead one toward worldly existence.

Chapter Twelve
185. Vlras are Saiva practitioners deemed to have attained mastery over
the senses and a high level of spiritual development.
186. The procedure of external bathing is as follows: keeping the mind
steadily concentrated on the mantra given to him by the guru, one
should follow the track of the cows while dust is still present in the
air. One is supposed to enter. and should make three strides in the
dust created by the cows. This is known as parthiva bath. In the

NOTES

251

same way, one should purify the whole body, beginning with head
and ending with feet. by uttering the mantra of Siva with its five
limbs (Ifana is the head, Tatpuru~a is the face, Aghora is the heart,
Yamadeva is the hidden parts of the body, and Sadyojata is the
whole body). Then, having cleansed the body with the mantra, one
should plunge into the water repeating the mantra of Siva with its
auxiliary parts. This is known as bathing with water. Taking ashes
from the sacrificial fire. one should bur~ impurities present on the
head, face, heart, genitals, and the feet with it while uttering the
mantra "'plza_t." When this is done one should throw a handful of
these ashes on the head while repeating the mantra of Siva with its
five 1i mbs. This is known as bathing with ashes. One should n~ove
back and forth in the pleasing air, remembering the mantra, giv~n
to him by his guru, in his heart. This is known as bathing with air.
One should bring the mantra into one's mind and should remain
concentrated there fixing his concentration on the void (akaf~).
This is known as bathing in the void. One who immerses on~self 1.n
the 1ight of the sun and the moon, identifying himself with Siva, is
cleansed of all impurities. This type of bathing is called soma and
a rka · The last type of bath is bathing in the Self (atma). In the Tantra loka. Abh i navagupta describes it in the following way: ...The
very Self is the supreme Lord himself: it is free from dis~ipllnes
es tab I ished in spiritual texts. It is like a great lake in exten~ion and
depth: the universe should dissolve therein. upon which one
becomes pure and the cause of purification for others."
187. The expression "tatratatra" refers to the five faces of Siva. i.e.·
I fan a. Tatpurusa, etc. One is to first identify with these five faces
of Siva, upon ~hich one attains full absorption into Siva.

Chapter Thirteen
188. The author begins this chapter, which deals with initiation. by
describing the procedure for selecting a suitable place for worship.
mantra repetition, and practice of yoga. He discusses this topic in
Chapter 15 of his TA, verses 80-115ab. At the very beginning,
Abhinavagupta points out that only when one is serene and well-

252

NOTES

disposed in his heart (blzava171 prasannam alocya) is he suitable to
perform worship, and only then should he proceed to the place of
worship.
189. In TA 15: 114a-115b, Abhinavagupta describes the place where
the worship should take place: "The suitable place-for either
attaining perfection or liberation with regard to the practice of
worship, mantra repetition, or attainment of samadhi-is the one
where heart is inclined toward beauty and at peace."
190. The land of Aryans is between Himalaya and Yindhyacala.
191. Karaka is a term, used by Pal)ini in his A->fchlhyllyl, which denotes
various participants in action presented by a sentence. The closest
equivalent in other classical and some modern languages is a word
'case,' such as nominative, genitive, accusative, ablative, etc.
192. Abhinavagupta, who advocates the theory of the supreme nonduality, has to account for ritual action, which consists of factors or
participants in action presented by a sentence (ktirakas), which
because of their perceived distinction could he construed as contradicting nonduality. This was certainly the opinion of Samkaracarya and other Advaita Vedanta thinkers~ Abhinavagupta disagreed with this understanding and argues that action, distinction,
change, etc., are also included within consciousness. To illustrate,
we can take the example of the fol lowing sentence: I offer water
from the sacrificial pot to Lord Siva with a spoon in the place of
worship. The factors here are: the agent of acting, the object of the
act, its instrument. its point of ablation, and the location of the act
of worship. For Sarnkaracarya, the supreme reality cannot be of
the same order as that of objective existence which is transient in
nature. The Brahman is the transcendent, immutable, and partless
reality, and all subjective and objective phenomena are only
appearances possessing no real existence. The Brahman is without
attributes and as immutable, it cannot he suhject to action. The
attribute of changeability is the most important characteristic of
objective existence, and therefore ever-changing empirical existence must have a ground on which all these changes take place.
The same. of course, applies to the ritual action. which. as we have

NOTES

253

seen, consists of the factors or the participants in action described
by a sentence. For Abhinavagupta, on the other hand, the supreme
reality, which consists of prakasa and vimaria, even in the process
of externalization, remains established in its own Self, 'relishing'
(camatka ra) the bliss of 'fullness' (pilnzatti), and 'independence'
(svatantrya) of its own essential nature which is in no way overshadowed by the external manifestatiod. The lower aspect of creation is a contracted form of that supreme consciousness, which,
through the activity of maya sakti, assumes limited forms, thus
bringing into existence the notion of duality. Thus, the supre~e
reality consists as much of differentiation as it does of unity. This
differentiation always remains within that I-Consciousness and
therefore is never separate from it. Thus, unlike Samkara _for
whom action is always binding, Abhinavagupta accepts actwn,
such as the ritual activity, as potentially liberating.
193 · In TA 15: 161, Abhinavagupta describes the role and the meaning
of sacrificial vessel in Tantric ritual in the following way: "All t~a~
which is touched by the drops of the water contained in the sacrifi1
cial vessel becomes in fact pure. What other kind of purity ~?u ~,,
there ever be but that of the touch of the rays of the sun of Siv~.
Furthermore, "As the Lord said in the Malinlvijayottara Tantra Ill
the section dealing with the sacrificial vessel, it is necessary to be
careful not to conceive anything as not being purified by it. E~ery­
15
th i ng is purified by it and what is impure becomes pure" (!A. :
162-163ab.) However, the impurity only belongs to the Itmited
knowing subject abiding in maya and is not the essen_rial nature of
things: "Here we speak of impurity from the perspective of bo~ded
souls and of their systems. The essential nature of all thmg_s
remains in fact always the same, without changing from what it
was earlier or what is conceived to be" (TA 15: 163cd-164ab.)
194. All the various factors which constitute a ritual action attain identity with Siva through the process of the placement of the syllables
(nyasa).

195. This is to say that direction depends on how the forms are arranged
in space.

254

NOTES

196. Here begins description of inner worship. In the course of this
worship, one is expected to bring one's body, mind, void, and
prat:ia into identity with Siva. See TA 15: 295b-3 l 2.
197. This is the reference to maladhclracakra, which, according to TA
15: 297cd, is located four fingers below the navel.
198. Here begins what Abhinavagupta calls 'the external sacrifice'
because the disciple. after attaining identity with Siva through various ritual acts, should project his consciousness externally in the
vital breath, void, and up to the external plane.
199. There are eight purificatory rites and six deities. Therefore, the
number becomes forty-eight.
200. For greater details in regard to the conventional rules and their
detailed description, see TA 15: 521-611.
201. See TA 15: 576.

Chapter Fourteen
202. Putraka or spiritual son is a type of initiation in which a disciple is
adopted as a successor of a teacher.
203. Parivara or family refers to the group of subordinate deities centered around the main deity.
204. This refers to the doors of the place where the rituals are performed.
205. For more details regarding the procedure of 'The Adoration of the
Door' (dvtmlrcanam) see TA 15:184-190.
206. Abhinavagupta talks at length about the nature of animal sacrifice
in TA 16:28-72. There, by quoting various scriptures, he points
out that any type of animal killing, such as for profit. a wedding.
or sport, is not al lowed except in the course of sacrifice (ydga).
According to him, killing consists of separating an animal that still
possesses each of the three impurities (malas) from the vital
breath. On the other hand, the ritualistic sacrifice of an animal is
not killing because, in the course of the ritual. the animal is first
separated from three impurities, and thus it is separated from its
body. Thus, for Ahhinavagupta. ritual sacrifice of an animal is a

NOTES

255

form of initiation which joins the animal with the higher principles
and for the purpose of propitiating God.

207. The nirbfja type of initiation is given to those judged incapable of
fol lowing the set of rules of post-initiatory conduct (samayapasa),
as for example children, those who are dull, old people, women,
those attached to their wealth, the sick, and so on. They attain liberation on account of their devotion to the teacher, deities, and
scriptures. On the other hand, the sabija type of initiation is given
to those who have the gift of reason, are capable of tolerating toils
and difficulties, and are therefore capable of following the set of
rules of pre-initiatory conduct.

Chapter Fifteen
208. The initiation described in this chapter is given to a dying person.
Ordinarily, the initiation is not given to all, and one desirous of
initiation needs to show his devotion to teacher, deities, or scriptures. This devotion is in turn seen as an indication of the descent
of grace (saktipti.ta), a'nd saktlpata is perceived as a definite sign
that one is suitable for initiation. The conditions under which the
teacher is expected to grant initiation to a dying person ~re
described by Abhinavagupta in the TA 19: 4-6: When in a dyi~g
person, the fall of even weak power is awakened-whether he is
taken by devotion to a teacher and others: whether the fall of grace
is through work of friends. relatives, etc.: whether he has. b~~n
indeed regular (sa mayin) but has not obtained the supreme mitiation; whether, already having obtained it. he desi:es to leave as
soon as possible his vital breaths, desirous of gorng ~way-the
teacher shou Id provide for him the initiation of immediate departure, free from impurities. However, the teacher must be caref~l
not to give initiation to a person whose impurities (ma/as) haven t
reach maturation or to one whose karma hasn't been exhausted
(se~·aklirmikavigr;ihe). The commentator explains this compound
to mean: one who is not about to die, that is, one whose prtirabdhakarnza hasn't been fully exhausted.
209. Marnza is the place where the feeling of the connectedness with
the body remains present.

256

NOTES

210. According to the Tantraloka, this is done by means of the nyasa,
using the k~urika and other mantras.
211. That is, at the time of leaving one's body.
212. Abhinavagupta describes the nature of brahmavidya initiation and
the qualifications a teacher needs to have to perform this kind of
initiation in the following way: "This initiation, which provides
exit from the body, must be performed by a teacher who is experienced in yoga. How could one who has not practiced various
pra~zayama exercises be in a position to affect it" (TA 19:23cd24ab). (The brahmavidya) is in a position of producing its effects
automatically, such as the purification of the principles, etc. The
teacher, thanks to the power of ritual action and mantras, can thus
join the disciple with the supreme principle (tattva). Even if a
teacher hasn't practiced yoga, he is nevertheless in a position to
execute the initiation that provides immediate exit from the body,
thanks to the power of ritual action, malltras, and meditation.
213. According to Abhinavagupta, both the samayill and purtka are
entitled to recite brahmavidya. By this recitation, the dying person
receives the samaya type of initiation. See TA 19 :31.
214. The meaning of the expression sapratyaya is 'with signs or with
giving signs,' as, for example. a person's dead body is re-animated
by the power of mantra and lifts itself, etc.
215. This is the type of initiation which, according to TA, gives hope to
foolish individuals. It is described by Abhinavagupta in TA 20:2-7:
The teacher, completely intent upon reciting appropriate mantras,
must meditate on his right hand in the form of a triangle of fire,
completely flaming, resplendent with the phoneme of fire, stirred
by a wheel of winds. and must place there any seed and meditate on
how it is burning, both in the hand and within his heart. In this way
the seed, consumed by the heat of a multitude of "pilaf" mantras
enlivened by the phonemes of fire "ra," loses every seminal quality
and is now incapable of germinating. At the same time, by virtue of
this same procedure, based on the power of mantras. meditation.
and rituals, the three ma/as (a~zaw1, mayiya, and karma) are also
'burned' in the sense that they are no longer in a position to furnish

NOTES

257

their products. This initiation, which has as its purpose the destruction of the seed, was described to me by the venerable Sambhunatha
in ~is benevolence. The teacher, out of mercy, can also join the seed
to Siva. The initiation is, in fact, full of splendor (sudipta), and is in
a position to grant liberation also to vegetable life.

216. This particular type of initiation, which reduces or eliminates the
weight of a disciple, Abhinavagupta connects with the five stages of
repose, that is, pragananda, udbhava, kampa, nidrti, and ghun.zi
described in Chapter Five of Tantrasara. In TA 20: 14-15ab, he
clarifies: "The leap (udbhava) is due to relief, caused by an eclipsing of the corporeal influence (dehagraha). The body is essentially
constituted by the elements of earth. When the teacher, thanks to
the mantra of lightness, which will be explained later, meditates on
the disciple rising into the air, he loses his earthly qualities."

Chapter Sixteen
217. As we have seen earlier, it is the aspirant's devotion to the teacher,
deity, or sastras which would entitle him to receive initiation, as
this devotion is perceived as a clear sign of saktipata. However, in
the case of the deceased or the absent one, this is obviously impossible. Yet, the teacher would perform such an initiation if he could
in some way infer that saktipata had descended on such a per.son.
The signs of this type of saktiptita are, for example: strong feehngs
that a teacher himself for some unknown reason, had for a
deceased or absent soui, or the strong persistence of the family
that advocated initiation.
218 · Abh i navagupta describes a procedure called 'appli~ation of the
great net' (malzajjala prayoga) in some detail in TA 21: 25-45 ·
However, the intricacies of this procedure remain unknown because
the ii ca rya would receive oral instruction from his own teacher.
The purpose of this procedure was rescuing departed souls who, for
one reason or another, did not received initiation during their lives.
A teacher would first catch the desired soul, draw him into the net,
then reinstate him into a figure made of kusa grass, which represented his body, and then grant him liberation through initiation.

258

NOTES

Chapter Seventeen
219. We have already seen that a disciple is joined to a different principle in the course of initiation. To which principle one is joined will
depend on the school of thought whose initiation one receives.
However, according to the Trika school, other schools of thought
do not possess the knowledge to enable a disciple to attain identity
with Siva. Therefore, those who have received initiation into what
the followers of Trika consider inferior sects should be first disjoined or drawn away from the principles that they were joined to
by the previous initiation, and then initiated again. The process of
transcending the inferior doctrines is accomplished gradually
through a succession of steps: the descent of grace, the removal of
impurities, the desire to find the right teacher, initiation, knowledge, the abandonment of that which is to be avoided, immersion
into that which is to be accepted, giving up the sphere of the enjoyable, and the removal of the limitations created by a~zavamala. For
details, see Chapter 22 of the Tantra/aka.
220. Abhinavagupta

gives

the names of the genetic mantras
(sadhara~zab mantrab) in TA 22: 20. They are seven in number
and their names are: pra~zava or mantra awn, mMrka, maya, vyomavyapl, ~a4ak~ara, bahurapa, and the eye mantra (netra).
According to TA 22: 15-17a, this is what a teacher says to one who
is about to embrace Saivism and receive initiation: "This one was
once a follower of other disciplines but is now inspired by your
blessing; therefore bestow your grace (iaktipcita) upon him, so that
this abandonment of other doctrines does not become a source of
doubt for him. which will oblige him to practice rights of atonement. And having attained identity with you, may he quickly
achieve perfection and 1iberation."

Chapter Eighteen
221. In TA23:3-4, Abhinavagupta explains that a spiritual guide
should transmit his own power (svddhikara) to a disciple whom he
thinks is at the point of being in possession of well-practiced
knowledge. "The one,'' continues Abhinavagupta, quoting Kamikaf?ama, "who does not possess this knowledge is not a teacher,

NOTES

259

even if he has been anointed and has passed through the various
stages, such as samayin, etc." Furthermore, the only criterion for
the selection of a new teacher is knowledge. Abhinavagupta writes,
""The teacher who creates a new teacher must therefore select an
ind iv id u a I of fu 11 and perfect knowledge, without considering any
other characteristic, such as place, family, conduct, and body." TA
23: 16b-17a.

222 · In TA 23: 31-32, Abhinavagupta describes the responsibilities of a
newly consecrated teacher in the immediate period after his initiation. He writes: "The new teacher, after having obtained consecration, must meditate and recite the entire complex of mantras estab1i shed in the scriptures for a period of six months so that he
becomes one with them. Having attained identity with the mantras,
and having taken possession of the potency of mantra (mantravlrya), he finally becomes able to cut the bonds. Therefore, he
should spare no effort to attain identity with the mantras."
223. In the Tantraloka, Abhinavagupta explains that Brahmai:is. K~atri­
yas, Yaisyas, eunuchs. women, Sudras, and any other kinds of person desirous of initiation should be initiated without being asked
their caste. However, the teacher should take this into consideration at the time when knowledge is imparted to them. Furthermore, the teacher who is the basis of knowledge, should set seven
sessions. These s~ssions are: initiation, explanation. compas~ion.
friendliness, contemplation of the sastras, unification with Siva,
and giving away of food, etc. See TA 23: 20b/23a.

Chapter Nineteen
224. As for the purpose of this rite, Abhinavagupta writes: "This type
of initiation affects the purification of the subtle body (purya$f
aka). If the purya~faka does not exist, then there is also no heaven
or hell." TA 24:20-21.
225. The point here is that the entire procedure performed by teacher
that w i 11 be described in the following Iines is performed to estab1ish firm conviction on the side of the ignorant ones. The entire
performance by the teacher. according to Abhinavagupta. is not
helpful in any way in attaining liberation. See TA 24: 15b-16a.

260

NOTES

226. Here begins description of fraddlzadlksti, or post-mortem initiation.
Abhinavagupta discusses it in Chapter 25 of his TA based on the
authority of the Siddhayogesvarlmata Tantra. This rite must be performed on the third, fourth, and tenth day after death, every month
in the first year. After that, it should be performed once every year.
227. In TA 25: 4-6, Abhinavagupta clarifies: "This done, the teacher
must take in hand. first of all, the offering (naivedyam), and after
having meditated that in this offering abides sakti of the nature of
food in the form of potency instrumental in nourishing, he must
conceive that the dead person for whose sake this rite is performed
is penetrated by it. The bound part in the form of enjoyable of this
dead disciple must then be offered by a teacher to the enjoying subject in identity with him. In this way, the disciple becomes Siva."

Chapter Twenty
228. This vague statement can only be understood if we read it along
with its corresponding section of the TA, which is Chapter 26. In
the beginning of this chapter, Abhinavagupta explains that all the
types of initiation presented up to now, including the last sacrament, have as their goals purification, enjoyment. liberation. or
both enjoyment and liberation. Jayaratha, in his commentary, clar~fies that the initiation which has enjoyment (bubhuk~ub) as its aim
is structured so that it is not in a position to directly grant 1iberation without first granting the fruition (of the desired enjoyments).
On the other hand, the mumuk$u~1 type of initiation. such as that of
a spiritual son, etc., grants liberation precisely because it is devoid
of the necessity of prior fruition. Furthermore, this type of initiation can be either the sablja or the nirblja type. Only those who
received the sablja type of initiation are expected to fol low acertain set of ru Jes for the rest of their Ii ves. On the other hand, those
deemed incapahle of following these ru !es receive the ni rblja type
of initiation, which in itself includes mantras capable of purifying
the bonds of post-initiatory rules (samayaptisa).
229. Mantras should he received in the course of ritual and should be
kept secret. The practitioner should attain identity with the
potency of the mantra (mantravirya). without which mantras

NOTES

261

remain ineffective. Furthermore, mantras should be received
directly from a teacher who has himself attained identity with the
potency of the mantra, and not from some book. In TA26:
20-24ab, Abhinavagupta writes:
"The fundamental rule is the following: namely, the mantric form is not to be revealed by the teacher to the disciple in written form, especially in our system, which
is superior to all. The mantras are of the nature of phonemes, and phonemes are of the nature of reflective consciousness. They can be transmitted to the disciple only if
it is not separated from the consciousness of the teacher.
Written mantras are, on the other hand, stripped of their
potency and therefore unreal. Because of the conventional meaning which clouds them, their natural splendor
doesn't manifest from books."
However, it has been stated in the Siddlzayoge§varlrnata
that those who, in spite of adopting mantras from books,
attain identity with its potency, are purified by Bhairava
and spontaneously initiated. "Once mantras have been
invoked," continues Abhinavagupta, "it is necessary to
satisfy them and propitiate them with flowers, liquor,
offerings of food and incense, proportionately to the
fate, devotion, and capabilities of the worshipper. The
fakti, ntida, and other mantras, which are especially fervent, must be satisfied with liquor, meat, and blood at
the beginning, and only afterwards with flowers, incense,
etc." (TA 26:5lb-53a.)
230. The unmanifest or avyaktaliliga is one that has been spontaneously
formed in nature. Among all the types of unmanifest liligas, those
not made by human hand are considered to be the most excellent
ones. Therefore, these types of liligas are highly recommended for
the purpose of ritual worship. However, manifest, or vyakta litigas,
can also be used in rituals, Abhinavagupta writes: "The teacher
can, if he wishes, install a manifest lifiga (vyakta) in the form of an
image or painting found in a picture or book, made of wood, gold,
or crafted by an expert and initiated artist" (TA 27:19b-20a).

262

NOTES

Li1igas can be made of various materials. such as "little stones,

gems, pearls, flowers, food, clothes, and perfumed substances.
Li1igas of stone created by artists, and so also those of metals, with

the exception of gold ones, should be avoided" (TA 27: 12-13).
Abhinavagupta points out that various measures, given in various
texts, regarding the size and shape of li1igas, and other concerns,
are of little importance because: "The li1iga which grants the
desired fruit is in fact only the one that has been illuminated by
mantra, animated by its noble potency" (TA 27: 14b).
231. With the previous section, the instructions for the types of rituals
that are indispensable observances (nitya) has been completed. In
this section, the description of occasional observances (naimittika)
begins. Abhinavagupta derives the word 'parva' from two roots:
the first root, 'pr.' which means 'to fill,· is combined with the suffix ·van.' The other root is 'parv,' which also means 'to fill'; thus a
celebration of a festival day is cal led 'parvadinam,' because on
that day consciousness attains fulfillment.
232. According to the Siddhayogeivarlmata, the other name for the
sacrifice of the wheel (cakraytiga) is miirtiytiga. The cakraytiga or
miirtiytiga is of five types. Abhinavagupta writes:
The sacrifice of the wheel is of five types, namely: solitary (kevala), coupled (_vamala). mixed (mi.fra), coupling of the wheel (cakrayuk), and mingling of heroes
(vlrasalizkara). The solitary, in this context, is one in
which only the teacher take part; the mixed is one in
which disciples also take part. along with their wives;
the coupled is of two kinds, based on whether the women
who participated were wives or hired courtesans; the coupling of the wheel is so-called because this is the type of
sacrifice associated with the wheel, which because of the
unification of faktis grants all desired fruits; finally the
sacrifice in which everybody participates is cal led mingl i ng of the heroes. (TA 28: 78b-82a.)
233. One is supposed to perform the offering of the sacred thread (pavitraka) to make up for any deficiency and neglect of his responsibil-

NOTES

263

ity regarding the teacher, scriptures, or for any transgression of the
rules (samaya), or for those who failed to celebrate a festival day
(parvadinam) or any of the occasional or indispensable observances.

234. Abhinavagupta outlines the procedure applied when a teacher
explains the meaning of scriptures to disciples according to Chapter 52 of the Devyayamala Tantra.
235. Abhinavagupta lists ten types of teachers capable of explaining the
scriptures: "'Each of these ten types of teachers has assumed a
human body and possesses a particular mental disposition, but are
all identical with Siva, although they are different from each other
th rough knowledge and action. They are all dedicated to the scriptures, to worship, to the initiation rites, to sexual union, meat, and
liquor. There are secondary divisions among these due to possessing different mental dispositions, such as tranquility (calmness),
anger, or patience, etc." (TA 28: 391a-393.)
236. As we have seen, the spiritual teacher is worshipped in most of the
other sacrifices, but in all of these instances this worship is an
accessory part of the sacrifice. On the other hand, this ritual is
primarily devoted to satisfying or pleasing the teacher.

Chapter Twenty-One
237. In this chapter, Abhinavagupta gives a brief outline of his understanding of the nature, meaning, and purpose of the dga~n~s or
sastras. This summary is brief and cryptic, and therefore .difficult
to comprehend without prior knowledge of the correspondm~ ,chapters of the Tantraloka, Isvarapratyablzijiiavimarsini. or Isvarap ra tya biz ij Ii(/ vi vrtivi ma rsin i.
238. The entire universe is the expression of consciousness. ~hic.h consists of prak<l.fo or manifestation, and vimarsa, which is the
knowledge of prakdsa in its collective and particular aspects. In a
narrower sense, this vimarsa is language, which takes the form of
the various ligamas.
239. In the last three chapters of his TA, Abhinavagupta discusses the
nature of the sastras or agamas at length. The title of Chapter 35 is

264

NOTES

'The Union of all the Sastras.' In it, Abhinavagupta presents his
vision that brings together the great variety of agamic texts. both
Hindu and non-Hindu. In his analysis. he grants all of them the
status of being authoritative or being a valid means of gaining
knowledge (pramti!Ja). However, he arranges them in a hierarchical order, placing the Trika sastras at the apex.
240. For Abhinavagupta, there is only one agama from which all the
others emerge. This broad acceptance of all sastras requires him
to attempt a reconciliation of their differences. In order to accomplish this, he points out that all of them bring about the promised
fruit. In this way, Sarhkhya gives to its follower the knowledge to
discriminate between puru~a and prak[!i. Similarly. the follower
of Buddhism attains the buddhi tattva, but only the Trika grants
full and complete liberation to those who are entitled (adhikari).
For Abhinavagupta. an adhikari is one who possesses firm faith in
a given agama. Another question that arises here is: if it is true
that all tigamas emerge from one and the same source. then why is
it necessary to perform a ritual of conversion, such as 'reclamation
of liliga' (lifigouddhtira)? Abhinavagupta explains:
In the body of one single doctrine, as for example, in the
Vedas, it happens that its followers, in order to attain to
superior degrees or ranks. must submit to special rites
of purification. The same thing can be said in regard to
our tradition, as for example. in the case of the reclamation of the liliga, etc. In other words, in the way in which
one belonging to a lower asrama cannot enjoy the fruits
which come from the upper tisrama, in the same way. a
follower of the Pancaratras, etc., cannot attain the identity with Siva. (TA 35:28-29.)
241. In TA 35: lb-2a, Ahhinavagupta defines prasiddhi as a type of
knowledge that is necessarily based in an omniscient knowing subject and is the basis of all human activity.

Bibliography
Original Sanskrit Texts
Kamikagama, Piirvablzaga. No editor accredited: published by C.
Swami natha Sivacarya. Madras: South Indian Arcakas Association,
1975.

Kam ikaga ma, Uttarablzaga. No editor accredited: published by C.
Swami natha Sivacarya. Madras: South Indian Arcakas Association,
1988.

Matwigaparamesvara, Vidyapada, with the Commentary of BhaHa
Ramakai:itha, ed. N.R. Bhatt. Publications of I'IFI 66. Pondicherry:
IFI, 1977: Matmigaparamesvara, Kriyapada, Yogapada and Carydpdda, with the Commentary of Bhaqa Ramakal)!ha up to Kriyapada
ll.12 b, ed. N.R. Bhatt. Publications of l'IFI 65. Pondicherry: IFI,
1982.

Mellin ivijayava rttika of Ablzinavagupta, ed. Madhusudan Kaul Shastri.
KSTS 31. Srinagar. 1931.
Mrllinlvijayottara, ed. Madhusudan Kaul Shastri. KSTS 37. Srinagar.
1922.
Pdrame.fraragama, with English Translation and Notes. edited by Dr.
Rama Ghose, Varanasi, Shiva Bharati Shodha Pratishthanam, 2004.

Rauravagama, ed. N.R. Bhatt. 3 Vols. PIFI 18.1-3. Pondicherry: IFL
1961, 1972, 1988.

Sarvqjllanottarligamalz, ed. Vi, Brahmanandasvamin (edition only
of the 'yogapdda' and. 'vidyapada' in Devanagari script with a Tamil
translation). Tanjore, 1933.

265

266

TANTRASARA

·sarvaj1zanottaragamab vidydpaada and yogapada,' ed. K. Ramachandra Sharma and revised by R. Thangaswami Sharma. Adyar Library
Bulletin 62, 1998 [appeared 1999], 181-232.

Svacchandatantra, with

K~emaraja's

Uddyota. Bombay: 1921-35,
KSTS Nos. 31, 38, 44, 48, 51, 53, and 56.

Tantra/aka of Abhinavagupta with Rajanaka Jayaratha's Commentary.
12 vols. Srinagar and Bombay: 1918-1938. KSTS.

Tantrasara of Abhinavagupta. Bombay: 1918. KSTS No. 17.

Translations and Studies
Abhinavagupta: Luce dei Tantra: TantrMoka. Raniero Gnoli, 2nd edition. Biblioteca Orientale, vol. 4. Milan: Adelphi Edizioni, 1999.

Abhinavagupta 's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Boris Marjanovic,
trans. Varanasi: Indica Books, 2002.

Abhinavagupta 's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Boris Marjanovic,
trans. Portland: Rudra Press, 2006.

Abhinavagupta 's Philosophy of Revelation: Mcllinlslokavarttika, 1-399.
Ji.irgen Hanneder, Groningen: Egbert Forsten, 1998.
A~fadhyayl of Pa ~zini. Sr is Chanda Vasu, ed., trans. A I lahabad: 1891.

lsvarapratyabhi}Fulka rika and Vrtti of Vt paladeva. Raffaele To rel la,
trans. Roma: 1994. KSTS No. 34.

lsvarapratyablzij1zavimarsini of Abhinavagupta. K.C. Pandey, trans.
Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1954.
ParMrlsikavivara~za: The Secret of Tant ric M_vsticism. Jayadev Singh,

Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1988.

Slllizkhyakllrikll, with the Commentary by Vacaspati Misra. Ganganath
Jha, trans. Poona: 1965.
Vac: The Concept of the Word in Selected Hindu Tantras. Andre Padoux.
Delhi: Sri Satguru, 1990.

Yoga Phi losoplzy of Pat([Jzjali with Bhas\'(/f f. A rar)ya Hariharananda,
Calcutta: University of Calcutta, 2000.

About the Translator
Pandit Hemendra Nath Chakravarty was born in 1918 in the village of Kai ihati, in the district of Mymensingh (now in Banglad.e~h), the son of Taraka Nath Chakravarty, an Ayurvedic physician. His family was initiated in the Kaulika tradition and
worshiped Dak$ina Kali. He matriculated at the village high
school in 1935, and studied Sanskrit and later Sarpkhya at the
Balananda Brahmacharyasram in Deoghar (Bihar). In 1939 he
went to Varanasi and studied Nyaya under Pt. Vibhuti Bibhushana
B~attacharya, graduating in 1944 (Nyaya Tirtha) and 1945 (Tarka
Tirtha) from Calcutta Government Sanskrit Association, and earning a B. Ed. in 1950. In 1958 he met the famous pandit Mahamahopadhyaya Gopinath Kaviraj and began to study with him. f-!e
remained closely associated with Kaviraj until the latter's death m
19 76. He edited the sayings of Anandamayi Ma with the comm~n­
tary by G. Kaviraj in Bengali. From 1987 to 1995 he was ~hief
Pandit in the Kalatattvako~a project of Indira Gandhi ~atwnal
Centre for the Arts, Varanasi Branch, which at that time was
directed by Dr. Bettina Baumer. He wrote articles for Kaltitattvako$a. Beginning in 1972 he taught students and schol~rs from
abroad (includng A.M. Breuinin, M. Dyczkowski, L.M. Fmn. D:P.
Lawrence, J. Gengnagel, J. Dupuche, A. Wilke, and B. MarJanovic) mainly in the field of Hindu Tantrism, especially no11dual
Kashmir Saivism. In 2003 he received the first "Thakur Jaideva
Singh Award" for merit in the field of studying and teaching 11011dual Kashmir Saivism from the Trika Interreligious Trust (Varanasi). He passed away on March 30. 2011.
267

268

ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

His publications include Naradiya Pura~w. 3rd vol. (translation with notes), Delhi (Motilal Banarsidass); Tantrasara by Abhinava Guptacdrya [with Hindi Translation, notes and introduction
in English] Varanasi 1986; ed. (with Jaideva Singh and G. Mukhopadhyaya: Navonmesha: M.M. Gopinath Kaviraj Smriti Granth (2
vols.), Varanasi 1987. Articles: Pra~w, Blja in: Kaltitattvako~a (ed.
by B. Baumer), Vol. I (1988): Bindu, Naabhi, Cakra, in: Kaltitattvako~a Vol. II (1992); "Tantric Spirituality" in: Hindu Spirituality,
Postclassical and Modern, ed. K.R. Sundararajan and B. Mukerji,
New York, Crossroad, 1997, pp. 209-231; Bahunipagarbhastotra,
An Annotated Translation, in: Samarasya, Studies in Indian Arts,
Philosophy and Interreligious Dialogue (ed. by S. Das and E. Fiirlinger), New Delhi (D.K. Printworld) 2005, pp.37-47.

Translator H. N. Chakravarty and editor Boris Marjanovic.

About Rudra Press
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THE MovEMENT CENTER is a center for spiritual practice in the tradition of Trika Yoga, a branch of Kashmir Shaivism. Founded by
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\l}!tISW·\tiUPf \''.V'~llY•<'lll'>.:llhl\.w •• 11,,"IL.)
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Abhinavagupta's Commentary on the
Bhagavad Gita
(Gitartha-samgraha)
US Edition
Translated with notes by Boris Marjanovic

Abhinavagupta lived in Kashmir in northern
India at the end of the 10( 11 century and beginning of the 11th century. He was a brilliant
scholar and is considered the greatest genius
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Tantric practitioner and the most influential teacher of what is now
called Kashmir Shaivism. Although he was a prolific writer, to date
few of his surviving works have been made available in English.
In this commentary, Abhinavagupta explains that he composed it
because he felt that his predecessors had not understood the esoteric or secret meaning of the Bhagavad Gita. In contrast, Abhinavagupta's work explores the very essence of the teaching of the
Gita. This unique interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita in the context of the non-dualistic philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism reveals a
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