Saundarya Lahari

The first forty one are dealing with the Mantra, Yantra, and the other partly philosophical and partly ritualistic ideologies of the Śākta cult as also with the mysteries of Kuṇḍalinī Yoga. This portion is called Ānandalaharī, the Flood of Bliss. The fifty-nine verses that follow give a description of the form of the Devī utilising most of the figu

Whereas the Vedantic method of enquiry is one of rejection and eliminaion, the Tantric method is one of acceptance and sublimation.

The ultimate Reality is Sat-Cit-Ānanda, Existence-Consciousness-Bliss. The Essence in man is identical with this Reality but under the influence of Māyā, he has forgotten his true nature. He takes to be real a merely apparent world of subject and object, and this error is the cause of his bondage and suffering. The goal of all spiritual practice is

If you meditate on any aspect of Hers with firm conviction, She will let you know Her true nature. Then you will realize that not merely does God exist, but He will come near you and talk to you, as I am talking to you. Have faith and you will achieve everything.”

Śrī Rāmakṛṣṇa says: “That which is Brahman is also Kālī, the Mother, the Primal Energy. When inactive, It is called Brahman.

An adept in Śrī-Vidyā can be a Śākta at heart, a Śaivite in outlook and a Vaiṣṇavite in practice.

The Śrī-Vidyā Upāsaka should follow certain disciplines. He should not find fault with other paths or criticize them while being steadfast in his own. The practice of Japa should go on as an under-current at all times. He should not ask for favours or accept them. He should do his duties in the world and the worship of the Deity without attachment

The Saundaryalaharī says that if the worshipper practises Ātmārpaṇam, ordinary talk is converted into Japa, normal work with the hand becomes Mudrā, walking becomes Pradakṣiṇa, eating becomes Homa, lying down Praṇāma—in fact whatever action is naturally done is transformed into worship.

Mantra, Yantra and Tantra form the three corners of the triangle of Śrī-Vīdyā. Mantra is visualized in the Yantra. The worship of the Yantra, internal and external, and the practice of Kuṇḍalinī Yoga and other Sādhanas constitute the Tantra or modus operandi.