The Essence of Tantra

of the performance of religious rites and ceremonies, while the other constitutes the three Upāyas means/methods (Shāmbhava, Shākta and Āṇava) based respectively on Ichchhā will, Jñāna knowledge, and Kriyā action Shaktis powers of the Supreme Lord. In this connection the author adds:—

'The All-knowing Lord, Who is All-complete, suffers Himself, as it were, to be enveloped by Māyā illusory power and appear in the form of the Jīva individual soul or individual self, and to enable this Jīva to recognize his identity with the Supreme Self, brings to light the path of Jñāna in the three ways named above.' original: 'आत्माप्रकाशवपुरेष शिव: स्वतन्त्र: स्वातन्त्र्यमर्मरभसेन निजं स्वरूपम् । संच्छाद्य यत्पुनरपि प्रथयेत पूर्णं तच्च क्रमाक्रमवशादथ वा त्रिभेदात् ॥'

This book is divided into 22 ahnikas daily lessons/chapters (ahnika, signifying literally the work done in a day), and for the reader's facility the author finishes each ahnika or chapter by one shloka verse, giving therein a gist of his detailed discourse. For the reader's information a very brief summary of the 22 ahnikas is given below:—

The first treats of the various kinds of Vijñāna highest knowledge.

The second shows how by stability of meditation on the significance of the all-important word, Aham I/Self, the individual self can realize his oneness with the Supreme Self.

The third emphasises the Shāmbhavupāya the highest means as the means for attainment of the highest Bliss.

The fourth dwells upon the Shākhtupāya the middle means as the way leading to the same goal.