The Essence of the Tantra of the Ten Mahavidyas

then it moves toward another desire. This cycle continues incessantly, due to which the attainment of bliss and the experience of happiness cannot be achieved at all. Life and the world begin to appear like a mirage. We come weeping and we depart weeping because we are unable to fulfill the purpose of worldly life. A little water in an empty pitcher makes the pitcher rattle, while a full pitcher does not make noise but rather overflows. The human soul should free itself from ignorance and ego, then from desires and passions, and then begin to embark upon the path to obtain supreme bliss, unshakable peace, and a stain-free, holy life. It is extremely difficult for a human to become detached from sensory objects. In such a situation, life begins to seem meaningless. We all want enjoyment, and along with this, we also harbor a desire for liberation (Moksha).

When we do not achieve the expected enjoyment through our many actions, the heart becomes distressed that if enjoyment is not possible, then the very concept of liberation is futile. This goal takes the form of wandering, attracting us from one practice to another. But an endless goal cannot have an endless attainment, because the places we go are not themselves awakened or established. The specialty of only the ten great worshipful knowledges (Mahavidyas) is that they are already established and awakened. Many practitioners have obtained their grace and have even seen them. These Mahavidyas hold so much maternal love in their hearts that, according to the practitioner's dedication and faith, they quickly express their influence, due to which a person becomes encouraged and not only desires bliss, but begins to experience enjoyment as well. These are the very Mahavidyas that grant the living being both enjoyment and liberation.