Śākta Perspective
Previous Experience: Sound and the Sensorium
Future Outlook: Ontology, Cosmology and Yoga Studies
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THE TENSION OF NON-DIFFERENCE REALIZED IN ŚĀKTA THEOLOGY
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Hermeneutics of Śākta Theology
Manifestation of the Goddess (Devī)
Universal energy (Śākti)
3. Tension of Understanding Non-Difference
The Devotee and The Supreme Being
Ulterior Motives and Spiritual Goals
5. Realizing Supreme Spiritual Goals
Dwelling in Her Jeweled Island
Mergence Into Her Own Perfect Being
5. Conclusion
Abstract
Śākta theology suggests that as one continues down the spiritual path of devotion, one adheres to the divine ideal of worship as already presented in the word the Veda. In both the Devī-Māhātmya and the Devī Gītā the Great Goddess affirms the authority of the Vedic tradition with regards to righteous action or sacred law, while also describing the means of creation and clarifying the highest level of devotion. The unique challenge in Śākta theology appears to be the path of knowledge simultaneously on the path of devotion, as tension may take place at a metaphysical level upon service with supreme spiritual goals in mind. Those who follow the ideal of disinterested services in Śākta theology have recognition of the various traditional forms of liberation but are not driven to praise and serve the Goddess merely for the transcendent goal of liberation. The common question about Śākta theology is the function of desire within every living being as an unfolding of the divine energy Sakti, without the general quest or traditional focus on a desire for liberation. While visiting how the Devī Gītā portrays supreme devotion in relation to Vedic worship, this paper explores a reenvisioning that leads to an interdependence of divine desire for experience and harmony with the nature and purpose of the Goddess.
Keywords: Great Goddess, supreme devotion, interdependence, cosmic order, harmony
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