Who Should Perform Srividya Upasna
Srividya Upasana, a revered and profound practice within the Shakta tradition, embodies the pursuit of spiritual awakening and self-realisation through devotion and reverence towards Maa Shakti, the divine feminine energy. The question of who should perform Srividya Upasana is a pertinent one, and Dr. Kislay Panday, a prominent theologist, offers valuable insight into this inquiry. According to Dr. Panday, the practice of Srividya Upasana is open to anyone who embodies a fundamental perspective of interconnectedness and seeks to awaken the divine consciousness within. He emphasizes that the key condition for embarking on this sacred journey lies in perceiving the universe within oneself and cultivating a profound sense of unity with all existence. Once this perspective is embraced, individuals can seek guidance from a Guru to select a suitable mantra and commence their Upasana, with the ultimate goal of attaining complete awakening and achieving oneness with Maa Shakti, akin to the revered deities Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or Lord Krishna. It is imperative that the Upasaka approaches this practice with purity of heart and clarity of mind, thereby fostering a harmonious and sincere engagement with the divine. The universal nature of Srividya Upasana, as endorsed by Dr. Kislay Panday, offers a profound insight into the inclusive essence of this spiritual pursuit. It transcends the boundaries of caste, creed, gender, or societal status, inviting all individuals who resonate with the foundational principles of interconnectedness and the quest for spiritual awakening. This inclusive approach reflects the timeless wisdom of the Shakta tradition, which seeks to illuminate the path of self-realization and divine union for all who seek it, without prejudice or discrimination.
The emphasis on perceiving the universe within oneself underscores the significance of internal reflection and the cultivation of a deep sense of interconnectedness with the cosmos. This foundational perspective facilitates the alignment of one's consciousness with the divine essence permeating all existence, and it serves as the cornerstone for embracing the transformative journey of Srividya Upasana. By recognizing the intrinsic unity and interconnectedness of all creation, individuals can embark on this sacred practice as a means to awaken the latent divine consciousness within and attain oneness with the primordial energy of Maa Shakti.
Dr. Kislay Panday's assertion regarding the selection of a relevant mantra from a Guru underscores the importance of seeking authentic guidance and mentorship on the path of Srividya Upasana. The Guru, as a revered and learned guide, serves as a source of wisdom and spiritual illumination, offering valuable insights and support to aspirants in navigating the intricate realms of divine worship. The Guru's role extends beyond the mere bestowal of mantras; they serve as a beacon of knowledge and spiritual guidance, imparting the sacred teachings and traditions of Srividya Upasana with reverence and authenticity. Through the Guru's guidance, individuals are entrusted with a mantra that resonates with their spiritual disposition and enables them to embark on their transformative journey with clarity and purpose. The intrinsic purity of heart and clarity of mind, as highlighted by Dr. Kislay Panday, stand as essential virtues for those engaging in Srividya Upasana. The significance of purity in heart denotes an unwavering devotion, sincerity, and emotional integrity in one's worship, while clarity of mind signifies the cultivation of a focused and harmonious consciousness free from conflicting thoughts and distractions. This emphasis reflects the foundational principles of spiritual discipline and underscores the importance of approaching Srividya Upasana with reverence, humility, and inner purity, thereby fostering a sacred and transformative engagement with the divine feminine energy.