Introduction to Tantra Sastra - Aghori

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INTRODUCTION TO TANTRA ŚĀSTRA
here referred to is that by which it is shown that the
particular may be raised to the universal life by the
vehicle of those same passions, which, when flowing
only in an outward and downward current, are the most
powerful bonds to bind him to the former. The passage
cited refers to the necessity for the spiritual direction of
the Guru. To the want of such is accredited the abuses
of the system. When the patient (śiṣya) and the disease
are working together, there is poor hope for the former;
but when the patient, the disease, and the physician
(guru) are on one, and that the wrong side, then nothing
can save him from a descent on that downward path
which it is the object of the sādhana to prevent. Verse
67 in Chapter I of Mahāṇ irvāna-Tantra is here, in point.
Owing, however, to abuses, particulary as regards
the tattva of madya and maithuna, this Tantra, according
to the current version, prescribes in certain cases,
limitations as regards their use. It prescribes 1 that when
the Kaliyuga is in full strength, and in the case of householders
(gṛ hastha) whose minds are engrossed with
worldly affairs, the “three sweets” (madhuratraya) are to
be substituted for wine. Those who are of virtuous temperament,
and whose minds are turned towards the Brahman,
are permitted to take five cups of wine. So also as
regards maithuna, this Tantra states 2 that men in this
Kali age are by their nature weak and disturbed by lust,
and by reason of this do not recognize women (śakti) to
be the image of the Deity. It accordingly 3 ordains that
when the Kaliyuga is in full sway, the fifth tattva shall
1 Chapter VIII, verse 171.
2 Chapter VIII, verse 173.
3 Chapter VI, verse 14.