Varahi Tantra (English Study)
by Roberta Pamio | 2014 | 29,726 words
This English essay studies the Varahi Tantra and introduces the reader to the literature and philosophy of the Shakta Tradition to which this text belongs. These Shakta Tantras are doctrines where the Mother Goddess is conceived as the Supreme deity who is immanent and transcendental at the same time. The Varahitantra (lit. the "Doctrine of th...
Chapter 33 - Kālajñāna (knowledge of the time)
This chapter deals with the "knowledge of the time" (kālajñāna), which was revealed by Śambhunātha and by which one can perceive the signs of one’s death six months before it happens. It is said that by time everything is originated and destroyed, even gods. According to the ancient and divine knowledge, a human being can live up to one hundred years, but because of bad actions his lifespan can be shortened. Time destroys all beings through anger and lust, but by means of knowledge, yoga and practice one can reverse it. Then are discussed some aliments and their effects, the equilibrium of the doṣas and some pathologies which can bring about death before its time (vv.1-181).