Mahānirvāṇa Tantra 2.1–Pārvatī’s Great Question

Gnowly

Say, O Lord of the distressed! in Thy mercy how men may obtain longevity, health, and energy, increase of strength and courage, learning, intelligence, and happiness without great pains; and how they may become great in strength and valor, pure of heart, obedient to parents, not seeking the love of others’ wives but devoted to their own, mindful of the good of their neighbor, reverent to the Devas and to their gurus, cherishers of their children and kinsmen (70-72), possessing the knowledge of Brahman, learned in the lore of, and ever meditating on Brahman. Say, O Lord! for the good of the world, what men should or should not do according to their different castes and stages of life. For who but Thee is their Protector in all the three worlds? (73-74). End of the First Joyful Message, entitled Questions Related to the Liberation of Beings. Chapter 2 Introduction to the Worship of Brahman Hearing the words of the Devī, Śaṅkara, Bestower of happiness on the world, great Ocean of mercy, thus spoke of the truth of things. Sadāśiva said: O Exalted and Holy One! Benefactress of the universe, well has it been asked by Thee. By none has such an auspicious question been asked aforetime (2). Worthy of all thanks art Thou, Who knoweth all good, Benefactress of all born in this age, O Gentle One! Thou art Omniscient. Thou knowest the past, present and future, and dharma. What Thou hast said about the past, present, and future, and indeed all things, is in accordance with dharma, and is the truth, and is without a doubt accepted by Me. O Sureśvarī! I say unto You most truly and without all doubt that men, whether they be of the twice-born or other castes, afflicted as they are by this sinful Age, and unable to distinguish the pure from the impure, will not obtain purity or the success of their desired ends by the Vedic ritual, or that prescribed by the Saṅgītas and Smṛtis (3-6). Verily, verily, and yet again verily, I say unto you that in this Age there is no way to liberation but that proclaimed by the Āgama (7) (a tantra or work inculcating the mystical worship of śiva-śakti). I, O Blissful One, have already foretold in the Vedas, Smṛtis and Purāṇas that in this Age the wise shall worship after the doctrine of the Āgama (8). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gnowly/message