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Parashurama is one of the key links in the long chain of the Himalayan sages.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
Parashurama is one of the key links in the long chain of the tradition of the Himalayan sages. At one time, Parashurama stopped doing his austerities. He felt badly about his lapse and repented. In this frame of mind, he encountered a man who was pretending to be completely disorganized and mentally disturbed.<\/p>\n
The man ignored him, but Parashurama, determined to talk to him, made persistent efforts to get his attention. The man did not lose his temper, even though Parashurama teased him obstinately, but kept on smiling and muttering. This behavior convinced Parashurama that he had encountered a great sage who had conquered lust and anger, and so he surrendered himself at the man\u2019s feet.<\/p>\n
Seeing this, the man said, \u201cI am Brihaspati\u2019s brother, Samvarta. I renounced my home in my childhood and began practicing contemplation. I protect myself from people by posing as a lunatic. I remain in contemplation all the time and have no time to teach you. Go to the sage Dattatreya, and he will initiate you in the worship of Tripura.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Hearing this, Parashurama went to Gandhamadana Mountain, where the revered Dattatreya lived. This mountain is north of the Himalayas. In this calm and tranquil setting, he found someone seated in a meditative pose who greeted him with a smile, saying, \u201cYou are in the right place. The sage Dattatreya is seated in the inner chamber of this ashram. You may go in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parashurama entered and saw the sage. A courtesan was seated next to him, trying her best to charm him, and a goblet of wine was by his side. Parashurama was completely bewildered by this, but he had faith in Samvarta. Reminding himself that sages have their peculiar ways, he prostrated and sat in front of Dattatreya.<\/p>\n
The sage welcomed him: \u201cO Parashurama, you have taken the path of enlightenment. To attain perfect control over sense gratification is the way of victory. To have control over the palate and the sexual urge is a great achievement. As you see, I keep the objects of enjoyment with me\u2014both wine and courtesan are by my side. Seeing this, all the sages have left me. They despise me now. For what have you come? Do you not hate me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Parashurama replied, \u201cI have heard about you from the sage Samvarta, and have come to your feet with great shraddha <\/em>(faith). Kindly instruct me.\u201d<\/p>\n \n
To attain perfect control over sense gratification is the way of victory.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
Sage Dattatreya was happy to comply and imparted the knowledge of Tripura Rahasya<\/em> in the traditional manner. Having received this knowledge, Parashurama departed for Mahendra Mountain to do his sadhana. This phase of his sadhana lasted 12 years, and according to the tradition, it was during this time that he initiated Sumedha rishi.<\/p>\nInitiation in Shakti Sadhana<\/h5>\n
Shakti sadhana is not possible without initiation. In shakti sadhana, the yogi awakens the dormant shakti of his disciple through diksha<\/em> (initiation). There are various levels of initiation, and it is given according to the aspirant\u2019s state of mind and level of awareness.<\/p>\nIt is important for seekers to thoroughly study the Tripura Rahasya<\/em> under the guidance of a competent master who has attained the knowledge of this scripture. To become qualified for the guidance of such a master, the student must have developed three qualities: first, he should be endowed with firm faith; second, he should be free from the attachment of \u201cmine and thine\u201d; and third, he should have a burning desire to attain pure knowledge.<\/p>\nThe Tripura Rahasya<\/em> explains all the stages of enlightenment and inspires the student at every step. Other scriptures only talk about certain principles and tell the seeker what to do and what not to do, but they do not explain how to be. This scripture furnishes both the principles and the practices. Another unique aspect of this scripture is that it is ascribed to a female deity. In the Tripura Rahasya<\/em>, through the worship of and devotion to the Mother Divine, the aspirant fathoms all levels systematically and finally attains the highest state of consciousness.<\/p>\n \n
Through the worship of and devotion to the Mother Divine, the aspirant finally attains the highest state of consciousness.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
Most other scriptures use the word \u201che\u201d or other pronouns in the masculine or neuter gender when referring to God. But the Tripura Rahasya <\/em>uses the word \u201cmother\u201d and other feminine-gendered terms when referring to the highest deity. A child finds comfort in his mother\u2019s lap and is very close to her. It is easy for a child to converse with its mother and to learn from her. Similarly, in sadhana, the seeker finds that his practice is easy and spontaneous when he uses the words \u201cMother,\u201d \u201cShakti,\u201d \u201cMahamaya,\u201d or \u201cTripura Sundari.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This highly practical scripture also reminds an aspirant that without sankalpa shakti<\/em> (firm determination), neither philosophical knowledge nor spiritual practice has great value. It is through sankalpa shakti that one gathers the courage to tread the path. Bhakti <\/em>(devotion) is also needed for without it spiritual practice becomes dry and technical. In order to acquire the virtues of sankalpa shakti and bhakti, an aspirant must cultivate positive thinking\u2014a virtue of a purified and sharpened intellect.<\/p>\n \n
Sankalpa shakti is a prerequisite for entering the subtle realms within.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n
When the faculty of discrimination is sharpened, sankalpa shakti strengthens. Sankalpa shakti is a prerequisite for entering the subtle realms within. Without it, one cannot tread the path of bhakti. Bhakti means compassion plus devotion. When the seeker equips himself with these two exquisite qualities, he is fully prepared to tread the path. Firm faith develops in the company of the sages, by contemplating on the atman, and by practicing the systematic method of meditation, described below:<\/p>\n