The Heart of the Yogini

...there is no need for any proof to illuminate the existence and vibration sphuratta of this Light. Just as an image appears in a clear mirror, this entire universe is reflected in this mirror of Light.

With this introductory framework, the order of creation of the alphabet from 'a' to 'ksha', and the elements from Shiva down to the earth, is described. Following this, by describing the order of creation of vowels from anuttara to visarga, the vowels are termed 'seeds' bija and the consonants 'womb' yoni. It is explained here that just as a vast, lush tree is hidden within the seed of a banyan tree, in the same way, this entire world—consisting of letters, elements, words, and meanings—is hidden within the central point shringata (the union of 'a' and 'ha'). From this it arises, and into this it dissolves. Finally, while explaining the process of dissolution, it is stated that only a courageous seeker who dissolves 'objective-ness' idanta into 'I-ness' ahanta is able to attain the status of Shiva shivapada, which destroys all that is non-Shiva.

This verse ("...creating dissolution in the I-consciousness...") has been quoted three times by the author of the Dipika. The 'La' manuscript considers the Parapanchashika a part of the Rudrayamala. The Vijnanabhairava is called the essence of the Rudrayamala. The Paratrishika and the Uttarashatka are also considered the essence or parts of the Rudrayamala. We have discussed the uniqueness of the Rudrayamala several times. Dr. Teun Goudriaan has also provided much information regarding this text. A revised edition of this work is also highly necessary. Only then will a correct comparative study of ancient texts like the Paratrishika, Vijnanabhairava, Uttarashatka, and Nityashodashikarnava be possible.

Literature of the Shrikula (Tripura Tradition)

We have written much regarding Amritananda, the author of the Yoginihridaya and its commentary, the Dipika. Regarding the texts and authors quoted in the Dipika, we have already written in the introductions to the Nityashodashikarnava and the Luptagamasangraha. Recently...

1. "Sattavachini bijesmin sadimayantimam jagat" (Verse 44). This reading should remain in the original. This same reading appears in the Tantraloka: "Tadvat sanuttaradinam kadisantataya sthitih" (3.149). The letter 'ka' is understood by the word 'maya', as we discussed in the note on page 328.
2. See: Vijnanabhairava Introduction, p. 1 note; Nityashodashikarnava Introduction, pp. 44-45.
3. Hindu Tantric Literature in Sanskrit, p. 40 note, 47, 78 note.
4. See: Tantrayatra, pp. 35-40; Agama aur Tantrashastra, pp. 76-88.