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My Mother, My Self: The Female Mystical Identity in Bengal Shaktism by June McDaniel
Shaktism (Shakta): (Sanskrit) "Doctrine of power."
The religion followed by those who worship the Supreme as the Divine Mother--Shakti or Devi--in
Her many forms, both gentle and fierce. Shaktism is one of the four primary sects of Hinduism. Shaktism's first historical
signs are thousands of female statuettes dated ca 5500 bce recovered at the Mehrgarh village in India.
In philosophy and practice, Shaktism greatly resembles Saivism, both faiths promulgating, for
example, the same ultimate goals of advaitic union with Siva and moksha. But Shaktas worship Shakti as the Supreme Being exclusively,
as the dynamic aspect of Divinity, while Siva is considered solely transcendent and is not worshiped.
There are many forms of Shaktism, with endless varieties of practices which seek to capture
divine energy or power for spiritual transformation.
Geographically, Shaktism has two main forms, the Srikula "family of the Goddess Sri (or Lakshmi),"
which respects the brahminical tradition (a mainstream Hindu tradition which respects caste and purity rules) and is strongest
in South India; and the Kalikula, "family of Kali," which rejects brahminical tradition and prevails in Northern and Eastern
India.
Four major expressions of Shaktism are evident today: folk-shamanism, yoga, devotionalism and
universalism. Among the eminent mantras of Shaktism is: Aum Hrim Chandikayai Namah, "I bow to Her who tears apart all dualities."
There are many varieties of folk Shaktism gravitating around various forms of the Goddess, such as Kali, Durga and a number
of forms of Amman. Such worship often involves animal sacrifice and fire-walking, though the former is tending to disappear.
What Is the Magic and Power Of Shaktism?
Shaktism reveres the Supreme as the Divine Mother, Shakti or Devi, in Her many forms, both gentle and fierce. Shaktas use
mantra, tantra, yantra, yoga and puja to invoke cosmic forces and awaken the kundalini power. Aum.
Shakti, depicted in Her green form, radiates beauty, energy, compassion and protection for followers. Wearing the tilaka
of the Shakta sect on Her forehead, She blesses devotees, who shower rosewater, hold an umbrella and prostrate at Her feet.
While worship of the divine mother extends beyond the pale of history, Shakta Hinduism arose as an organized sect in India
around the fifth century. Today it has four expressions devotional, folk-shamanic, yogic and universalist all invoking the
fierce power of Kali or Durga, or the benign grace of Parvati or Ambika. Shakta devotionalists use puja rites, especially
to the Shri Chakra yantra, to establish intimacy with the Goddess. Shamanic Shaktism employs magic, trance mediumship, firewalking
and animal sacrifice for healing, fertility, prophecy and power. Shakta yogis seek to awaken the sleeping Goddess Kundalini
and unite her with Siva in the sahasrara chakra. Shakta universalists follow the reformed Vedantic tradition exemplified by
Sri Ramakrishna. "
Left-hand " tantric rites transcend traditional ethical codes. Shaktism is chiefly advaitic, defining the soul's destiny
as complete identity with the Unmanifest, Siva.
Central scriptures are the Vedas, Shakta Agamas and Puranas.
The Devi Gita extols, "We bow down to the universal soul of all. Above and below and in all four directions, Mother of
the universe, we bow." Aum Chandikayai Namah.
From http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2003/10-12/44-49_four_sects.shtml
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shamanism (shamanic):
From the Sanskrit shramana, "ascetic," akin to shram, meaning "to exert." Generally refers
to any religion based on the belief that good or evil spirits can be influenced by priests, or shamans, who serve as intermediaries
between man and divine forces. Descriptive of many of the world's tribal, indigenous faiths.
folk-shamanic:
Of or related to a tribal or village tradition in which the mystic priest, shaman, plays a
central role, wielding powers of magic and spirituality. Revered for his ability to influence and control nature and people,
to cause good and bad things to happen, he is the intermediary between man and divine forces. The term shaman is from the
Sanskrit shramana, "ascetic," akin to shram, "to exert."
Amman: (Tamil) "Mother."
Usually refers to Mariyamman, the "smallpox Goddess," protectress from plagues, a popular gramadevata ("village
Deity" or tutelary Deity of a locale). There are many Mariyamman temples and shrines in Malaysia, Mauritius and rural areas
of South India. In the Tamil tradition, amman is often appended to the names of various Goddesses, as in Kali Amman or Draupadi
Amman (deified heroine of the Mahabharata). One of the distinguishing features of gramadevata shrines is that they are not
served by brahmin priests.
pagan:
Term used negatively by Semitic faiths to indicate a follower of another religion, or of no religion. Also
names the pre-Christian religion of Europe, akin to shamanism and other of the world's indigenous faiths, which have survived
to this day despite organized persecution. Pagans are gradually surfacing again, and have acknowledged their kinship with
Hinduism.
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