The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c11.88.2

v1.c11.88.2

and some of its more mysterious and grosser forms do not date earlier than twelve to fifteen hundred years; and when it came into vogue it seems to have induced even a large number of the old Śivite to betake to the new faith. This can be easily accounted for. There is a charm in mystery for the mass of mankind, whether it be in quack medicines or a religion of symbols, diagrams and talismans, which tells much more effectually, much more sweepingly, and much more completly than rational appeal to the understanding ever can do. It "takes the reason prisoner" all at once, and leaves little room for reflection to play its part in a healthy and independent way. Sexual religion, whether in the form of Śāktaism, or, that of the doctrines of the Gnostics, Rosicrucians and others, has this advantage to perfection. It requires a greater mass of mystery to envelope its coarse ideas than even what Śivaism needed or encouraged, and accordingly it succeeds in a most astounding manner, where the other falls to obtain a footing.