Indian Philosophy v2.c27.s2.20

v2.c27.s2.20

Śivatattva is the niṣkala, or undifferentiated basis of all consciousness and action. “When śuddhamāyā, the śakti of Śiva, begins her life of activity, then Śiva becomes the experiencing (bhoga) Śiva; he is Sadāśiva, also called Sadākhya, not really separate from Śiva. When śuddhamāyā is actually active, the experiencing Śiva becomes the ruling (adhikāra) Śiva; he is then Īśvara, not really separate from Sadāśiva.”¹ It is Sadāśiva that has the body of the five mantras, and not Śiva. Śuddhavidyā is the cause of true knowledge. Between world periods there are pauses of quiescence, at the end of which evolution sets in. The Lord helps the impurities to manifest themselves, and sustains the whole course of their development for the ultimate good of the souls dependent on his grace.² He takes note of the activities of the souls and helps them in their onward pursuit. Respect for the law of karma is not a limitation of God’s independence, for the law of karma is the means he employs.³