Page:A Collection of Esoteric Writings.djvu/21

7  Kanyá means a virgin and represents Sakti or Mahámáya. The sign in question is the 6th Rási or division and indicates that there are six primary forces in nature. These forces have different sets of names in Sanskrit philosophy. According to one system of nomenclature they are called by the following names:—(1) Parásakti; (2) Gnánastaki; (3) Itchásakti (will-power); (4) Kriyásakti; (5) Kundalinisakti; and (6) Matrikásakti.* * Parâsakti:—Literally the great or supreme force or power. It means and includes the powers of light and heat.

Gnânasakti:—Literally the power of intellect or the power of real wisdom or knowledge. It has two aspects:

I. The following are some of its manifestations when placed under the influence or control of material conditions:—

(a) The power of the mind in interpreting our sensations. (b) its power in recalling past ideas (memory) and raising future expectations. (c) Its power as exhibited in what are called by modern psychologists "the laws of association" which enables it to form persisting connections between various groups of sensations and possiblities of sensations and thus generate the notion or idea of an external object. (d) Its power in connecting our ideas together by the mysterious link of memory and thus generating the notion of self or individuality.

II. The following are some of its manifestations when liberated from the hands of matter:—

(a) Clairvoyance. (b) Psychometry.

Itchâsakti:—Literally, the power of the will. Its most ordinary manifestation is the generation of certain nerve currents which set in motion such muscles as are required for the accomplishment of the desired object.

Kriyâsakti:—The mysterious power of thought which enables it to produce external, perceptible, phenomenal result by its own inherent energy. The ancients held that any idea will manifest itself externally if one's attention is deeply concentrated upon it. Similarly an intense volition will be followed by the desired result.

A Yogi generally performs his wonders by means of Itchásakti and Kriyasakti.

Kundalinisakti:—Literally, the power or force which moves in a serpentine or curved path. It is the universal life-principle which everywhere manifests itself in nature. This force includes in itself the two great forces of attraction and repulsion. Electricity and magnetism are but manifestations of it. This is the power or force which brings about that "continuous The six  