गान्धर्व तन्त्र (शैव-शाक्त आगम - मन्त्र-रहस्य, यन्त्र एवं देवतोपासना सटीक)

GANDHARVA TANTRA Unlike the Āgamas the Gandharva Tantra begins with the two stanzas one of salutation to the Elephant-god and the other of benediction invoking the protection of the goddess Kuṇḍalinī. This fact reveals that the Tantra must be more or less modern. The tradition regarding the appearance of the Tantra is that the rival sage Viśvāmitra being envious of the prophetic power of Vasiṣṭha performs a difficult penance. Failing even thereby to obtain equality with Vasiṣṭha he goes to the North and implores the help of Dattātreya who consoles him and reveals the Gandharva- tantra which he has heard from Nandikeśvara. The Tantra is in the form of a dialogue between Śiva and Pārvatī. 1st CHAPTER It begins with the question from Pārvatī about Brahman, Yoga and the Body. Śiva defines the Brahman only. Pārvatī thereupon enquires after some such secret lore as will enable the humanity to get release from the bondage of actions while enjoying the blessings of the earthly life. Śiva says that the Tantric lore is triune in nature as Tāmasik, Rājasik and Sāttvik leading respectively to hell heaven and emancipation. He advises that care should be taken to reject the first and informs that the subject- matter of the Tantra is already revealed by him to Krishna the son of Devakī and to Nandikeśvara. The former related it to Brahmā and the latter to Pushpa- danta and through him to Gandharvas. The sages