Lesson:
5

Formless to form

Let’s take a journey back in time to ancient India, where the Divine Feminine was known as Šakti. She was seen as the formless, primordial energy that gave rise to and sustained the entire universe.With that said, Sakti is also seen as a goddess with various forms and archetypes.

It might seem contradictory, but it’s all part of her complex nature. Before we dive into the different forms of Sakti, it’s crucial that we first explore the formless aspect.
This is where the Devi Mahatmyam and other ancient texts come in handy. They describe Sakti as the ultimate cause of all creation, the one who sustains it, and eventually, the one who will destroy it.The Kularnava Tantra, Vamakeshvara Tantra, Tripura Rahasya, and Rudra Yamala Tantra all describe Sakti as pure consciousness, primal energy, and the source and substance of all that exists. She’s the all-pervading force behind the creation, sustenance, and dissolution of the universe.

As the Rudra Yamala Tantra states, “In the beginning, there was only Sakti, the divine feminine, who manifested herself as the universe through her infinite power and wisdom.”

So, by exploring the formless aspect of Sakti and studying these ancient texts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the Divine Feminine in the universe and in our own lives.

Reflect:
Sakti is described as both a formless, primordial energy and a goddess with various forms. How can you reconcile the idea of an all-pervading, formless force with the concrete, tangible forms of power you experience in your own life?
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