[715] Yair eva patanam dravyaih siddhis tair eva coditâ—Kulârṇava Tantra, V. 48. There is probably something similar in Taoism. See Wieger, Histoire des Croyances religieuses en Chine, p. 409. The Indian Tantrists were aware of the dangers of their system and said it was as difficult as walking on the edge of a sword or holding a tiger.
[716] Vâmâcâra is said not to mean left-hand worship but woman (vâmâ) worship. This interpretation of Dakshiṇa and Vâmâcâra is probably fanciful.
[717] Sometimes two extra stages Aghora and Yogâcâra are inserted here.
[718] Mahân. Tan. X. 108. A Kaula may pretend to be a Vaishṇava or a Śaiva.
[719] Although the Tantras occasionally say that mere ritual is not sufficient for the highest religions, yet indispensable preliminary is often understood as meaning sure means. Thus the Mahânirvâṇa Tantra (x. 202, Avalon's transl.) says "Those who worship the Kaulas with panca tattva and with heart uplifted, cause the salvation of their ancestors and themselves attain the highest end."
[720] But on the other hand some Tantras or tantric treatises recommend crazy abominations.
[721] Mahânir. Tant. X. 79. Bhartrâ saha kuleśâni na dahet kulakâminim.
[722] Ib. XI. 67.
[723] E.g. It does not prescribe human sacrifices and counsels moderation in the use of wine and maithuna.
[724] See Frazer's Adonis, Attis and Osiris, pp. 269-273 for these and other stories of dismemberment.