“Success is attained by those very things which lead to downfall when misused.”
The verse: Kularnava Tantra 5.48
The quote above is our paraphrase. This is the verse as it reads in the introduction by Arthur Avalon (1917):
“Success is attained by those very things which lead to fall.”
About the text: Kularnava Tantra
The Kularnava Tantra is a Sanskrit text of the Kaula tantric tradition, framed as Shiva answering the goddess's questions, and dated by one reference work to between 1000 and 1400 CE. Its 17 chapters deal with the Kula path, the guru and disciple, initiation and worship.
More from the Kularnava Tantra
- “Seekers must cultivate devotion, humility, and sincerity.”
- “The Kaula tradition integrates all aspects of life.”
- “Divine realization is the highest form of knowledge.”
- “The Sastras are numerous; focus on their essence.”
- “Spirituality is a journey, not a destination.”
- “Seekers must be vigilant against distractions.”