तन्त्रसार (महामाहेश्वर अभिनवगुप्त - तन्त्रालोक का प्रामाणिक सार-संग्रह सटीक)

1
free from all limitations and is of the characteristic of pure
consciousness ( Samvidaikasvabhāva ). But Śaktipāta of a
little lower nature than the former, though shines in its full-
ness of consciousness ( paripūrṇacidātmatayā ), is conditioned
with the limitations of bhoga.
It should be remembered in this context that Śaktipāta
is really of the nature of icchā of the Lord. It is He who by
His freedom of will manifests all the subjects and objects.
This is his activity of concealment known as tirodhāna, on
account of which bondage and the objects to be enjoyed
shine before the view of the subject. Thus He binds Himself
by the deeds supposed by Him. Then He removes all the
bonds away and finally shines in the fullness of dṛk and
kriyā. His play of freedom is such that though He assumes
the limited forms, yet on His return journey He shines in His
pristine pure nature.¹
Kṛpā or grace is known to be of two types, the one is
parā, the highest and the other is aparā. The highest kind
of Śaktipāta is bestowed only by the Lord Himself, but the
lower kind of grace is bestowed by the superintending lords
of the domain over which they have their control. The Śakt-
ipāta as bestowed by them does not lead the soul to attain
Śiva-nature, hence it is inferior from the one which follows
from the Lord Himself. The grace, it should be kept in mind,
is manda, less keen and tīvra, exceedingly keen. When it is
manda, it gives birth to the soul the right judgment of disti-
nction between Pakṛti and Puruṣa, as a result the soul does
not go any farther below prakṛti. But when it is keen, the soul
by its merit is able to discriminate his own being from Kalā
१. यदणुरूपोऽपि सन्नसौ प्रत्यावृत्त्या रूपं स्वयं परिशुद्धं स्पृशति ।
तं० आ० विवेक १३.१०५