Samanyapada 27 I. SAMANYAPADA As already noticed this section is divided into 14 Patalas dea- ling with the general principles of Tantraśastra. This forms an introduction to the subjects dealt with in the following chapters. (1) The first Patala or section begins with two benedictory stanzas eulogising various deities and the preceptor of the author. Then follows a short but poetic enumeration of the scope of the work detailing the various subjects dealt with in the treatise. The author states that he is composing Tantrapaddhati after consulting a good number of authoritative works in the field. His treatise may be compared to Śruti since it requires no other literary aid to comprehend the meaning. It is like Bhogavatī, the bed of Vişņu since it is clear, straight, neither too short nor too long, varie- gated and abounding in qualities. It is like a beautiful woman having embellishments and always resorted to by loving people. It is like Sanjivani, the divine elixir capable of restoring the dead to life since it contains the remedial measures for the affliction caused by poison, disease, evil magic, etc. It is like Dandaniti- the system of judicature giving the various means to destroy the wicked. It is like the form of Vişņu since it extols the truth negating evils. It is like the autumnal season of Brahmã who is always surrounded by Mantras, gods and Kalpas. It is like a fortified place accessible only to those who are conversant with the route. It is like the age of Kali following Dväpara after the passing of Dharmatanaya (Yudhisthira) to the heaven. It is like the ordinance of the creator providing different objects. It is like the divine power providing salvation through the means of knowledge. This idea is beautifully expressed in the following lines which form a good introduction to the whole work. विस्तृतानि विशिष्टानि तन्त्राणि विविधान्यहम् । यावत्सामर्थ्य मालोच्य करिष्ये तन्त्रपद्धतिम् ॥ अनन्यतन्त्रसापेक्षस्वार्थ सन्दोहसङ्गतिम् 1 ऋद्धैर्विधानमन्त्रार्थैद्यां श्रुतिमिवापराम् ॥ प्रसन्नां नातिकुटिलां नातिसंक्षेपविस्तराम् । चित्रां बहुगुणां विष्णोः शय्यां भोगवतीमिव ॥
