THE HISTORY OP MANIKKA-VACAGAB. Ill 



Five Letters,' that is, the grace gained by the use of the invocation 

 consisting of Ci-va-ya-na-ma {= Adoration to Civa). 'This is a help 

 to those who cannot otherwise attain to the bliss of mystic quietude 

 (Samadhi).' 



Question 1. — If the unutterable rapture has not been gained by the 

 means already explained, is there any other method ? 



The systems of grace (the twenty-eight (^aiva Agamas), the 

 Vedas, and other sacred scriptures have for their object the 

 teaching of that which is the mystic meaning of the 'Five 

 Syllables.' (81.) 



Commentary. — On examination by the devout scholar it will be found 

 that the substance of the teaching of the sacred ' Five Letters ' 

 is the Lord, the Flock, and the Bond. Such is the conclusion 

 of those who are mighty in the Agamas, the Vedas, and other 

 sacred books. 



Summary. — The substance of all Truth is included in the ' Five 

 Letters.' 



Q. 2. — What does this pentad of letters declare ? 



The King, the {Divine) Energy, the Bond, the beautous Maya, the 

 Soul — all these are contained in the Om-garam. (82.) 



{7om.— The Piranavam contains within it, (1) the gi-ace of ^ivan, and 

 (2) of (^atti, with the (3) knowledge of Aiiavam, and (4) of fair 

 Maya, and of (5) the Soul (Note XV.). These are symbolised 

 by the ' Five Syllables,' and in Om the whole are concentrated. 



Sum. — Here is expounded the doctrine of the mystic Osi, which is 

 the subtle form of the ' Five Letters.' 



Q, 3. — What is the order in which the 'Five Letters' take their 

 stand ? 



There is on the one side the mystic dance of weakness, on the 

 other side the dance of mystic Wisdom, — the Soul being 

 between the two. (83.) 



Com. — The syllables Na and Ma represent the energetic whirl of 

 Impurity both in itself, and also as operating in the Soul ; the 



