Kula means tradition. it represents a set of principles, customs and practices. Two such traditions (Kaulachara and Samayachara) are being discussed here. Both these are encapsulated in srividya. However, it should not be misconstrued that Mother's realm is restricted to srividya. She is beyond kula. She is Akula. There are many ways to attain moksha. Srividya is only one of them. Our lovely mother is the force and inspiration behind all of them.
Practice of srividya should contain 5 things that start with sound 'ma'(makaarapanchakam). However, one should not take the literal meaning of these words. The traditional meaning of these words are different. I am stating both traditional as well as literal meaning here
Practice of srividya should contain 5 things that start with sound 'ma'(makaarapanchakam). However, one should not take the literal meaning of these words. The traditional meaning of these words are different. I am stating both traditional as well as literal meaning here
Kaulachara
- madyamu - Traditional meaning for this is syrup made of jaggery. One should not mis-understand this with literal meaning of 'liquor'.
- mamsamu - Traditional meaning for this is pulp of sesame seeds. After crushing sesame seeds to extract oil, the pulp is left over. It is said that mother likes food offerings made of this pulp. Literal meaning is flesh(non-vegetarian)
- matsyamu - Traditional meaning is garlic. Literal meaning is Fish.
- mudra - Food offerings made of wheat and blackgram
- maidhunam - Traditional meaning is - After offering these to divine mother in puja, we have them as her prasad (blessing+gift+grace+mercy)
Samayachara
- madyamu - When a yogi reaches the peak stages of srividya, kundalini rises above the 6 chakras, at this moment, ambrosia drips down from the head and keeps his/her body nourished. This is traditional meaning. One should not mis-understand this with literal meaning of 'liquor'.
- mamsamu - When one attains the ultimate knowledge, they are above the karma and akarma. Killing these beasts (karma and akarma) with the sword of gnyana(knowledge) is mamsamu. one should not mis understand with literal meaning of flesh(non-vegetarian)
- matsyamu - Dissolving mind in meditation is matsyamu. One should not mis understand with literal meaning of Fish.
- mudra - The art of controlling senses.
- maidhunam - Union of Shiva and Shakti.
A true devotee should do puja with 5 flowers. They are:
- Peace, 2. self-control, 3. Generosity, 4. Mercy, 5. Wisdom
