INO Glossary: Shakta
The Sanskrit word Shakta refers to those who worship the Mother Goddess or Divine Shakti. The form this worship takes varies greatly among different traditions and individuals.
In a manner of speaking, Shaktas are often categorized as Dual, Non-Dual, or Mixed.
This can be explained as follows: those who worship Shakti in the form of an image or idol (Dual); those who worship Shakti as a radiant consciousness without distinction between inner or outer (Non-Dual); and as those who worship in both manners (Mixed).
A further, more arcane definition of Shakta is the idea of being a “holder of Shakti.” That is, a Shakta has or is able to express the Divine Shakti through their own individual being.
Further Reading
- The Star Path by Shri Gurudev Mahendranath
