Saktas believe the soul is one with God Siva. Emphasis is given to the feminine manifest by which the masculine un-manifest is ultimately reached. The divine mother, Sakti, is mediatrix, bestowing this advaitic moksha on those who worship her. Moksah is complete identification with the transcendent God siva, achieved when the kundalini sakti power is raised through teh sushumna current of the spine to the top of the head to unite with siva. Alternatively, moksha may be conceived of as union with Devi, or with Brahman. The spiritual practices in saktism are similar to those in saivism, though there is more emphasis in saktism on God's power as opposed to being, on mantras and yantras, and on embracing apparent opposites; male-female, absolute-relative, pleasure-pain, cause-effect, mind-body. Shamanistic Saktism employs magic, trance medium-ship, fire-walking and animal sacrifice of healing, fertility, prophecy and power. "Left hand" tantric rites transcend traditional ethical codes.
The state of jivanmukti in Saktishm is called Kulachara, "the divine way of life", attained through sadhana and grace. The liberated soul is known as kaula, to whom wood and gold, life and death are same. The kaula can move about in the world at will, even returning to earthly duties such as kingship, but nevertheless remaining liberated from rebirth, as his actions can no longer bind him.
The Goddess, Devi, gives both mukti and bhakti- liberation and worldly enjoyment. Dr. S. Radhakrishanan explained one view, "The jiva under the influence of maya looks upon itself as an independent agent and enjoy until release is gained. Knowledge of Sakti is the road to salvation, which is dissolution in the bliss effulgence of the Supreme." Sri Sri Sri Sivaratnapuri Swami of Kailas Asharam, Bangalore, India, declares, "My message to mankind is 'Right thought, right living and unremitting devotion to the Divine mother'. Faith is the most important thing that you should cultivate. By faith does one obtain knowledge."
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