THE WORLD AS POWER POWER AS LIFE BY SIR JOHN WOODROFFE PUBLISHERS : GANESH & Co, MADRAS 1002FOREWORD I TAKE the opportunity given by the publica- tion of the second volume of this series to deal with a criticism on the first which affects all. I am therein described as an “ adherent ” of “Shaktaism” and as “commending” the acceptance of such doctrine to others. It is true that I think that this doctrine has been misunderstood and has been the subject (on the whole) of unjust judgments. I think also that it is, in its highest presentment, a grand and inspiring system (by which I do not mean that it is the only one, or that it is without defect); otherwise probably I should not have concerned myself with it. I desire however to say here that I do not write as an “adherent” of this, or any other philosophical system or religious sect whatever, but as a free-thinker and free-companion: “Neither Burgundian nor Armagnac.” Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri. But, as I have said else- where in describing Shasta teaching and