Śivasaṃhitā 5.206

The formula «no doubt» (na saṃśayaḥ) closes the chain of teachings with an absolute guarantee. Mahā-siddhi is not merely a technical perfection but the realization of mahāvidyā—the great goddess-knowledge that is Śiva as feminine wisdom śakti. Maintaining secrecy is not selfish concealment but protection of an energy that can harm if activated without preparation.

Mahā-siddhi = great perfection (mahā = great, siddhi = achievement/perfection), saṃśaya = doubt (sam = completely, śaya = lying down, falling), mahāvidyā = great knowledge-goddess (also the ten forms of the supreme goddess), gopanīya = must be kept secret (from verb gup = to protect, guard).

The tension between revealing and concealing (prakāśa and gopa) is fundamental in tantric transmission. Texts like the Kulārṇava Tantra develop elaborate discussions about who may be taught the mahāvidyā: the student’s discernment, purity of intention and established relationship with the guru are required. The Śiva-saṃhitā, being a written text, has already partially transgressed this principle of secrecy—reflecting yoga’s historical process of democratization.