To: K-list
Recieved: 2002/12/30 10:35
Subject: [K-list] KASHMIR SHAIVISM
From: virendraqazi <virendraqaziATnospamyahoo.co.in>
On 2002/12/30 10:35, virendraqazi <virendraqaziATnospamyahoo.co.in> posted thus to the K-list:
KASHMIR SHAIVISM History tells us about great ancient civilizations. Where
have they gone? To museums, pyramids, history books, Discovery
Channel, etc? But Indian civilization, the ancient creed and culture,
can still be found in every village of India - alive and kicking!
Kashmir was seat of learning along with Benaras in ancient
Northern India. After a great spell of learning at Benares discerning
people would go to Kashmir for higher studies and perfecting their
philosophies and practices. The Sharda Peth was one of the famous
centres.
The Doctrine Of Recognition ( finding or discovering
yourself as one with the Almighty) also called Pratibhigana Darshan
has been given a popular name by renowned oriental scholar J. C.
Chatterjee as KASHMIR SHAIVISM. In West this fascinating philosophy
is also called by this name.
This philosophy in the present form can be traced to the
eighth Century Sage, Vasugupta to whom Shiv Sutras were revealed. His
famous descendents were Somananda, Utpaldeva and Abhinavgupta who
finally gave a concrete shape and foundation to this philosophy.
Kashmir Shaivism occupies a distinguished position among
the various schools of religious creed and thought. This universal
philosophy focuses on relation between God, Nature and Man, which
overcomes all the barriers of diverse human-cultures. It leads to the
highest level of self-realisation, revealing the inner most secrets
of the nature of Self. All the aspects of life are integrated and
taken in totality. Thus, rather than negation and denial, it
celebrates life.Kashmir Shaivism is the school of Indian philosophy
which can inspire us for both material and spiritual progress.
Rather, the approach is from theory to practice. Indeed, it leads us
to the "INNER HARMONY & BLISS".
Kashmir Shaivism is presently evoking deep interest in
West, with lot of pioneering research work at leading universities.
It is a matter of concern that nothing much is done in the land of
discovery of this philosophy. We should seriously ponder over this
situation and consider the importance of this philosophy in our
present strife-torn world. A thrill of self confidence, the spirit
of bliss, surpassing all barriers of caste, creed and gender, no look
back, no regret, the inner journey, see everything as creation of
God, etc - how prominently and conceptually these are emphasised in
Kashmir Shaivism. It should be our solemn endeavour to present this
ancient philosophy in common man's language so that a resurgence
takes place with the goal of Upliftment of individual, social,
national and world as a whole.
The prime focus of Kashmir Shaivism is on the Ultimate
Reality called Param Shiva. This basic point is to recognise this
source from which emanates everything and into which merges
everything. Param Shiva is beyond description, beyond all
manifestation, beyond limitation of form, time and space. He is
eternal, infinite, all pervading, all knowing and all powerful. In
fact, this reality is ineffable and beyond all descriptions.
After our stress on this basic reality called Param
Shiva, let us seek and understand this philosophy. Kashmir Shaivism.
It is a process of recognising or discovery of individual soul as one
with the Universal Being through correct knowledge of the "Descend"
from Godhood to manhood. The next is "Ascend" or going back to
Godhood. Lastly great stress is given to "Devotion" towards the
Ultimate Reality called Param Shiva.
As regards the Great Descend, Kashmir Shaivism
postulates 36 categories or "tattvas" to explain the process of
cosmic evolution or universal experience, i.e., from God hood to
veiling or obscuring force of nature called Maya Shakti leading to
various psycho - physical elements and finally the Panch Mahabhutas -
five great elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
The first outward manifestation of the divine creative
energy is called "Shiva - Tattva". It is the initial creative
movement of Paramasiva and is support of all things in the manifest
world, like the canvas of a painting. Next, the "Shakti-Tattava" is
active or kinetic cosmic energy that effects the divine consciousness
into action.
"Maya" is the veiling or obscuring force of nature that
creates a sense of differentiation. As such, it makes universal
consciousness which is unity, appear as duality and multiplicity. The
result of the limitation of Maya are "Purusha" and "Prakriti", the
limited being and his nature. Here the dual world of mind and matter
is permanently established. This follows various mental operations,
ascertaining intelligence, sense perceptions, ego, etc. The process
is complete finally with the gross Panch Mahabutas as referred above.
Now, let us consider the Ascend or going back to Godhood.
What is source of pain and frustration- duality and moving away from
Godhood! So, it is natural that we must strive to go back to Godhood.
For this there has to be Shaktipath- the descend of Divine Grace. In
order to earn Grace, one has to undergo spiritual discipline, known
as "Upyas" or Trika Yoga. Depending upon potential of individual,
these means or yoga have been categorised with particular emphasis as
Anupaya(supreme means- Bliss), Shambopaya(higher means- Will),
Shaktopaya(medium means- Knowledge) and Anvopaya(inferior means-
Action). However, it must always be remembered that descend of the
Divine Grace-Shaktipath- is independent of human efforts.
Kashmir Shaivism emphasises that one has to discover
the inner "Bliss". Let us not suppress the senses, do not torture the
body or mind, etc. Forcible control will lead to adverse effect. Be
as you are. When one discovers inner bliss he/she will give up
fascination for outer worldly enjoyments. Outwardly one may perform
the age old traditions but inwardly he/she has to seek exact truth
through the practices taught in Trika Yoga. There is no restriction
based on colour, creed, gender, etc. in eligibility for initiation in
this Yoga.
As regards "Devotion", it is an essential aid to all
the practices. An aspirant not blessed with devotion for the Lord
can not succeed in the practice or Saivayoga. After inculcating the
principles and treading the path as explained above, we should
surrender and submit to the Ultimate Reality. This will, no doubt,
lead us to the ultimate goal.
This philosophy is very relevant for present times. It
inspires us for both material and spiritul progress. It stresses
positive acceptance of material world rather than the philosophy of
escapism. Thus it can serve as a sound basis for organising our
lives. We can rather say that God has made man in His own image. It
is His Own Maya Shakti which makes man to see differently.
Therefore, real joy can be gained as we live in this world and go
about our work. Avoiding suppression and denial like great puritans,
we should exercise moderation in living and turning away from the
ambition of wealth, power and pleasures of senses. This will prepare
us for the inward journey to realise God.
The youth should remember that no problem of individual, society or
nation is to be ignored. A person can not succeed in any aim of life
if he shuts his eyes towards these problems. The whole life of Lord
Krishna as depicted in Mahabharta is a glowing example of practical
Shaivism.
We may enjoy tasteful worldly objects as per the tradition
but consider or ponder over their origin from "the Divine Glory".
This will enable us to look for God in every individual, see
everything as His creation, etc., leading to maximum love and harmony.
Even as elderly persons we should be totally in world yet
totally liberated from within. This example incorporated in our lives
will definitely create an inspiration for others.
Concluding, let us work for upliftment as our goal. With our
own effort we should change and strive for enlightenment. Let this
change permeate from person to family, to state and nation as a
whole. Leading to universal good this will usher in a peaceful and
conflict free world.
Virendra Qazi, C-2 / 2284, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
( virendraqaziATnospamhotmail.com )
Phone:- 26133936, 26892972.
http://www.kundalini-gateway.org
http://www.domin8rex.com/serpent/spirit/kindex.htm
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