Kashmir Shaivism (Pratyabhijna / Trika) · Shaivism · Tantra
क्षेमराज
Kshemaraja
Late 10th to 11th century CE.
Editorial overview
Historical context
Kshemaraja was the foremost disciple of Abhinavagupta and a prolific commentator. He wrote commentaries on the Shiva Sutras and the Spanda Karikas, as well as on major Shaiva tantras, and composed the Pratyabhijna Hridayam, a concise introduction to the philosophy of recognition. His works did much to transmit Kashmir Shaiva ideas in accessible form.
Core ideas
- Consciousness, entirely free, is the cause of the universe
- The universe unfolds within consciousness as on a screen that is consciousness itself
- The individual is universal consciousness in contracted form
- Liberation is recognising one's own nature as Shiva, a recognition possible in the midst of ordinary experience
- Shiva's five acts: creation, maintenance, dissolution, concealment and grace
Major works
Textप्रत्यभिज्ञाहृदयम्Pratyabhijna HridayamTwenty sutras with the author's own commentary, presenting the Pratyabhijna ("recognition") philosophy for those new to it.Textशिवसूत्रShiva SutrasA set of 77 terse aphorisms at the root of Kashmir Shaivism, describing consciousness as the Self and the means of realising it.Textविज्ञानभैरवतन्त्रVijnana Bhairava TantraA Shaiva contemplative text in which Bhairava answers the Goddess with a long series of meditative methods (dharanas), widely counted as 112.
Also: Shiva Sutra Vimarshini (commentary on the Shiva Sutras) · Spanda Nirnaya and Spanda Sandoha · Commentaries on the Netra Tantra and Svacchanda Tantra
Concepts
Conceptप्रत्यभिज्ञाPratyabhijna — recognitionRecognising that one's own awareness is Shiva — liberation as re-cognition rather than new attainment.ConceptशिवShiva (as principle)Shiva as the supreme reality or pure consciousness, as understood in Shaiva philosophies.Conceptशक्तिShaktiPower, energy; in Shakta and Shaiva thought, the dynamic aspect of the divine, often worshipped as the Goddess.Conceptस्पन्दSpanda — the vibration of consciousnessKashmir Shaivism's teaching that ultimate consciousness is dynamic — a subtle, creative pulsation.Conceptअनुग्रहAnugraha — graceDivine grace — God's freely given favour that frees the soul.Conceptचित्तChitta — mind-fieldThe whole field of mind, with its thoughts, memories and latent impressions.