Guest guest Posted June 30, 2002 Report Share Posted June 30, 2002 Himalayan Mysticism Kashmir Shaivism : Presentations In U. S. ( August / September 2002 ) I am indeed grateful to the people of U. S. for their overwhelming response to my presentations during last year's visit. We are quite delighted with the continuous interaction and fascinating feedback from the friends of this great country. No doubt, Kashmir Shaivism is the best ambassador of India's spiritual creed to rest of the world. This unique philosophy is very relevent for the present and can totally transform our lives. It can inspire us for both material and spiritual progress. At the same time, it lays great stress on addressing all the life situations, while we remain at peace, love and in harmony with our environment. Starting from 8th August, our programme at each place in U. S. will consist of a presentation on Kashmir Shaivism. This will be followed by the next session consisting of "devotion and meditation" programme. We always have an overwhelming response to the similar programmes organised at this place. Hema helps with her mystical / devotional songs and has earned a special spiritual place. She has the holy grace of her Guru Ma, devotee of India's famous mystic - Neem Karoli Baba. Guru Ma is in silence since 50 years but communicates excellently when she bestows her grace. We seek your blessings so that a great opportunity is provided to the people of U. S. to have insight into Indian mysticism, spiritual thrill and enchantment. Besides, it will be yet another endeavour for human upliftment, world harmony and an easy path for self-realization. -- Virendra Qazi virendraqazi ------ 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 real " Art of Living". 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. virendraqazi Phone:- 6133936, 6892972. ------ VIRENDRA QAZI C-II/2284, VASANT KUNJ, NEW DELHI-110 070 PHONE : 6133936, 6892972 E-mail : LALESHWARI_INT_TRUST @ HOTMAIL.COM SERVICE Joined Steel Authority of India Limited as Management Trainee in 1973. Since than in marketing carrier in various positions all over India. Presently , heading Marketing of Indiaís leading Public Sector National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited as General Manager [business Development]. CULTURE Deep exposure to Indian way of life with in depth study of diverse cultures and thoughts. Besides the traditional system of Indian Religions keen interest and dedication to mysticism and Tantra, especially, Kashmir Shaivism. In 1992 founded Lalleshwari International Trust to present teachings of fourteen century mystic poetess Lalleshwari and her philosophy Kashmir Shaivism. Sayings of Lalleshwari were well researched and widely communicated to people all over the world in the form of written material, audio cassettes, etc. Conducted many seminars, recorded audio cassettes etc. to revive our Ancient Tradition. In February 1999, organized a grand Ballet Param Yogini Lalleshwari in Delhi. This became very popular and got wide publicity in TV, Press etc. HUMAN UPLIFTMENT THROUGH KASHMIR SHAIVISM : These are regular lecture series on Kashmir Shaivism. People are showing deep interest and there is continuous interaction with people in India and abroad. During visit to UK in 2000 had a very busy interaction with various groups and at two universities on Indian thought and Kashmir Shaivism. Midland Broadcasting Corporation recorded the lecture on the mystic philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism , which was shown on TV all over U.K. During January 2001 Delhi University organised International Seminar on Metaphysics in collaboration with Prof. Michel Kruiz of USA. My presentation - Maya And Aesthetics In Kashmir Shaivism was well appreciated by Scholars from all over the World. During February 2001 organised a colorful function - Self Realisation and Human Upliftment. This was attended by the leading Scholars of Delhi and well covered by Press and T.V. During June and July 2001, had an extensive Presentation Tour programme of U.S.A. The basic principles and relevance of Kashmir Shaivism was communicated with excellent interaction from people. In fact, we are overwhelmed by the response with daily mail from the seekers. URGENT CONCERNS This ancient tradition may fade away from the land of its birth : INDIA. Lot of research done in Universities at USA and Europe but nothing is done here. Some great texts are lost almost permanently, due to destruction by outside rulers (which is history). Had ABHINAVGUPTAíS commentary on SHIVDRISTI been available the Worldís thought process (metaphysics) would have been deeply influenced. The most famous and elaborate tantric granth TANTRALOKA is translated into Italian. There is no English translation. It is very unfortunate that purity of the tradition is getting jeopardised because there is no concerted effort to preserve the same in our country. It is sad that different interpretations emanate about Kashmir Shaivism from various parts of the world. ENDEAVOUR This ancient philosophy KASHMIR SHAIVISM occupies the distinguished position among the various schools of religious creed and thought. 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 emphasized in Kashmir Shaivism. These teachings can create upliftment at individual level which will ultimately lead to love and harmonious world. I am keen to take some time away from my routine duty so that I can attend to following course of action for this noble cause: 1. Param Yogini Lalleshwari Repeat performance of this musical ballet to cover wider audience and provide another opportunity to experieence spiritual thrill and bliss. 2. Arrange various seminars and also an International Conferences titled ABHINAVGUPTA (10th century greatest exponent of Kashmir Shaivism) in Delhi. We have letters from people all over the world who have conveyed their keen interest for participation. 3. Recover the ancient texts from various difficult sources (like Kashmir, the disturbed areas) and develop the library for proper research. 4. PROJECT TANTRALOKA - Pursue translation of the texts. Liaise with various institutions so that these projects are undertaken i.e. TANTRALOKA. 5. Writing of book: An Indian Mysticism [HUMAN UPLIFTMENT THROUGH KASHMIR SHAIVISM]. This will be a highly absorbing narration of this tradition for the consumption of common man 6. Extensive travel to present this philosophy in common manís language. I would also like to distribute literature (written, audio and video) on Kashmir Shaivism in very simple form for common men. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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