KASHMIR SHAIVISM

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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.

( virendraqazi )

Phone:- 26133936, 26892972.

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