KASHMIR SHAIVISM

08-25-2004, 02:37 PM

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 (AT) hotmail (DOT) com )
Phone:- 26133936, 26892972.

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