Kashmir Shaivism — The Nondualistic School of Trika
Kashmir Shaivism, also known as Trika Shaivism, is a nondualist tradition of Śaiva-Śakta Tantra which originated sometime after 850 CE. Though this tradition was very influential in Kashmir and is thus often called Kashmir Shaivism, it was actually called "Trika" by its great exponent Abhinavagupta. The tradition also flourished in Odisha and Mahārāṣhṭra. Its defining feature is its idealistic and monistic philosophical system, known as Pratyabhijnā ("Recognition"), propounded by Utpaladeva (c. 925–975 CE) and Abhinavagupta (c. 975–1025 CE). Its main presiding forces are the three goddesses Parā, Parāparā, and Aparā, who play a central role in the transformative process of mind and body.
While Trika draws inspiration from numerous Śaiva texts such as the Shaiva Agamas and Śakta Tantras, its major scriptural authorities are the Mālinīvijayottara Tantra, the Siddhayogeśvarīmata, and the Anāmaka-tantra. Its principal commentaries are those of Abhinavagupta, such as the Tantrāloka, Mālinīślokavārttika, and Tantrasāra.
Kashmir Shaivism claimed to supersede Shaiva Siddhanta, a dualistic tradition which scholars consider a more standard form of tantric Shaivism. The Shaiva Siddhanta goal of becoming an ontologically distinct Shiva through his grace was replaced by recognizing oneself as Shiva, who in Kashmir Shaivism's monism is the entirety of the universe.
In the last century, Kashmiri Saivism was made popular through the contributions of Swami Lakshman Joo and his student Acharya Rameshwar Jha. Swami Muktananda, though not of the direct lineage, felt a deep affinity for the teachings and introduced Kashmir Shaivism to Western audiences through his writings and lectures. We have assembled here a few important resources for further information.1
Related Resources
Hinduwebsite.com and Saivism.net
External Resources
1. The introduction is adapted from Wikipedia with necessary modifications and improvements.
Disclaimer: These links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or approval of any products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. We take no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external sites or subsequent links. Contact the external site directly for any questions regarding its content.