The Threefold ScienceKashmir
Kashmir
Shaivism
A supreme monistic philosophy derived from the ancient Bhairava Tantras. It recognizes that the entire universe, and every action within it, is an expression of one infinite consciousness.
A supreme monistic philosophy derived from the ancient Bhairava Tantras. It recognizes that the entire universe, and every action within it, is an expression of one infinite consciousness.
Revealed by Lord Siva in the form of a dialogue between himself and the Divine Mother.
The teachings of Kashmir Shaivism are derived from the ninety-two Tantras, also known as Agamas. Of these Tantras, sixty-four are considered purely monistic, known as the Bhairava Tantras. The essence of these monistic texts is what we call 'Trika Shaivism'.
The word Trika translates to "the threefold science of man and his world." Within this system, it is recognized that there are three primary energies: parā (supreme), parāparā (medium), and aparā (lowest). This whole universe and every action in it, whether spiritual, physical, or worldly, exists within these three energies.
Due to the rise and fall of Kashmir over the past eight centuries, the knowledge of Kashmir Shaivism remained practically hidden, passed down strictly by word of mouth from master to disciple.
In 1972, Swami Lakshmanjoo—a direct descendant in this unbroken chain of Masters—gave a series of lectures without the aid of texts. Relying solely on his vast memory, he effortlessly verified his statements with quotes from the Shaiva tantras, revealing the essence of the first fifteen chapters of Abhinavagupta's magnum opus, the Tantraloka. These recordings became the foundational book: Kashmir Shaivism, The Secret Supreme.
From the Secret Supreme
The nature of the thirty-six elements from earth to Shiva. It maps how the omnipresent, formless state of Parama Shiva descends into limited physical existence, and how it can rise again.
The universe as we see it is a reflection in the mirror of God consciousness. Created by the absolute independent will of God (svatantrya), the reflection and the reflected are one.
Three paths for entering Universal God consciousness: shambhavopaya (supreme, no support needed), shaktopaya (medium, centering), and anavopaya (inferior, using objects as aids).
The impurities residing in illusion (maya) that bind us: Karma (the impression of pleasure/pain), Mayiya (the creation of duality 'mine/not mine'), and Anava (the feeling of incompleteness).
Creating, protecting, destroying, concealing, and revealing. While the individual soul feels it acts independently, in reality, all actions depend on the will of Lord Shiva.
A devotee once asked Swamiji what was the best way to learn Kashmir Shaivism. His simple reply was:
“Read my Secret Supreme over and over, and you will absorb the essence of Kashmir Shaivism.”