(Swami Govind Koul Ji)
Now that we have made three
broader categories to handle KASHMIR SHAIVISM scriptures, let's put some major
works in these categories and create a full scripture roadmap for leaners. This
scripture roadmap was meticulously followed in Ashram and was refined over century
of teaching! Through brainstorming within Ashram, under supervision of Gurudev
Sri Swami Ram and his disciples.
It must be understood beforehand
that all aspects of KASHMIR SHAIVISM can be broadly put into two categories,
theory and practice. While most of the theory is contained within major works
of KASHMIR SHAIVISM, practice was mostly borrowed from either tradition or
"Vigyana Bhairava Tantra" or few other works. KASHMIR SHAIVISM
believes in more holistic approach, thereby moving both theory and practice
side by side. Starting with basic theory, a practice would be prescribed by
Guru (at Ashram). This practice would make student appreciate meditative
aspects of system, thereby expanding intellect. Which would then lead to more
theory, which would then provide more practice. It was like a spiral of both
theory and practice supporting each other (hand in hand), moving upwards, and
taking adherent to higher realms.
Within KASHMIR SHAIVISM, any
learner, versed in theory only, wouldn't have practical experience of stages of
self-development or enrichment, without a spiritual practice. In addition,
theory has capacity of becoming dry easily. On other hand, a spiritual practice
without theory would be lopsided too, as adherent would have no clue about
direction or reason of meditative practice.
Advanced readers can note this
twin development as an entwined vertical spirals (theory and practice) as
embodiment within Tantric Systems—represented by two snakes, also known as
Kundalini System (would be touched in later posts). Only spiral has capacity to
move upwards and is base of many Tantric Systems. This representation can be
testified by outer physical structures—like formation of Galaxies as Spiral!
This dual aspect can be compared
to Chemical Science, whereby the procedures outlined in book are practiced in
lab and testified. Similarly any extensive lab testing would go into making of
theory. In the same way KASHMIR SHAIVISM while teaching theory asks for practice
that leads to further understanding or contributing to theory. Which then leads
to another round of practice.
The below given section would be
outlining the process of learning KASHMIR SHAIVISM theory based on its
scriptures (in phases):-
Phase 1
Any new disciple would be made to
learn Sanskrit and Shardaa, if not already acquainted. Shardaa used to be
de-facto script for most Sanskrit scriptures (within Kashmir), for thousands of
years.
Phase 2
The first work to be introduced
would be "Para Pravesika" from Sri Kshemaraja (post Buddhist
period, conclusion), which is a primer for understanding all of KASHMIR
SHAIVISM. This work compiled much later (during conclusive stages of KASHMIR
SHAIVISM literature), rendered itself so important and useful that it was used
by most masters for the beginner classes. From pen of Sri Kshemaraja (who was a
well versed KASHMIR SHAIVISM scholar, who was a student of Abhinavgupta), this
work is a full roadmap of all KASHMIR SHAIVISM understanding. Not only does it
shows full elemental theory but it goes further, highlighting need to study KASHMIR
SHAIVISM for self-realization. Touching on almost all important aspects of KASHMIR
SHAIVISM. Our series of articles will draw heavily on this work and would
render this work as supplementary to articles presented.
Study Timelines: -
This work would take anywhere from 6-10 months to finish, for a typical
learner. Based on their ability to handle scripture and background.
Further Explorations: -
For this work, contemporary new learners don't require a full Sanskrit
knowledge. They can refer to translations from few past or new scholars. As the
translations weren't required back then, scripture was read in Shardaa. Any new
adherent would be asked to replicate a copy for himself from any existing copy
in Ashram. By this he would have firsthand chance to peek through scripture,
further few sufficient spaces were kept for transcribing personal notes within
scripture (during reading).
Phase 3
Next scripture to be introduced
would be "Shiv Sutras" from Sri Vasugupta (post Buddhist
period, revival). This scripture have different commentaries. The one that was
used initially was from Sri Kshemaraja,
called "Vimarshini"--a detailed commentary in prose form. It is
most complete commentary, without which "Shiv Sutras" are difficult
to comprehend. The other commentaries being "Varttika" by Bhaskara and "Varttikam" by Vardaraja. Among these,
"Varttika" was learned afterwards and "Varttikam" was
ignored or taken only leisurely, as it is just rehash of "Vimarshini"
in verse forms. So for the sake of learner, only "Vimarshini" was
picked and studied extensively. This would provide full background of KASHMIR
SHAIVISM philosophy to the learning students.
Study Timelines: -
Typically this would take around 1-2 years to finish, based on capability of
student.
Further Explorations: -
Nowadays this scripture can be read through translation by Jaideva Singh, which
is both penetrating and true to Shaivistic culture (having learnt from Swami Lakshmana
Joo). Or a translation by John Hughes derived from Audio Lectures by Swami Lakshmana
Joo. Hindi preferred readers can either go with Hindi Translation of work from
Jaideva Singh or one published by Swami Ram Shaiva Trika Ashram (Jammu).
Anecdote: - It is said Swami Vidhyadhar Ji finished
"Shiv Sutras" in just three days, during which neither Gurudev Sri
Swami Ram nor Swami Vidhyadhar Ji moved out of Ashram premises. It shows
intellectual capability and absorption of disciple and this has been unmatched
so far!
Phase 4
Following the full introduction
of KASHMIR SHAIVISM, the student was introduced to “Pratyabhijna” (Recognition) Philosophy through "Pratyabhijna
Hrdyam" or Heart of Pratyabhijna, a minor work by Sri Kshemaraja
(post Buddhist period, conclusion). This work literally is the Heart of
Pratyabhijna Philosophy, as it introduces student to this system thoroughly,
highlighting all major points.
Study Timeline: -
This work would typically take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to finish.
Further Explorations: -
Current learners can use the translation by Jaideva Singh or one published by
Swami Ram Shaiva Trika Ashram (Jammu) in Hindi, or one by Ishwara Ashram Trust,
Nishat.
Phase 5
Following next would be "Spanda
Karikas" by Sri Vasugupta, whereby "Spanda" means Vibration
or Throb (post Buddhist period,
revival). These works elaborate "Shiv
Sutras" from energy or Shakti point of view. According to KASHMIR
SHAIVISM tradition, Ultimate Principle ("Param Shiva") is comprised
of Shiva and Shakti Elements. Shiva being dormant-male principle, while as
Shakti being energy-female principle1.
In this area, beginners would start with "Spanda Nirnaya" (a detailed
commentary on "Spanda Karikas") by Sri Kshemaraja. This work
has a
"Vritti" by Sri Kallata Bhat (taught next),
"Vivritti" by Sri Ramakantha (taught next) and
a "Pradipika" by Utpala Vaishnava (not used much). Further
there is a small work "Spand Sandoha" by Sri Kshemaraja (exposition
on first sutra of Spanda Karikas). This work was taken at the end, which would
provide a final seal on "Spanda"
doctrines.
Study Timelines: - This
text "Spanda Karikas" using "Spand Nirnaya" commentary
would take around 6 months to 1 year. Few initiate disciples would finish it in
a months’ time. Others having a strong foothold on "Shiv Sutras" would finish in under a month! The next
texts like "Vritti" and "Vivritti" would take another 6
months to 1 year or so.
Further Exploration: -
Current learners can use translation by Jaideva Singh or by John Hughes for
further studies. Advanced learners can check Doctrine of Vibration by Mark
Dyczkowski.
Few other works were introduced
and completed too, like Panchastavi, Stav-Chintamani, Bodhapanchadashika etc.
So far all the above given works
would be what aspiring learners would know of KASHMIR SHAIVISM literature,
while learning in Ashram. All these studies would take around 5-6 years to
finish and master completely. To be a connoisseur though, it would take years
of teaching to new learners. As was practice in Ashram, any old learners were
then given task of teaching new students, while as adept masters would teach
advanced texts of Pratyabhijna or Agama (Tantric) to advanced students.
Somewhere along the teaching KASHMIR SHAIVISM scriptures, Guru would give some
meditative practice. Which learner had to do at quietude of home, either early
morning or late night (before sleep)! One such basic technique is shown below,
to start off!
Basic Meditative Practice
Any learner would be asked to sit
quietly (cross legged) and asked to close eye and fix the gaze upon the place
between both eyebrows (internally). Then learner had to just relax and keep an
awareness of breath. This practice when done correctly for 15-20 minutes
(everyday) had explosive impact. A new silence or clarity dawns upon seeker,
which would push him to learn further and refine the technique (and theory).
This can be done by adherent in their daily lives, anywhere, anytime and much
benefit can be reaped, even in times like that, in-fact, especially in times
like these.
Further, it must be inculcated in
all learners that the order of text is to be followed strictly! Otherwise a
shallow understanding of KASHMIR SHAIVISM will be formed. Unless one knows
"Shiva Sutras" fully and is comfortable with all parts, one must curb
the feeling to move onto "Pratyabhijna"
or "Spanda" doctrines.
This is particularly important now, as most students have access to all KASHMIR
SHAIVISM literature, which wasn't the case in past! In past, the next text was
only allowed to be copied, if previous text was fully completed under guidance
of Guru.
Most of the students would have
finished their KASHMIR SHAIVISM study and remain in these areas only. Few
adherents who were intellectually adept and spiritually guided would move onto
learning advanced texts. As handling advanced texts is out of scope for our
discussion, so we won't delineate their structure. We can provide such
structure in future articles or at culmination of series, as reference.
1. It must be understood that word “male” or “female” are used for illustration only.
In no way do they represent gender! These are just principles, like “Positive”
and “Negative”. Just to emphasize that there are two distinct elements! One
being “male” or “positive” (the dormant) and one being “female” or “negative” (the
active). In Shaivism, “male” is usually represented or called as “Shiva” and “female”
is usually called a “Shakti”.