Essay name: Shaiva Tantra: A way of Self-awareness
Author:
L. N. Sharma
Affiliation: Banaras Hindu University / Department of Philosophy and Religion
This essay studies Shaiva Tantra and Tantric philosophies which have evolved from ancient cultural practices and represents a way of Self-awareness. Saiva Tantra emphasizes the individual's journey to transcendence through inner and external sacrifices, integrating various traditions while aiming for an uncreated, harmonious state.
Chapter 1 - The doctrinal background
19 (of 22)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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In monistic
saivism too?
39-
f) On liberation (moksa).
1 sall remind in the sequel some conceptions about libe
ration (mok峁) according to Saiva thought. Thus, for instance, the
attva Prakasika admits two types: higher (Para) and lower (Apara)
(TP, 艓). The first is attainable through the grace of Siva and consists
freedom from all live types of impurity (mala).
in getting
,
The liberated person has the revelation of the perfect powers of
knowledge and action. He is similar to Siva (Sivasamya). The lower
liberation consists in the partial maturity of mala, technically called
with
Pasutva. This state is freedom from maya and karma, but/the possession
of a body made up of Bindu which is the creative activity (TP, 30-31).
The powers acquired at liberation do not came from outside, but exist
in the individual, obscured by impurities. Mok峁 is bringing light in
obscuration. Thus, the powers of omniscience and omnipotence will
emerge and the essencial nature of the individual will become manifest.
In the same theoretical context, the Saiva Siddhanta Paribhasa stipulates
that only a person who has attained lower liberation can be a teacher
(SSP, 37). The lower liberated person is free from the body which is
the creation of may盲. He represents an external body of the Lord
himself; he is the instrument by which the Lord bestows his grace
(SSP,39). His actions are beyond fruition, directed to the benefit of
others (SSP, 38), bringing no merit or blame to the performer.
The Pasupata Sutra is dealing with a very interesting
system concerning the spiritual discipline regarding the union with
