Light on Tantra in Kashmir Shaivism - Volume 4 - Chapter Five

The Tantrāloka is a voluminous masterwork of the 10th century philosopher-saint, Abhinavagupta. It is a veritable encyclopedia of non-dual Shaivism, a spiritual treasure-trove containing a glorious synthesis of all the schools that make up Kashmir Shaivism, also known as Trika. This fourth volume contains an English translation of the fifth āhnika (chapter) of the Tantrāloka, Abhinavagupta directs our attention to the various practices associated with the so-called lowest upaya - Anavopaya, the means pertaining to the individual (Anu). Swamiji informs us, however, "You should not think when you adopt the means of anavopaya you are adopting the inferior means. It is not inferior means, it is actually the real means, the real way." The subtleties of this formidable, though accessible practice are clearly and forcefully presented by Swami Lakshmanjoo, the last accomplished exponent in the ancient line of Kashmir Shaiva masters. In the accompanying audio, the sincere student can hear the words of a completely realized master who lived and breathed Kashmir Shaivism in its fullness.

The Tantraloka is a voluminous masterwork of the 10th century philosopher-saint, Abhinavagupta. It is a veritable encyclopedia of non-dual Shaivism, a spiritual treasure-trove containing a glorious synthesis of all the schools that make up Kashmir Shaivism, also known as Trika. This fourth volume contains an English translation of the fifth ahnika (chapter) of the Tantraloka, Abhinavagupta directs our attention to the various practices associated with the so-called lowest upaya - Anavopaya, the means pertaining to the individual (Anu). Swamiji informs us, however, "You should not think when you adopt the means of anavopaya you are adopting the inferior means. It is not inferior means, it is actually the real means, the real way." The subtleties of this formidable, though accessible practice are clearly and forcefully presented by Swami Lakshmanjoo, the last accomplished exponent in the ancient line of Kashmir Shaiva masters. In the accompanying audio, the sincere student can hear the words of a completely realized master who lived and breathed Kashmir Shaivism in its fullness.