The exquisite, heart-opening first 21 verses of "Light on the Tantras", in which Abhinavagupta eloquently praises his ishta-devatās and gurus. If the greatest genius of his era still needed wise guides and teachers, don't we all?
Abhinavagupta, Tantrik yoga
This section of “The Essence of Tantra” teaches the fascinating practice called ‘Elevation of the Prana’, and unveils some of the key teachings on mystical experience in the Kaula tradition of nondual Tantra. Also: the five-chakra system!
Abhinavagupta, Spiritual philosophy, Tantrik yoga
In this captivating section of ‘The Essence of Tantra’ chapter four, Abhinavagupta lays out in luminous prose how a nondual Tāntrika understands the spiritual practices like Puja, Japa, Homa, and Yoga.
Abhinavagupta, Liberation, philosophy, Spiritual inquiry
In this section of his most accessible work, The Essence of the Tantras, Abhinavagupta makes a compelling — and controversial — argument that none of the practices of Yoga contribute to the possibility of abiding awakeness or final liberation except insofar as they contribute to discernment and insight, for only accurate insight into the nature of reality liberates. This nuanced and careful argument is a must-read for all Tantrik Yogis!
Photo by Robert Snache
Chapter Three of Abhinavagupta’s masterpiece, The Essence of Tantra, introduces his doctrine of ‘linguistic mysticism’.
