philosophy

Why Yoga Doesn't Work . . . and Why it Does (Tantrasaara Chapter Four, Part 2)

Why Yoga Doesn't Work . . . and Why it Does (Tantrasaara Chapter Four, Part 2)

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!

The nature of awareness (Tantraloka 1 cont'd)

The nature of awareness (Tantraloka 1 cont'd)

In this section of the text, Abhinava discusses the nature of Awareness as the ground of all being. He breaks down sentience & insentience, gradations of awareness, individuated awareness vs. overarching Awareness, what full realization entails, and refutes objective materialism, all in the course of just five Sanskrit verses!