Reverence to the Divine, who constantly performs the five Acts (of creation, preservation, reabsorption, concealment, and revelation)—and who, by so doing, reveals the ultimate reality of one’s own Self, which is nothing but the Joy of Awareness.
The third and final part of Chapter Three of Abhinavagupta’s Tantrasāra teaches us about the relationship between the fundamental powers of Awareness and human language, and introduces the doctrine of enlivened mantras.
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!
