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The present volume contains 17 selected articles of Bettina Sharada Bäumer which are the outcome of her study and research in the field of non-dual Trika Saivism of Kashmir over the last four decades. They provide insights into essential aspects and themes of the philosophy and spirituality of Trika Saivism, as well as elements of the spiritual practice involved in this tradition. Her approach is based on the fundamental texts as well as on the living traditions.The first section titled “Stotras – Hymns to the Absolute”, contains four articles which focus on the study and translation of some of the important hymns of the non-dual Saiva traditions of Kashmir. The articles include an introduction to the philosophy of Kashmir Saivism through the benedictory or mangala verses; a translation and study of the mystical hymn “Sambapañcasika”, in which Sun-worship is discussed in the light of the Saiva philosophy of Consciousness; an article on the non-dual nature of praise and finally a translation and commentary on three important hymns of Abhinavagupta, together with two stotra fragments.The second section, “Non-Dual Tradition of Saivism of Kashmir” contains 13 significant articles presenting themes and practices of the tradition. The articles are based on fundamental Tantric texts such as Vijñana Bhairava Tantra, Svacchanda Tantra and Netra Tantra. The author discusses some of the important concepts of Kashmir Saivism, such as vac, lila, time and timelessness, harmony and disharmony, mudra, the space of breath, sunya and creative contemplation in the Vijñana Bhairava Tantra, the approach of paramadvaita in the mystical hymns of Utpaladeva´s Sivastotravali, the intensity of emotions and how it is a path to liberation, the concept of sarva? sarvatmakam, i.e. “everything is related to everything else” or “all is in all”. The last article in this section is dedicated to Swami Lakshman Joo, author’s spiritual preceptor.Pasyanti offers scholars and students, philosophers and seekers a spiritual voyage into the very heart of Indian spirituality. This volume will be useful not only to students and scholars of Indology but also to lay readers.
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ISBN : 9788173056864
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