Thursday, 17 July 2025

KS- PTI

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"Paratrisika-Laghuvritti" is a short commentary (laghu-vṛtti) on the Parātriśikā, a key tantric scripture in the Trika Shaivism tradition of Kashmir. Here's a brief overview of both:


🔱 Parātriśikā

  • The Parātriśikā is a śāstra (scripture) of Kaula Trika Shaivism, forming a part of the Rudrayāmala Tantra.

  • It's composed as a dialogue between Shiva and Shakti, with the teachings primarily being revealed by Shiva to Devi.

  • The main focus is on mantra, kundalini, spanda (vibration), and supreme consciousness (Parāśakti).

  • It’s considered esoteric and deeply symbolic, often using cryptic language requiring interpretation by a qualified teacher or commentary.


📜 Laghuvṛtti (Short Commentary)

  • The Laghuvṛtti is a concise commentary written by Abhinavagupta, one of the greatest philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism.

  • “Laghu” means “brief” and “vṛtti” means “commentary.”

  • It explains the first verse (or the essential mantra verse) of the Parātriśikā, unpacking its metaphysical, linguistic, and yogic meanings.

  • Abhinavagupta uses it to introduce the non-dualistic philosophy of Trika Shaivism, focusing on how supreme consciousness manifests as the universe.


🧘‍♀️ Philosophical Themes

The Laghuvritti explores:

  1. Parā (Supreme) Shakti as the creative force.

  2. The nature of Spanda (divine vibration).

  3. The emergence of letters, mantras, and consciousness.

  4. The non-dual relationship between Shiva and Shakti.

  5. Mantric cosmology – how mantra is not just a sound, but a vehicle of cosmic power.


🪔 Significance

  • Acts as a bridge between metaphysics, mysticism, and practice.

  • Emphasizes jnāna (knowledge) and mantra sādhanā (mantra practice).

  • Forms the foundation for deeper works like Tantrāloka by the same author.


Would you like:

  • A translation of the opening verse with commentary?

  • A more detailed breakdown of its metaphysics?

  • A comparison with other Kashmir Shaiva texts like the Spandakārikā or Tantrasāra?

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