What is Kashmir Shaivism?

Finally it is time to talk about the tantric tradition of non-dual Kashmir Shaivism, as well as some of its representatives like the great Abhinavagupta.
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Music by:
Filip Holm
Banaras Baba & Kolkata Kid
Pawan Krishna
Palace on Wheels
Most of my music can be found here:
Filip Holm: open.spotify.com/artist/2O7FL...
Zini: open.spotify.com/artist/0jy5K...
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Chakravarty, H.N. (Translated by) (2012). "Tantrasara of Abhinavagupta". Edited by Boris Marjanovic. Rudra Press.
Dyczkowski, Mark S.G. (1987). "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism". SUNY Press.
Hoskote, Ranjit (Translated by) (2013). "I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Ded". Penguin Classics.
Marjanovic, Boris (Translated by) (2004). "Abhinavagupta's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: Gitartha Samgraha". Indica Books.
Muller-Ortega, Paul (1988). "The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir". SUNY Press.
Singh, Jaideva (Translated by) (1990). "The Doctrine of Recognition: A Translation of the Pratyabhijnahrdayam with an Introduction and Notes, by Ksemaraja". SUNY Press.
Swami Lakshmanjoo (2015). "Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme". CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Torella, Raffaele & Bettina Bäumer (2016). "Utpaladeva: Philosopher of Recognition". D.K. Printworld.
Torella, Rafaele (Translated by) (2013). "The Isvarapratyabhijnakarika of Utpaladeva: Critical edition and annoted translation". Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
03:20 Origins & Early History
09:03 Abhinavagupta
15:01 The Philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism
23:12 Self-knowledge, Vibration (Spanda) & Creation
32:56 Shiva & Shakti
34:20 Practice in Kashmir Shaivism
46:52 Conclusions
#hinduism #kashmir #mysticism

[@LetsTalkReligion]

It has come to my attention that a full english translation of the Tantraloka by Mark Dyczkowski was announced while I was writing this episode. The first few volumes have already been published! Good times! Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: www.paypal.com/paypalme/letstalkreligion Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254b Most of my music can be found here: Filip Holm: open.spotify.com/artist/2O7FLjTvLWdWHDBgog9MPG?si=wLyeCLaoS4il7XLhhMgntQ Zini: open.spotify.com/artist/0jy5KbYexv9k3zx2KWxXYQ?si=LMbsxxvjT-uI6bWwUxkPIw

[@one-manarmy4508]

Sadhguru has something to say about this on his chanel

[@raphaelwalterlin1681]

I can strongly recommend Dyczkowski's publications to anybody seriously engaging with the subject-matter here. His translation is the work of literally decades of research and personal engagements, its the culmination of 50 years of study and so-to-speak "his lifework". Besides, the volumes contain an astonishing amount of appendixes and additional sources translated into English for the first time, such as Niskriyananda's 50 verses, which over two generations turned into the Krama system that Sivanananda brought to the Kashmir valley in the 9th century and which as we know influenced Abhinavagupta's exegesis decisively.

[@nickgold2012]

I have the first four volumes on order -- they're slated to arrive this week! Woot! The whole work will probably require a lifetime of study, which sounds swell to me. :-)

[@StevenParrisWard]

There have been a number of earlier English translations of this. Abhinavagupta Tantraloka: English translation with Sanskrit Texts (5 Vols-Set) Translated by Prof. Satya Prakash Singh and Swami Maheshvarananda being the most complete. The Tantraloka of Abhinava Gupta Jayaratha Rajanaka.Light on Tantra in Kashmir Shaivism: Chapter One of Abhinavagupta's Tantraloka Lakshmanjoo, Swami also.

[@ChessPlayer78]

kzbin.info7pBl0Vp5kxw?feature=share

[@scottkunghadrengsen2604]

40 years ago I was trying to pursue a PHD on the 84 Mahasiddhas and the relationship between Tibetan Buddhism and Kashmir Shavism. Alas the academic life was not for me. I am so grateful for your existence and the many shared interests you deepen and expand upon for me..Thanks again!

[@jiensuyang3915]

Succinct to say it’s not for u. Otherwise u would this dude is funded by power structures that fabricate stories to keep u enslaves. It’s just that they realize that we r more susceptible to believing ppl with no media presence. And this guy looks half mental so they are making him read bullshit that keep Indians enslaved . Nothing he said makes sense . U like it cuz u r ignorant enuf to think he is cool for being uncool

[@yoeyyoey8937]

Thats súper interesting they are weirdly related but we only hear about Tibetan Buddhism and just accept that it came out of nowhere.

[@jerry-mind-sky]

Wonderful that you studied 84 mahasiddhas.!:)

[@teodor5420]

Really cool bass playing, i subscribed. I just picked up bass recently as well and its really cool to see how much you can do with the instrument.

[@jerry-mind-sky]

@@david9180 wonderful that you see difference in feeling and mood in those things . All best on way to ocean of awareness.

[@ArjunDhar123]

I am Kashmiri Pandit . It amazes me how easily you explained Kashmirir Shaivism .

[@mohitshrivastava5412]

You live in Kashmir bro?

[@prubh1754]

Dhan dhan Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

[@manh385]

Are Kashmiri Pandits still living in Kadhmir Valley after their exodus from there? Are you living in Kashmir ?

[@VSM101]

@@manh385 genocide followed by an exodus

[@saikatbiswas127]

Take my salutation. The Scion of the adi guru abhinavaGupta

[@kenrogers7410]

I met my guru when I was 14 and have been living in Kashmir Saivism ever since, I was always taught that what I was doing was an esoteric school of yoga. I'm now 74 years old. This is the first time I've ever seen an overview that's clear and concise without sensationalizing some of the practices without understanding what the underlying philosophy is trying to achieve.

[@krishnkant9477]

You live in Kashmir?

[@kenrogers7410]

@@krishnkant9477 not anymore, I moved to Canada when I turned 19 soon after my maithuna and became an arhant. What can I say, I live in a small town and have a piece of property where I go to meditate when the weather is conducive otherwise I will meditate here in town. Most people say that they practice yoga, but I don't. I live yoga! If we are here because of the interaction between purusa and prakriti what else can we be but Tat . It is now 406 in the morning so I will end the conversation with my favourite sloka In the darkest hour of the darkest night, close your eyes and see the light. Namaste.

[@shootingstar3371]

thanks ill steal your comment for likes mahahahah

[@ahmadfrhan5265]

As a Muslim I say HAIL LORD RAM 🙏🚩🌹HAIL LORD RAM 🙏🙏🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 Baudhāyana (4. 1.11). - ‘Let him give his daughter, while she still goes about naked, to a man who has not broken the vow of chastity and who possesses good qualities, or even to one destitute of good qualities; let him not keep the maiden in his house after she has reached the age of puberty.’Gautama (18-21). - ‘A girl should be given in marriage before puberty.’Vaśiṣṭha (17.70). - ‘Out of fear of the appearance of the menses, let the father marry his daughter while she still runs about naked. For if she stays in the home after the age of puberty, sin falls on the father.’

[@ahmadfrhan5265]

@@andromeda45188 you know it is the norm in the past to marry at young age. You have secular argument against Islam not moral you can't use your scripture because your scripture support it

[@kuku6116]

Lalitaditya Mukhtopida defended Kashmir from Huns & Turk Islamic invaders for centuries but lastly Kashmir fell into the hands of Islamic invaders, they converted most of Kashmiri Hindus by persecution and some Kashmiri pandits fled from valley due to persecution and a fascinating philosophy lost with time. Ruins of Sharda Vidyapeeth an ancient University still exists there in POK

[@Your_real_dad]

Yep

[@pnkcnlng228]

As a Hindu, not born into the religion, thanks. Please make more videos on hinduism! They are splendid!

[@izlamastfgil5309]

if I may ask, what was your former religion, before you reverted into Hinduism?

[@SpectralThought]

What is the process to becoming a hindu?

[@Ragnar638]

@@SpectralThought Nothing. Just learn and have respect for its philosophies.

[@evereststevens5408]

​@izlam astfgil i come from Russian Orthodox church to vedic religion

[@pnkcnlng228]

@@izlamastfgil5309 I was raised in a catholic house in Italy, then became an Atheist. Now I am a Hindu

[@FirdousAhmedLone]

I am a Muslim from kashmir, really wanted to learn about Kashmir Shaivism,

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Hope the video was helpful!

[@FirdousAhmedLone]

@@LetsTalkReligion yes, thank you

[@Believer9999]

Che kya karun shaivismas. Shikhs jamaat hindyen hinz 😂

[@FirdousAhmedLone]

@@Believer9999 i am a history student, kashmiris developed mahayama Buddhist school, kashmiri Shaivism, rishi sufi order. Bas paran, pakan. Edit:- To all the bakhts and hatemongers, i respect other religions that doesn't mean i should convert into those religions. I am proud of islam and Allah is Enough for me. Muhammed ﷺ is my Master, Quran is my guide.

[@joshua_here5849]

​@@kishandubey7882 this channel talks about Islam too

[@hitherehi135]

Thanks! This is a great overview of Kashmiri Shaivism. I appreciate your talks.

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Thank you so much!

[@jimmyjasi-]

​@@marshalmarrs3269Oh. Because Christian mythology is such nicely invented in contrast. kzbin.info/www/bejne/goXPnXZticeAbq8 Unlike Christianity Kashmir Shaivism or Buddhism isn't centered on mythology, but on consciousness practices to become better for others

[@Andrewthomas102]

As a white American I was raised on Hindu philosophy and thank shiva I was

[@Your_real_dad]

Good for U , Jai Mahakal 🙇🙏

[@adityajoshi6422]

Interesting. How so? Can you share your story?

[@thelordofgifts5343]

Christ Is King

[@Your_real_dad]

@@thelordofgifts5343 David is king too ✊

[@sahilsingh6048]

How can you share ?

[@Ali-pw1hu]

As a Kashmiri it's sad to know that such rich spritual traditions have been lost in time

[@Believer9999]

Eww thank god idolism ended. Trath yeman

[@Lol-ud8cs]

​@@Believer9999 😂😂 pedo worshiper

[@commentnahipadhaikar2339]

All thanks to mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. Though there still are many followers initiated people in Trika

[@ceoofracism5713]

@@commentnahipadhaikar2339 are you afraid to tell who mass executed those hindus?

[@commentnahipadhaikar2339]

@@ceoofracism5713 it is called Massacre not execution.

[@Pageant_utopia]

In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh We Follow Shaivism and Shaktism We hv tantric traditions We hv very beautiful Blend of Tantric Buddhism and Tantric Hinduism

[@tuljitgogoi125]

A video on Shaktism centred around Kamakhya temple and Assam will be wonderful.Also please made a video on Puranas and their relationship with contemporary Hinduism.

[@allensnea9335]

Yeah really the Puranas should not be taken as important as they are today lol

[@tuljitgogoi125]

@@allensnea9335 May be not but still their impact is great.The Bhagvatam Purana is definitely a pan indian text across different sects.In Assam it is through Bhagvatam Purana alone Hinduism is spread across different tribes and castes by Srimanta Shankardeva.For Some Bengali Brahmins Kalika Puran is important ritual text as well as Devi Puran and Brihad Dharma Puran.As far as i know Shiva Puran also holds special place among certain north indian Shiva Bhaktas.

[@infinite5795]

@@tuljitgogoi125 it's both Bhagavata and Laxmi Purana in Odisha. The latter is the only Purana written in a language other than Sanskrit in the whole of India.

[@michaelangello1352]

​@@tuljitgogoi125 wait!! Whattt??? I thought the tribes of assam follows the folk religion and not Hinduism

[@tuljitgogoi125]

@@michaelangello1352 Well some of them definitely do although in small numbers and syncretic with Hinduism.But a wide group of tribes particularly in Upper Assam adhere to Sankardeva's Vaishnavite Hinduism.Tribes so as Missing,Sonowal kachari,Chutia,Moran are great followers Sankardeva's "ek naam saran dharma".But Hinduism is also not only Dharmic Religion that is prevalent among tribals in Assam.The tai khamti,tai khamyang,tai phake,chakmas ,simgphos are Theravada Buddhists .Some Bodos in assam Brahma Samaj religion well others adhere to traditional Bodo animistic religion.Many dimasas are Shakta oriented hindus.If i have to give you general idea how Hinduism works among tribals then it's complicated.Some tribals would definitely looks like they are following Hinduism well others mixes some much of their beliefs with Hinduism that you can't separate them from each other.

[@Mrityormokshiya]

I'm so happy you made a video on Trika Kashmir Shaivism. I'm Hindu from Gaudiya Vaishnava family and I've been reading about different philosophies in Astika Arshya school of thought and learned a lot from Prof. Lakshmanjoo about Abhinavagupta. Especially when learning the subtle difference in Kevaladvaita & Paradvaita ( in the former, Brahman is reflected in buddhi & that reflection becomes the existence of jiva. In the latter Paramśiva (Parabrahman) is absolutely perfect & jiva is filled with imperfections (malas) & it's Paramśiva that will reflect buddhi) when Gaudiya Vaishnavism is achintya bhed abheda (The shaktis are inseparable from Brahman but also different from it). Filip, your channel has been one of my top favourites!

[@TheWorldTeacher]

Are you an ISKCon devotee? 🤔

[@Mrityormokshiya]

@@TheWorldTeacher No, I don't go to Iskcon. I'm also not initiated. But my grandfather is a traditional Gaudiya Vaishnava.

[@nerthus4685]

@@Mrityormokshiya Good for you. One should carefully stay away from fanatical authoritarian exploitative destructive organizations.

[@jiensuyang3915]

And who are Brahmins? Where are they from? How come Brahmins have had such a bloody history in Indian subcontinent and so much fraud connected to their names

[@Sundar...]

​@@Mrityormokshiya Good that you stayed away from them. 😁

[@georginakumar6191]

A born Roman Catholic in South India, my search for the true religion began very early. Now I'm onto a spirituality that's in coherence with routine life on the planet. This, along with Buddhist tenets give a clearer mode of life to follow. Thanks for the clarity.

[@salmankhan0120]

Nice as you are looking into all religions, I suggest you to go through qur'an it will be definitely help you in your journey for tje truth

[@StopFear]

I also study different religions and to me Hindu worldview with its complex cosmology and theology seems to be very very contrived in comparison with any other mainstream religion. This is not my attempt to suggest which of the world religion contains the "truth", but just from perspective of someone who compares religions, but religions/worldviews such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam seem to be offering what is in practice a more direct path to either "God", or enlightenment, or "Truth". Compared to other branches of Christianity, Catholicism is definitely closer to Hinduism in its complexity, which is probably why many people in Europe and later outside of Europe, found any form of Protestant Christianity to be a better alternative.

[@ganeshnh]

​@@salmankhan0120it has done enough damage already.

[@dboyagod]

@@ganeshnh😂😂

[@Xzim69]

​@@salmankhan0120 wrong suggestion 😂

[@kasturipillay6626]

Our Lord Shiva, is greatest, and all cultures have embraced him in some form or another, whether they are aware or not. Our ancestors and their ancestors worshipped Lord Shiva. ❤

[@TheArkaRoy]

You said at the beginning, non-dual strands were mainly, Vaishnavite. But Adi Shankara the exponent of that tradition was a Shaivite himself along with his disciples. That's why wherever we see a Shankaracharya temple in India it is actually a Shiva temple. His tilak also resembles his Shaivite lineage that predates Abhinavagupta. So, non-dualist saints were Shivite too (before Abhinavagupta).

[@Anshu.24383]

That's what i was thinking also!

[@alukuhito]

Yeah. I stayed at an Advaita Vedanta ashram, but the temple there was dedicated to Shiva.

[@user-xy1vp2jg7p]

True ❤

[@madhavmaniraj442]

Sankara was definitely not a shaivaite. It would probably be more accurate to describe him as a practitioner of Smarta, which rejects theistic sectarianism and simultaneously worships multiple equal deities.

[@vinsin328]

He put the Bhagvata Gita equivalent to Upanishands/Veda, so definitely a big Vaishnavite. His doing so later let to the creation of Krishnanism.

[@enuastic]

As a practitioner of Trika, I can say this introduction is quite impressive. Your research work is very accurate. I would just like to add that the traverse through the Upayas is not necessarily progressive, as it highly depends on Grace (anugraha).. Thank you for your work!

[@AtlantisWisdom]

How did u find a guru of trika ?

[@kallumama648]

Only grace of shiva is required

[@upasanaacharya3469]

No for real, I have been trying for a long time to be initiated and I wanted a guide for the same. Where should I look for the same?

[@AtlantisWisdom]

@@upasanaacharya3469 try with Vimarsha foundation, Somananda tantra school and Swami Lakhmanjoo

[@upasanaacharya3469]

@@AtlantisWisdom okay thanks 👍

[@moonchyld1475]

I have been on a spiritual journey for a few years and have been lead to learn about hinduism. Thank you for giving me more education.

[@adithiarjun6764]

Vaishnavism✊💪

[@dyscotopia]

I just discovered this branch of philosophy recently, and I absolutely love the idea of immersion in the senses and the myriad manifestations they perceive such that all beauty becomes a blessing and all phenomena becomes beautiful. I do see some similarities with vajrayana, but I like that this is more or a householder tradition that doesn't require taking vows and renunciation, simply a shift in the way we think and feel about how we relate to worldly form

[@barrymoore4470]

Kashmir Shaivism is the most world-affirming religion I know.

[@reneevalentino9244]

Laksmanjoo Academy has published Swami Laksmanjoo's translation and commentary on Tantraloka in English. Chapters 1 - 4, as Volumes 1-3, have been published. Translation and commentary by Swami Laksmanjoo of chapters 5- 13 were recorded while Swami Laksmanjoo was alive, and are being prepared for publication.

[@elliottzylstra7520]

Would love to see more work on Abhinavagupta please! And thanks so much for the time you put into these videos, your really making a difference

[@Kosovar_Chicken]

I practice a form of non dualism with Shiva as the primary deity. I had no idea about Abhinavagupta and Kashmir Shaivism. Thank you

[@X1Aman1X]

I am Indian muslim, love you my hindu bro/sis😊

[@POLITICUS-DANICUS]

Traitor

[@VSM101]

Love you too bro😊

[@X1Aman1X]

@@VSM101 aa meri jaaan

[@spaceexplorer5481]

You do but does Your holy book do ?

[@RAJAT6555]

Hi taqiyya artist.

[@neyazahmad76]

Your knowledge is awesome. I have always been interested in Hindu philosophy.

[@barrymoore4470]

Very commendable and comprehensive introduction to this important and beautiful religious tradition. While I identify as a negative atheist, I can state that Kashmir Shaivism is the most appealing (most world-affirming) religious school I know, and I also regard it as the most humane (man and the world are real, inherently good, and inalienable from the divine). Being a lover of art, I find the religion's endorsement of creative expression and appreciation, drawing parallels between divine will and bliss and human aesthetic experience, very attractive. One reason for the tradition's great and enduring fascination is of course Abhinavagupta himself, one of the most extraordinary and compelling human beings to have entered history. So many figures in ancient Indian culture persist as mere names attached to texts, but for Abhinavagupta we have a relatively remarkable breadth of knowledge pertaining to his individual story, much of it provided by the man himself. In any case, he emerges as a flesh-and-blood human being whom we can recognize and admire, and his personality adds profoundly to the appeal of the school of Shaivism he synthesized.

[@somadelica7771]

Thank you, I learned a lot about Kashmir Shaivism! I hope one day you do Yungdrung Bon which is a complete system of sutra, tantra, and dzogchen :)

[@Torvas93]

Prior to this video I was unaware of the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. Again and again you keep providing us with some outstanding content, Thank you for everything you do! I would love to see you dive into Chan/Zen Buddhism in the near future.

[@nickgold2012]

A Zen video would be excellent!

[@dharmendra.singh.1985]

Well, Buddhism was born from Hinduism, and Zen Buddhism was born from Buddhism so all roads lead back to adiyogi, Lord Shiva.

[@Meinnearach0204]

You're some sort of guru or bodhisattva, even if you won't admit it. Thank you for all you do!

[@user-of2sq7dd8m]

I am a believer of Shiva, this deserves million views. Very educational! Appreciate your effort for explaining Kashmir Shaivism

[@LoudWaffle]

Wonderful video, I actually encountered this tradition while researching another topic. On that note I'd recommend the book I read: Translating Wisdom by Shankair Nair. It's about the Mughal translation of a Kashmir Shaivic text, the Laghu-Yoga-Vasistha, into Persian, and all the particularities of not only the linguistic translations, but also conceptual translations required to explain ideas to a Muslim audience coming from a very distinctly different intellectual tradition.

[@icookwithmom]

Excellent 👌. Please explore Balinese Hinduism and the concept of achintya sometime in the future. Also, it would be wonderful if you could compare tibetan Buddhism with Hinduism, especially tantra - I find them very similar.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

Buddhist tantras are most likely derived from hindu tantras.

[@HypostaticFridge]

There is definitely a kind of cross-religous discourse that happened between Tibetan Buddhism and Kashmir Shavism, it has been noted before. It's particularly fascinating how a generally non-theist religion would have sug parallels with a theist religion such as Shaivism. Both very much overlap especially with the high level tantric practices.

[@mayankdewli1010]

Buddism is not really non theist. They believe in deities as "manifestation of our own true divine (buddha) nature" which need to be invoked by following certain practises while hindus can seem them as "external" deities or thought forms depending on the tradition.@@HypostaticFridge

[@theguyver4934]

Im a muslim from pakistan and love hinduism so much given the fact it is the religion of my ancesters

[@Word77787]

Salam guyver , yeah after studying all the major religious texts I could get, I think that maybe that there is no exclusivity in religion, that GOD does not have any problem dealing with all people, the other option just doesn't ring true, and certainly not burning or torturing any of his souls!! But I understand why those teachings are in there, what do you think?

[@deepblue3682]

That admission is quite rare in islam... !!!...

[@theguyver4934]

@@Word77787 What can you please explain to me the last part because i understood your first part but not your last can you please explain to me what you mean by i can understand those teachings are there

[@theguyver4934]

@@Word77787 hello your reply

[@Word77787]

@@theguyver4934 I think that the teachings of hell and, you know, burning souls and the really drastic punishments,are included in many texts, could be there to keep people from committing very violent and other crimes, because there are really bad souls, people who are prone to these things, but I believe the reality will be that God would never do these things to His children , this is only my opinion, God 🙏 forgive me if I've said anything wrong amen ✡️✝️☪️🙏 peace brother

[@16tonw8]

Loving these Hinduism videos, hope we can get some more! I'd love an intro video comparing and contrasting the philosophies of the major schools of Hindusim (Shaivism, Smarta, etc)

[@henrymorales7689]

I cannot quite communicate the rush of energy and emotions that flows when your freaking incredible research entered my psyche. Thank you so much for your effort on putting this mindblowing video together. You just made my (usually depressing) sunday great. Blessings

[@talksofdharma2466]

Nice video. Swami Lakshmanjoos was the last Kashmiri Shaivite Saint who had attained the highest state of ParaBhairava as you explained. He was experientially experiencing the non dual state of ParaBhairava or Brahman. Swami Lakshmanjoos recodings from the 80a are available on KZbin and one can see his divine expression that he so much loved to hide. Swami Lakshmanjoo had become One with Shiva itself and transcended our reality of the world while living in the reality. Swami Lakshmanjoos guru Swami Rama had attained the same state of enlightenment.

[@sverreandreassen8311]

This is one of the most elucidating overviews of Kashmir Shaivism I have come across. Thank you very much!

[@drewan999]

Finally! A clear, concise and comprehensive (given the time parameters) video on Kashmiri Shaiva! Your presentation also inspires me to check out your offerings on other spiritual practices and music as well! What a great service this is! I can also highly recommend Prof. Timalsina's more in-depth videos on various aspects of Trika, from both an academic as well as almost life-long acharya perspective.

[@MrMikkyn]

I have read Tantra Illuminated by Christopher Wallis, and have briefly studied a few Vaishnava Sampradayas so this is very familiar to me. I love hearing about Kashmir Shaivism again, its like revision. You are very good at explaining things step by step without making it confusing.

[@NOTHINGNEWYT]

Great video as always! Hope you keep making videos on Eastern spirituality, we need more quality content like this.

[@yoeyyoey8937]

This was awesome. I’m impressed by the amount of research and/or background knowledge that went into this. Thank you much it’s a good summary and comparison to related traditions.

[@akashtiwari5729]

Thank you for this 🧡💜 I am a Shavite from the Ganga plains region (North India) given so many philosophical works when it comes to the 6 theistic schools of philosophy and the 2 non-Vedic ones (Buddhism & Jainism), it becomes hard for even practitioners of the faith or lifestyle to full appreciate the intellectual Foundations of their beliefs.

[@universeofopulence]

... I'm a shivite from the plains of river kaveri also known as southern Ganga.

[@zaciroth]

Buddhism, especially Vajrayana, is very Vedic in nature though

[@allensnea9335]

@@zacirothWell yeah the Buddha was against the Brahminist teachings of his time (which was popular in the kingdoms that surrounded where he lived). What the Buddha did was take aspects of the Upanishads and added his own philosophy to these words.

[@ManishSharma-yu5jh]

@@universeofopulence Godavari is known as Ganga of South.

[@ManishSharma-yu5jh]

@@allensnea9335 Well, Buddha didn't take philosophy from Upanishads. The fact is, there is only one supreme philosophy which takes you to the truth. Rishis of Upanishads and Buddha both were enlightened beings who achieved the supreme truth. How come their philosophies can differ? They will be same. Infact if you study the philosophies of all enlightened beings, be it Vedic Rishis, be it buddha or Mahavir or Prophet Muhammad or Jesus Christ or Laotzu or Guru Nanak, you will find no difference in the basic philosophy. Obviously there will be little differences but those differences don't really matter.

[@OldDarwish]

I've been waiting all day for this, it's an hour before Iftar where I'm at and I know it'll be an hour well spent. Thank you filip❤ Also, Can you please make more videos on Neoplatonism?

[@bharatkapoor4062]

Are you in USA

[@LetsTalkReligion]

Yes I definitely plan to! Hope you have a blessed and meaningful month of fasting!

[@OldDarwish]

@@bharatkapoor4062 No, I'm In Egypt.

[@Terralncognita]

As a Hindu, I am so very honored that you took the time out of your Holy Fasting to watch an informative video. Blessings 🙏🙏

[@quantumyogi6121]

Fabulous overview on such a complex topic! So well explained. Much appreciated! 🕉

[@ZenInsights-vp8nb]

This is fantastic. Loved the accompanying music also. Not too loud not too soft and not too busy. Much appreciated.

[@AnalogLanguage]

Started looking into shaivism in November, this video was so well done! Thank you for your work!

[@midplanewanderer9507]

Wow! That was a rip-roaring good presentation, really held my attention! I never heard of Kashmir Shaivism, but it has a certain life-affirming resonance for me compared to the more rigid, arid schools of non-dualist thought. It's interesting how some of the concepts from these ancient teachings mirror many Western NDE experiencer's assertions of there being an underlying ineffable "Oneness." Curious.

[@TheGuiltsOfUs]

Not too sure how a religion in which many are burning in naraka is "affirming" in any way.

[@Word77787]

Thanks Philip I love your work, this is totally in my wheelhouse and I've watched almost all of videos,

[@johnschroder2017]

Thank you for this excellent video, and, indeed, for all the videos you produce. They are real treasures in a time of glitz.

[@tizianocalvi]

I met Shree Swami Laksman and received his blessing Shaktipat. With my eyes open or clised I saw everything shimmerin with the blue of consciousness. Met also Swami Muktananda from Ganeshpuri also a shakti Guru. Muktananda said that the pholosophy that most explained his esperience was Kashmir Shaivism. Now I still follo Siddha yoga path. With the successor of Swami Muktananda shree Chidvilasananda Gurumayi. Shivo ham !!!❤

[@ilsuocavallopazzo]

For being a Svāmī you have to take Samnyāsa.. they never took Samnyāsa, so they are not Svāmī.

[@UnderTheNorthStar]

That was a marvellous overview and simply beautiful presentation. So many starting points for future research. Thank you so much!

[@ironhead108]

Thank you! I've been waiting for this video ever since your video on Tantra. This is my darshan, and I understand it well, but still makes me very happy to see it reviewed and described so well by you. Om Namah Shivaya

[@innerfire81]

This is one of the best overviews of Kashmir Shaivism I've ever had the pleasure to hear. Fantastic job!

[@scottygarner4670]

Thanks a lot for this video. This is a perfect contribution to the lineage of topics you’ve covered on the channel so far.

[@ethanjacobrosca7833]

I would also like to see an episode on Cao Dai. It is a very interesting religious tradition that originated from Vietnam that blends East Asian and Western philosophy.

[@cheri238]

This is priceless pearl knowledge. One of my favorite channels on KZbin and with the deepest appreciation and devotion for your wisdom you impart to others. Reverence ✨️ ❤

[@devangel2]

This was awesome! So fascinating, please do more of these 🤩

[@TharsyanJaderuby]

Waited a whole year for this! Thank you! 🙏

[@Avidya444]

Just purchased a book on kashmir shaivism a few days ago!

[@gnoy]

looking to read more about it myself, which book did you buy?

[@Avidya444]

@@gnoy originally i bought Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme, but i found it to dense to understand. I recently came upon Kashmir Saivism: The Central Philosophy of Tantrism. It is long but goes really into depth about the epistemology!

[@Avidya444]

@@gnoy also there’s a great podcaster called Nish for the love of yoga. He’s a kashmir shavist and a student from the Rama Krishna lineage

[@defunctorum9999]

​@@Avidya444 Nish is going to be leading a multi week online course on Kashmir Shaivism with the Vedanta Life Academy starting April 4!

[@Avidya444]

@@defunctorum9999 how do i attend?

[@aphilosophersphantom7208]

Was just thinking about Vaishnavism. Would be amazing if you did a video on that too.

[@nerthus4685]

He has made a video about Ramanuja.

[@jassimarsingh6505]

@@nerthus4685 But he doesn’t represent all of vaishnavites

[@ahlulaql]

​@@jassimarsingh6505 Because since his main course is in the field of Sufism,He's more likely making contents regard to Monistic Vaishnavism

[@VSM101]

@@ahlulaql Which kinda sucks because there are very deep thinkers and Saints in the Vishnava Tradistions who have changed India's history forever.

[@fzaman1000]

Thank you so much. You and your patrons are a blessing to this world 🙏

[@sachinm6244]

Wonderful lecture ... Perhaps the only clear and lucid overview of KS on KZbin so far. I have been trying to learn about kahmir shaivism, but always used to end up getting confused between trika and tantra etc... thank you for a wonderful lecture.

[@hkumar7340]

Excellent primer on Trika for all of us students! Very, very commendable! Thank you! ❤

[@wernermeier1808]

You really have successfully summarized a very complex subject. Congratulations! I really enjoyed to watch this video.

[@scienceofreligion6883]

I always learn a lot from your videos. Thank you so much for putting in the time to make them for us!

[@gauravchawla8050]

Great one! Complex topics explained brilliantly.

[@coaxihuitl]

Thank you very much for this look at Kashmir Shaivism. It is a huge topic and I’d love if you did more on it, or on Abhinavagupta’s works on Rasa. Another topic I find interesting is the view on Lila in Advaita Vedanta vs Kashmir Shaivism. Thanks again, much appreciated!

[@christoph.j.gassmann]

Interesting is also the live of Lilian Silburn, the scolar and mystic, who translated several scriptures of that tradition. Famous is her book about Kundalini.

[@rrazdan1]

Thanks for creating this superb summary!

[@Christ.Consciousness]

Sending you all unconditional love, kindness, gratitude and compassion 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@stephenbost5892]

Finally my belief system is being revealed. I love this so much.

[@josephschmitt733]

This channel has been absolutely fantastic and over the years has continued to impress. Thanks for your passion and sharing your knowledge.

[@bchandrakalanaidu722]

Thanks for this video. First time I came to know what I am following. This spandan is always with me and I know 'Om' from my childhood. The journey is going on beautifully❤ ❤

[@RoYaL3796]

Nice! I'm looking forward to this one.

[@JCVarkey]

Wow, excellent piece of translated knowledge to the masses. Very grateful for your work and contributions! I have been watching you for awhile and you keep putting out fantastic content in a very accessible format. Keep up the good work brother 🙏✨

[@JuandiegoFA]

What an incredible work in this introduction to Trika! Thank you so much! Mikkyo (Tendai and Shingon) would also do a great episode, showing a fusion of this lineage with Mahayana buddhism.

[@dr.ramanandan]

An excellent video on Kashmir Shaivism. So many thanks for your efforts. All the best. Would like to watch more from you on Indian culture and religion.

[@108bhavani]

Thankyou this was a wonderful talk I was introduced to Kashmir Shaivism by a Siddha Guru in my early thirty’s I am now in my Seventies . This philosophy has been a guiding light in my life. Thank you just the inspiration that I needed at this time on my life .

[@khubaibmujtaba1478]

As a Muslim from Kashmir I can relate to the philosophical treatise by Abhinav Gupta. I even think that his philosophical doctrine of Shiva has been a great influence on later Islamic Sufi tradition that has flourished in Kashmir. Thanks for this informative video.

[@imaadshabir5713]

I m also from Kashmir

[@AbhayPeshin]

Also, from Kashmir, you are part of a great philosophical experiment that was ended by the invasions. I am grateful there are still proto shaivites in the valley. I and my family had to leave Kashmir in 1989. -An indigenous kashmiri

[@anirudh177]

I remember reading that the Kashmiri Shaiva mystic Lal Ded (Lalleshwari) influenced Nund Rishi (Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani), who happened to be one of the founders of the Rishi order of Kashmiri Sufi tradition. I believe he did end up influencing other Sufis like Hamza Makhdoom, Resh Mir Sàeb, and Shamas Faqir.

[@subhanhasan990tsikfm]

@@anirudh177 yes indeed, Lal ded apparently raised Nund Rishi

[@chaivalla]

@@AbhayPeshin It didn't end, non-dualist philosophy always carries on regardless of the base religion. The paths itself are just that. All colors of the spectrum are One. Fana and Moksha are the same.

[@bkdevil5278]

I was waiting for a video like this .

[@jeanabrown]

You are doing great things! Much needed!

[@TheLuxevolupte]

Your knowledge is astonishing. Thank you for putting this into the world 🙏❤

[@BNaturalStudios]

Amazing video on an under discussed tradition. Very great job!!!

[@Epta197]

Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on this topic!

[@insfieldtrip]

Thank you very much for this video! It has certainly intrigued me

[@snehashispanda4808]

I worship a single, supreme god that does not deny the existence or possible existence of other deities. particularly Hinduism scriptures mention and praise numerous deities as if they are one ultimate unitary divine essence. I criticize Western theological and religious exceptionalism, focusing on a cultural dogma which held "monotheism" to be both fundamentally well-defined and inherently superior to differing conceptions of God. I view different deities to be of a unitary, equivalent divine essence. For me a single god is central, but the existence or the position of other gods is not denied. I worship a single god from a pantheon of deities at a given time, depending on my choice, while accepting other deities and concepts of god. Its a middle position between unlimited polytheism and exclusive monotheism.

[@user-kh6ru9qo9g]

bro u are doing great service for preserving and beutifully explaining the true meaning of Shaivism . Isha Shiva Upanishad is ultimate guide to Kashmiri Shavism .

[@JagVama]

Excellent Presentation of Trika Shaivism. You have beautifully strung together the pearls of wisdom of great gnanis like Abhinava Gupta Kshemaraja and the complex integration of Tantra ( vignanbhairav tantra is the basis) very well crafted thoughts and excellent visuals. Om Namah Shivaya 🌙

[@atawhim]

This was great, very comprehensive! Thank you.

[@trawd5556]

Thank you, would love to see more videos on Shaivism / Tantra 🩵💙🖤

[@sayantanbiswas8052]

I actually follow kashmir shaivism , but don't know about it 😅 . Through u i now knew it . Actually i am very influenced by swami vivekananda . And through him i knew sri ramakrishna . When swami vivekananda met ramakrishna in his young age , swamiji is a hardcore vedantist , for him all the gods are illusional and perhaps the life also , but after meeting ramakrishna , he accepted the sakti , not renouncing his old belief . I recomand u " conversation of ramakrishna " in this book he says thousand times the bramhan and sakti is same . And i see him as avatar , and believe that he realized this truth , not just intelectually but direct experience as me merging into shiva with all my surrounds . Another interesting think i have known reading him - Not anyone merge with shiva and return back , they leave their body like fallen lief , only few like avatar can have the power to hold some the materialistic identity for welbeing of world which prevents them merging , not anyone can do that , in that stage they r like walking god , only few can understand their hight , because talk just like us , but world law can be failed to maintain his truth nature . Lastly i suggest u read ramakrishna kathamrita , swami vivekananda also . U r doing great .

[@samanthadevaux]

Oh thank you so much this was incredibly beautiful :)

[@starseedlynsey4617]

I've not heard barely anything of this subject, the odd little bit as most I guess. Totally absorbed by this. Excellently presented. Om Namah Shivaya

[@stephenmarshall7435]

Thank you for this, very good explanation of the shiva shakti non-duality. Something that I think is difficult for westerners to understand is that Shiva as Parameshvara is not inherently masculine. Shiva/Shakti is not an “Eve from the rib of Adam” situation where the Divine masculine is greater than the divine feminine. Rather, only as separate is Shiva isolated as the divine masculine and Shakti the devine feminine. When united they are both and neither.

[@lunaheretic]

Yes please more of this on Tantra

[@drsatyamupadhyay]

There's a video on tantra by him uploaded 2 years ago.

[@mariapapadopoulou7368]

Thank you very much! Just doscovered your channel, explored it a little bit. Very interesting. Greetings from Greece!

[@shane-os]

awesome video! i have been waiting for this!

[@aberami6090]

Filip, if you ever do more Hinduism teachings, I would love to learn some on Hanuman 🐒 thank you friend

[@talksofdharma2466]

Hanuman is one of the Chiranjeevi (immortal) he is alive even today and appear before highly Spiritual seekers and beings like Goswami Tulsidas whom he helped to write Ramcharitmanas and Ramanayan in the 16th century

[@cryptoreport8762]

He was a 🐒 monkey

[@anirudh177]

Try reading these:- 1. Hanuman's Tale: The Messages of a Divine Monkey by Phillip Lutgendorf 2. Hanuman: The Devotion and Power of the Monkey God by V. Vanamali 3. Hanumān in the Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki and the Rāmacaritamānasa of Tulasī Dāsa by Catherine Ludvik Or you can just go read the Ramayana.

[@ReligioCritic]

Watch this channel called "21 notes". They have made a whole english series on Valmiki Ramayan(It's the life story of Rama, his family especially his wife and his biggest devotee Hanuman).

[@Endrin911]

Read journey to the west and enjoy Sun Wukong, mate 🐒

[@lotusseed355]

Great work! Thank you! Although you've mentioned the differences between Kashmir Shaivism and Vedanta, this subject is worth of a separate video.

[@user-hu7pn7uq8e]

Thanks so much for this short introduction, really helpful for my thesis on Spinoza and Kashmir Shaivism

[@donnalynes2804]

you have a truly amazing grasp of these various philosophies and religions.