Kashmir Saiva Darsana Sarvasvam

Description

This book offers a structured introduction to the philosophical vision of Kashmir Shaivism while situating it within the broader framework of classical Indian philosophy. It opens with the Saiva doctrine of the five divine acts (pancakrtya) of Siva – srsti (creation), sthiti (maintenance), samhara (dissolution), tirodhana (concealment), and anugraha (grace). While the first three pertain to the manifestation of the universe, the latter two address the condition and destiny of the individual self (jiva), thereby introducing the central concerns of bondage, recognition, and liberation.
To prepare the philosophical ground for this discussion, the book begins with the pramana-based realist epistempology and ontological categories of Nyaya-Vaisesika. These traditions provide analytical clarity regarding sthula prameya (gross empirical categories) such as objects, causation, Building on this foundation, the exposition gradually moves toward the metaphysical framework of Kashmir Shaivism, examining the deeper relation between pramata (knower), pramana (mean of knowledge), and prameya (object of knowledge). The work also introduces key elements of Saiva cosmology, describing the graded manifestation of divine powers from the deities associated with creation, maintenance, and dissolution to subtler levels of reality culminating in Sadasiva and ultimately Paramasiva, the supreme principle. Throughout the text, primary discussions are presented with parallel Hindi and English translations, enabling readers to engage with the phiilosophical material while retaining the traditional terminology. The book is intended as asystematic guide for learners of Kashmir Shaivism and for readers interested in its comparative study with other classical philosophical systems.