Introduction
Shivasutra is an aphoristic treatise. It contains seventy-seven concise and cryptic sentences and they are divided into three sections, namely, Shambhavopaya, Shaktopaya, and Anavopaya. Upaya means yoga, spiritual discipline. The purpose of this discipline is the realization of one's Divine Nature and experiencing the freedom-eternal. We are to live in this world without being emotionally bound to anything, living or non-living. The discipline begins with Anavopaya. Mainly, it is to purify the mind, and make it calm and steady. To do so, certain techniques are adopted; for example, listening to the cosmic sound, concentrating on the meaning of a mantra, fixing the mind on the life-energy that always flows in and out. Through such and other techniques, the mind becomes clean and well-balanced; it enters the state of calmness -Dhyana. In this state, the Anava Yogi realises that the knower, the object of the knowledge and the knowledge (Jnatru, Jneya, and Jnana) are the three closely related aspects of the same I-consciousness (Samvit). The successful practice of this Anavaopaya helps the Sadhaka-Yogi to ascend to the next stage of yoga, the Shaktopaya. Shakti is the great power that causes the manifestation of the world, and also its dissolution. This wonderful power has no separate existence. It is inseparably related to Shiva (Shambhu), the self-existent Absolute Reality! Shambhu is the void, the eternal silence, while Shakti is a very subtle vibration in that silent void. The Sadhaka Yogi, who has perfected himself in Anava Yoga, now gets the grand Shakta vision. He sees the Divine Power at play everywhere; in the subtle, as well as in the gross creation. He experiences his identity with that Divine Power and rejoices within himself. His action, will, knowledge, bliss and consciousness, everything is divinised. Lastly, there is Sambhavopaya. Shambhu is an eternal reality; an ever-existing supreme conscious-ness. Being boundless, he is both immanent and transcendent. Being timeless, no change takes place in Him. He is an Indefinable Reality, an Indivisible Principle, an Absolute Truth. The Yoga, which is related to Shambhu, is Shambhava Yoga. In Anava Yoga, there is an effort of disciplining the mind. In Shakta Yoga, there is the contemplation that one's own self is not different from Shambhu, the ever-lasting eternal silence. In Shambhava Yoga there is neither an effort, nor recurring contemplation. There is simply an awakening to one's own divine nature. The sense of distinction between the self and Shiva fades out. The yogi feels the presence of the Shiva Principle within himself. Are these three Upayas quite different from each other? No, they are very closely related. The Anava Yoga takes us to the Shakta, which in turn, lands us into the field of Sambhava. The purpose of this treatise is to make man realise his divine nature, and live freely and peacefully everafter. Vasugupta is the author of this esoteric work. Probably, about eleven hundred years before, he lived in the most beautiful mountainous province of Kashmir. He was a philosopher, a mystic, and a saint of self-realization. He experienced his oneness with Shiva, the unbounded Absolute Truth. He advocated the Kashmir Advaita Shaivism.
About The Author
Sri Siddheshwara Swamiji, an exquisite renunciant with incredible saintly qualities, is known widely for his spiritual discourses. The abstract eastern sacred texts find pronounced simplicity in his discourses, making even an ordinary person to understand the depth of truth contained therein. The nuances of Eastern and Western philosophies showcased by him in his talks inspire and invigorate the listeners. Most of his talks have been published as books.
About The Book
"Shiva Sutras" is a collection of aphorisms on mediation (dhyana) in its varied dimensions. It is said to have been written by Vasugupta, an ardent scholar of Kashmir Shaivism, who lived around 10th century. This work is specially designed to suit the followers of all major schools of thought, and, is acceptable to all genuine seekers, irrespective of their religion affiliations. The present work "Shiva Sutras" is a masterly exposition of a popular treatise of Indian spiritual literature. The translation and summary is in a very simple but profound style, to suit the needs of scholars and sadhakas alike.
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