Description

This is an original translation and commentary on a sacred text that is at least 1200 years old and considered a foundational text of Kashmiri Shaivism. It does not dwell upon metaphysical abstractions but on possible spiritual experiences that are within our reach. According to tradition, the Shiva Sutras (Aphorisms of Shiva) were found engraved on a stone by Vasugupta in the eighth century AD. They became the basis of Kashmiri Shaivism, a philosophical and spiritual tradition that emphasizes the direct experience of Shiva's presence in us in all states of consciousness. In its current form, the text containing 77 Sutras is a manual on esoteric yoga and tantras. Students who want to explore their consciousness and attain oneness with the absolute state of Shiva through transformative and contemplative practices and the awakening of Shaktis will find it useful. This is an English translation of the Sanskrit text, with a unique commentary, by Jayaram V. He provided detailed commentary on each Sutra, bringing out the most hidden secrets of the Sutras known only to a few in the world. The knowledge is useful for contemplation, spiritual transformation, and finding Shiva's auspicious state of pure consciousness within oneself, not as a theory or idea but as a continuous reality whether awake, asleep, or dreaming. Jayaram reveals how the hidden Shaktis in the mind and body can be harnessed with the help of the three Paths mentioned in the scripture to purify the outer consciousness of the mind and body to achieve oneness with Shiva's pure consciousness.