An Introduction to Tantric Philosophy

The ParamÄrthasÄra or âEssence of Ultimate Realityâ is a work of the Kashmirian polymath Abhinavagupta (tenthâeleventh centuries). It is a brief treatise in which the author outlines the doctrine of which he is a notable exponent namely nondualistic Åšaivism which he designates in his works as the Trika or âTriadâ of three principles: Åšiva Åšakti and the embodied soul (nara). The main interest of the ParamÄrthasÄra is not only that it serves as an introduction to the established doctrine of a tradition but also advances the notion of jivÌanmukti âliberation in this lifeâ as its core theme. Further it does not confine itself to an exposition of the doctrine as such but at times hints at a second sense lying beneath the evident sense namely esoteric techniques and practices that are at the heart of the philosophical discourse. Its commentator YogarÄja (eleventh century) excels in detecting and clarifying those various levels of meaning. An Introduction to Tantric Philosophy presents along with a critically revised Sanskrit text the first annotated English translation of both Abhinavaguptaâs ParamÄrthasÄra and YogarÄjaâs commentary. This book will be of interest to Indologists as well as to specialists and students of Religion Tantric studies and Philosophy. . Language: English