ABHINAVAGUPTA (924-1020 CE)* was an illustrious Spiritual Master who injected new meaning into the Shaiva Philosophy, which 1,000 years later became more popularly known as Kashmir Shaivism.
As an original thinker, he shattered the established belief that laid emphasis on caste, creed, color and gender restrictions in relation to spiritual practice. He took to task those philosophical systems which held the firm belief that spirituality required rigorous discipline–systems that made the quest for enlightenment the legitimate right of a chosen few. Abhinavagupta abhorred the idea that spiritual revelation was only possible in purely monastic surroundings. He refuted that those caught in the householder way of life had to wait till the last portion (vana-prastha) of life before they could fully engage in spiritual pursuits. This idea was best expressed by Abhinavagupta in one of the concluding verses of his Paramarthasara:
“O my devotees! On this path of supreme Bhairava, whoever has taken a step with pure desire, no matter if that desire is slow or intense; it does not matter if he is a Brahmin, if he is a sweeper, if he is an outcast, or if he is anybody; he becomes one with Para-bhairava.”
Abhinavagupta’s ideas were radical for his time, but since he spoke from the level of direct experience no one was capable of refuting him.
Having achieved the eight great Siddhi powers he clearly exhibited the six spiritual signs of a yogi who had achieved the state of Rudra Shakti samavesha: 1) unswerving devotional attachment to Shiva; 2) full attainment of mantra siddhi; 3) control over the five elements; 4) capacity to accomplish any desired end; 5) complete mastery over the science of rhetoric and poetry; and 6) the spontaneous dawning of knowledge of all philosophies.
The poet Madhuraja asserted that Abhinavagupta was the incarnation of Bhairava Natha Shiva. Swami Lakshmanjoo considered Abhinavagupta the pride of Kashmir and the final authority on all aspects of Shaivism and Tantric Philosophy. Today his works and teachings continue to deeply influence discerning people worldwide.
This website is dedicated to those sincere seekers who wish to take a step on the path of Kashmir Shaivism, and in doing so, come to an understanding of their own divine nature. The spiritual flavor (rasa) of Abhinavagupta’s teaching is sprinkled throughout, enlivened by the translations of Swami Lakshmanjoo.
The hymns and texts contained herein are treasured gifts handed down from generation to generation by the revered masters of the sacred tradition of Kashmir Shaivism.
This website was created in 2016 by George Barselaar and Claudia Dose.
Om Namah Shivaya!
* Swami Lakshmanjoo was a direct link in the oral tradition of Kashmir Shaiva Masters (sampradaya). On numerous occasions throughout his life he had contact (darshan) with Abhinavagupta. In a rare personal interview Swamiji confirmed that “due to the great master’s refined practice of yoga, Abhinavagupta remained healthy throughout his life and lived to the age of ninety-six.” This revelation, exclusive to the oral tradition of Shaiva Masters, refutes the notion of contemporary scholars who date Abhinavagupta’s life from 950 to 1020CE.
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The above painting of Abhinavagupta, based on Madhuraja’s pen picture from his Gurunatha Paramarsha, has been used with permission of the artist: Copyright © Claudia Dose.