Thou Art That

Intro to Hindu Tantra: assignment for April 2nd

In preparation for our next class, please:

• READ this summary of the 20 sutras of the Heart of Recognition (Pratyabhijnahrdayam).
• READ this short excerpt from the Paramarthasara by Abhinavagupta. Please note that Bhairava is another name for Shiva.
• READ this short meditation experience: The Blue Heart.
• EXPERIMENT with your own understanding. Sit in front of a mirror and contemplate the relationship between the mirror and the objects reflected in it as you re-read Abhinavagupta’s words.
• WRITE a 2-page paper that describes your understanding of the relationship between the inner Self and the world that we perceive, according to the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism.

OPTIONAL:

Check out this amazing TED talk by scientist Jeff Lieberman that summarizes the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism!