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Tantraloka (Light of the Tantras)

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Eastern Traditions Kashmir ShaivismConsciousness as dynamic reality

By Abhinavagupta

Summary

Encyclopedic work systematizing Trika Shaivism. Consciousness = Prakasha (light/stasis) + Vimarsha (reflective awareness/dynamism). The universe is the *spanda* (creative vibration) of absolute consciousness. Liberation = recognition (pratyabhijna) that one's own consciousness is Shiva.

Why It Matters

The most comprehensive non-dual Tantric philosophy. Balances the static witness (Advaita) with the dynamic-creative aspect of consciousness — a key insight for uniting contemplative and action-based approaches.

Notes

This entry is a seed import from the Phase 1 Knowledge Inventory. It has not yet been manually reviewed.