Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Kashmir Shaivism—a unique treasury of the nondual philosophy and practical teachings of Trika Darshana
“The true nature of this world is nothing other than the nature of Shiva, filled with pure Consciousness and freely manifesting through its Shakti.”
Abhinavagupta, Tantraloka
This encyclopedia is a systematic collection of knowledge about the unified tradition of Kashmir Shaivism (also known as Trika) in all the diversity of its schools, concepts, and practices. Here you will find academically accurate yet accessible explanations of complex philosophical concepts, an overview of the tradition’s historical development, and descriptions of key texts and practical methods.
Main Sections
🔱 Kashmir Shaivism—General Overview of the Tradition
An introduction to the philosophy of nondual Kashmir Shaivism, its historical roots, and its fundamental concepts.
📚 Main Philosophical Schools:
Trika—The system of the threefold synthesis of Shiva, Shakti, and Nara
Spanda—The teaching on the vibration/pulsation of absolute Consciousness
Pratyabhijna—The philosophy of recognizing one’s own divine nature
Kula—The esoteric teaching on the nature of energies (shaktis)
Krama—The sequential teaching on the gradual development of consciousness
Kaula—The esoteric tradition of integrating energies
🧠 Metaphysics and Ontology:
Paramashiva—The supreme reality and its nature
Shiva-Shakti—The unity of stillness and dynamism in the Absolute
Tattvas—The 36 levels of the manifestation of reality
Abhasa—The teaching on manifestation as reflection
🧘 Practice and Methodology:
Upaya—The four paths of spiritual practice
Diksha—Initiation into the tradition
Kundalini—Spiritual energy and its awakening
Shaktipata—The descent of divine energy
📜 Key Texts:
Shiva Sutras—The revelation of Vasugupta
Spanda Karika—The foundational text of the Spanda school
Tantraloka—Abhinavagupta’s encyclopedic work
Vijnana Bhairava Tantra—112 methods of meditation
👑 Masters of the Tradition:
Vasugupta—Founder of the Trika lineage
Abhinavagupta—The greatest systematizer of the tradition
Kshemaraja—A disciple of Abhinavagupta and an outstanding commentator
Utpaladeva—Founder of the Pratyabhijna school
Navigating the Encyclopedia
By Philosophical School
Explore the tradition through the lens of its main philosophical currents:
Trika—the threefold teaching
Spanda—the doctrine of vibration
Pratyabhijna—the philosophy of recognition
Kula—the esoteric teaching
By Term Category
Category:Metaphysical Concepts
Category:Psychology and Consciousness
Category:Practices and Methods
Category:Subtle Anatomy
Category:Rituals and Ceremonies
Category:Texts and Sources
For Beginners
If you are just beginning to explore Kashmir Shaivism, we recommend starting with these articles:
Kashmir Shaivism—a general introduction
Non-duality—the key philosophical foundation
Shiva-Shakti—the fundamental metaphysical concept
Pratyabhijna—the essence of the spiritual path
"This world is not an illusion to be rejected, but an expression of divine consciousness to be recognized."
The Project Is Evolving
This encyclopedia is a living, evolving project. New articles are added regularly.
