Learning from the spiritual traditions – Kashmir Shaivism
Oct 22, 2021
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Igor Kufayev, a contemporary spiritual teacher rooted in Kashmir Shaivism, discusses the relevance of this ancient tradition for a metamodern spirituality. They explore the historical response to Buddhism, Timothy Leary's experiments, the concept of ego in spiritual teachings, and the significance of pure subjectivity.
Kashmir Shaivism offers a perspective that reconciles the transcendent absolute with the world manifestation, emphasizing the inseparability of Shiva and Shakti.
Understanding the true nature of ego is crucial in spiritual growth, as Kashmir Shaivism views ego as part of the whole human experience and directs energy towards the exploration of pure subjectivity.
Deep dives
Kashmir Shaivism as a response to Buddhism and other spiritual discourses
Kashmir Shaivism emerged in response to the deep findings and revelations of Buddhism in northern India. It represents a unique perspective that transcends worldliness while also embracing and evoking it in a transcendent way. This philosophy reconciles the relationship between the absolute, which transcends all, and the world manifestation that humans partake in. The teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, particularly those of master figures like Abhinavagupta, emphasized the inseparability of Shiva (the absolute) and Shakti (the power of Shiva). Shiva represents pure awareness, while Shakti represents the power of reflection and the reason for manifestation. According to Kashmir Shaivism, the world and all its forms and phenomena are merely manifestations of awareness.
Shifts in the global spiritual discourse and attraction towards indigenous wisdom
In recent years, there has been a shift in the spiritual discourse, with a growing interest in indigenous wisdom and shamanic practices. This shift is a response to the desire to connect with nature and the powerful aliveness of the life force. However, it is important to recognize the potential pitfalls of commercializing and seeking quick shortcuts in these spiritual practices. While indigenous spirituality offers valid perspectives, it is essential to understand that true spiritual breakthroughs require tapping into the innate potential of human beings and accessing the complex lab of consciousness within ourselves. Microdosing or external substances can never fully replace the innate capabilities of our own nervous systems. The teachings of Kashmir Shaivism serve as a confirmation of the deeper insights and realizations that surpass the limitations of ego-centered spirituality.
The concept of ego in spiritual teachings and its role in Kashmir Shaivism
The concept of ego is often misunderstood in spiritual discourse. In many teachings, ego is seen as a limitation and something to be transcended. However, Kashmir Shaivism takes a different perspective. It views ego as part of the whole setup of human experience, rather than the root cause of separateness and suffering. Kashmir Shaivism speaks of universal egoity, which is linked to the irreducible nature of experience and the dynamic tension between subject and object. The goal of Kashmir Shaivism is to delve into the inextricable nature of pure subjectivity and recognize that everything is only experienced firsthand. Blaming and fighting against ego can be counterproductive, as the cause of division and duality lies elsewhere. Understanding the true nature of ego is crucial to channeling spiritual energy towards more productive paths.
The deeper insights and confirmation provided by Kashmir Shaivism
Kashmir Shaivism serves as a confirmation of profound inner realizations and insights. It affirms the importance of recognizing the centrality of pure subjectivity and the essence of one's being. It counters the notion that the ego must be dropped or dissolved for enlightenment to occur. Instead, it emphasizes that the ultimate realization lies within the deep experience of one's own self. Kashmir Shaivism challenges the prevalent views on ego and provides a comprehensive understanding of the human experience, dismantling the idea that ego is solely responsible for spiritual limitations. By aligning with the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, individuals can free their energy from unnecessary battles with ego and focus on the exploration of pure subjectivity.
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Thomas Steininger in conversation with Igor Kufayev
For thousands of years, countless spiritual traditions have developed different way to cultivate the sacred and open to the depth of life.
Can we learn from the experience of those many sages, linaeges, and schools to find clues to a spirituality for our time? Igor Kufayev would definitely say yes.
Igor Kufayev is a contemporary spiritual teacher rooted in a tradition that may be one of last jewels of the Indian subcontinent – Kashmir Shaivism. Kashmir was always one of the creative centers of Indian spiritual culture. It was one of the places where the Buddhist teachings matured and developed over the centuries. In this creative environment, Kashmir Shaivism developed as a response to the world-denying bias of Buddhism and the Advaita tradition. Kashmir Shaivism created a spiritual culture firmly rooted in transcendence but also embracing the creative vibration of life.
In this episode of Radio evolve, Thomas Steininger talks with Igor Kufayev about what a metamodern spirituality can learn from Kashmir Shaivism.
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