Overview
A foundational text of Kashmir Shaivism outlining the nature of reality and path to liberation. Also refers to Panini's Maheshvara Sutras for Sanskrit phonemes.
Author(s)
Revealed to Sage Vasugupta
Authorship Date / Period
Circa 9th century CE (traditional)
Tradition
Kashmir Shaivism
Number of Sutras
77
Structure / Sections
Key Aspects
- Supreme Consciousness, the ultimate reality and source of all existence.
- Dynamic power of Shiva, the manifesting and liberating force.
- Vibration or divine throb; the pulse of pure consciousness.
- Means or paths to liberation — Shambhavopaya, Shaktopaya, Anavopaya.
- Recognition of one's true nature as Shiva.
- Impurities (āṇava, māyīya, kārma) obscuring true awareness.
Example Sutras
Sanskrit:
Caitanyam atma
Translation:
Consciousness is the Self.
Commentary Insight:
The true identity of the individual is pure, undivided consciousness—Shiva.
Sanskrit:
Jñānam bandhah
Translation:
Knowledge (as limitation) is bondage.
Commentary Insight:
Conditioned or dualistic knowledge binds the soul to limitation.
Sanskrit:
Udyamo bhairavaḥ
Translation:
The sudden emergence of awareness is Bhairava.
Commentary Insight:
Spontaneous awakening is the recognition of supreme consciousness.
Sanskrit:
Cittam mantraḥ
Translation:
Mind (pure awareness) is mantra.
Commentary Insight:
Mantra is not merely sound, but the subtle movement of consciousness.
Sanskrit:
Ātmā cittam
Translation:
The individual self is mind.
Commentary Insight:
The finite being is bound by mental constructs and must transcend them.