Summary of "Kashmir Shaivism : The Secret Supreme" | John Hughes

 Kashmir' Shaivism: The Secret Supreme byProfessor John Hughes

   

Theme

Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme is a book that delves into the spiritual teachings and philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, a branch of Indian philosophy that originated in the region of Kashmir. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the central ideas, practices, and principles of this mystical and esoteric tradition, which emphasizes the unity of the individual soul with the ultimate reality of the universe.

Key Ideas/Arguments

The book explores various concepts of Kashmir Shaivism, such as the divine consciousness of Shiva, the three levels of existence, and the role of meditation and self-awareness in achieving spiritual liberation. Professor John Hughes argues that Kashmir Shaivism offers a profound and unique approach to understanding the nature of reality and the purpose of human existence, one that is rooted in direct experience and the cultivation of intuitive insight.

Chapters/Sections

Chapter 1: The Secret Supreme: The Essence of Kashmir Shaivism

In this introductory chapter, Professor Hughes provides an overview of the central themes and teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, emphasizing its unique approach to understanding the nature of reality and the role of spiritual practice in achieving self-realization.

Chapter 2: Shiva: The Divine Consciousness

This chapter explores the nature of Shiva, the ultimate reality of the universe and the source of all existence, according to Kashmir Shaivism. Professor Hughes discusses the various ways in which Shiva is described and understood, and the relationship between the individual soul and the divine consciousness.

Chapter 3: The Three Levels of Existence

In this chapter, Professor Hughes discusses the three levels of existence according to Kashmir Shaivism, which are the physical world, the subtle world, and the causal world. He explains the unique characteristics and qualities of each level, and their relationship to the ultimate reality of Shiva.

Chapter 4: The Role of Meditation and Self-Awareness

This chapter explores the role of meditation and self-awareness in achieving spiritual liberation according to Kashmir Shaivism. Professor Hughes discusses various meditation techniques, the importance of self-reflection and introspection, and the cultivation of intuitive insight and direct experience.

Chapter 5: The Path to Self-Realization

In the final chapter, Professor Hughes presents a comprehensive overview of the path to self-realization according to Kashmir Shaivism, emphasizing the importance of spiritual practice, self-awareness, and direct experience in achieving the ultimate goal of union with the divine consciousness of Shiva.

Key Notes:

Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the central ideas and teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, a mystical and esoteric branch of Indian philosophy. Professor John Hughes presents a compelling argument for the unique approach to understanding the nature of reality and the purpose of human existence offered by this tradition, emphasizing the importance of direct experience, intuitive insight, and spiritual practice in achieving self-realization.

Author's Background & Qualifications

Professor John Hughes is an expert in the field of Indian philosophy and religion, with over thirty years of experience studying and teaching these subjects. He is a professor of comparative philosophy at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has written extensively on various topics related to Indian philosophy, including Kashmir Shaivism.

Comparison To Other Books 

Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme is unique in its accessible and comprehensive overview of the central ideas and teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, making it an excellent resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring this mystical and esoteric tradition. Compared to other books on the subject, this book provides a clear and concise introduction to the central concepts

Target Audience:

The book is aimed at anyone interested in the spiritual teachings and philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, from students and scholars to general readers interested in exploring this esoteric tradition.

Critical Response To The Book:

The book has received positive reviews from readers and critics, who have praised its accessible and comprehensive overview of the central ideas and teachings of Kashmir Shaivism.

Publisher:

The book was published by the Lakshmanjoo Academy in 2016.

Recommendations:

Other books on Kashmir Shaivism that readers may find helpful include "The Triadic Heart of Siva" by Paul Eduardo Muller-Ortega and "The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism" by Mark S.G. Dyczkowski.

To sum up:   "Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme" offers a compelling argument for the unique approach to understanding the nature of reality and the purpose of human existence offered by the mystical and esoteric tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, emphasizing the importance of direct experience, intuitive insight, and spiritual practice in achieving self-realization.