Cidgaganacandrika (study)
by S. Mahalakshmi | 2017 | 83,507 words
This page relates ‘Significant concepts of Kashmir Saivism’ of the English study of the Cidgaganacandrika: an important Tantric work belonging to the Krama system of Kashmir Shaivism. Written by Kalidasa (Shrivatsa) in 312 Sanskrit verses, the Cidgagana-Candrika deals with the knowledge regarding both the Macrocosmic and Microcosmic phenomena. This study includes renditions from the two available commentaries—the Divyacakorika and the Kramaprakashika
This book contains Sanskrit text which you should never take for granted as transcription mistakes are always possible. Always confer with the final source and/or manuscript.
Part 3 - Significant concepts of Kashmir Saivism
In Kashmir Saivism certain concepts are very significant which form the epistructure of the philosophy. Some of them which find place in our text under study-[Cidgaganacandrikā], are dealt with in this chapter.
The Anugraha aspect of Śiva’s five great functions viz., Sṛṣṭi, Sthiti, Saṃhāra, Tirodhāna and Anugraha is called Śaktipāta which falls under nine classifications based upon the state of grace. Next is the very cause of empirical evolution viz., the three impurities (Āṇava-Māyīya-Kārmaṇa Malas) which is imposed by Svātantrya Śakti in her form of Māya. Then come the four Upāyas -the ways and means to ascend to the level of universal consciousness from individual consciousness known as Śāmbhava Śākta Āṇava Anupāyas. Ṣadadhvās [Ṣaḍadhvās?] of universal manifestation come next, three each in vācya and Vācaka representing Śiva and Śakti governing the subjective and objective aspects which encompass the entire evolution. Mātṛkacakra the sūkṣma form of the universal manifestation occuring due to the union of Śiva and Śakti is discussed in detail. Four phases of Vāc which constitute the subtle form of creation in cosmic and empirical manifestation is described.
Uniqueness of reflection technique unfolded by the divine couple in projecting the manifestation is highlighted next.
The very important concept of the emergence of the thirty-six elements, from Śiva to Pṛthvī are reckoned in the retreading order in manifestation is explained. Next the travel through five states by the Micro-cosmic body of empirical being to attain the state of Śiva- the Macrocosmic form is enlisted.Lastly the seven levels of the seven types of perceivers who undertake the inward journey towards the souce of emanation is emphasised.
Śaktipāta-Anugraha aspect of Śiva
The five great acts of Śiva are:
- Sṛṣṭi, the creative act;
- Sthiti, the act of Maintenance;
- Saṃhāra, the destructive act;
- Tirodhāna, the act of enfolding or concealing His nature;
- Anugraha, the act of unfolding or revealing His nature.
Individual soul also accomplishes each of these acts which are called ‘actions’ because this kind of act is dependent on the will of Śiva only. Individual being can not act on his own will. As Śiva only is completely independent ‘Act’ is attributed to Śiva and ‘Action’ relates to the individual soul.