Part 4 - Anuttara—The Supreme

Anuttara is the ultimate principle in Kashmir Śaivism, and as such, it is the fundamental reality underneath the whole Universe. Among the multiple interpretations of Anuttara are: “supreme”, “above all” and “unsurpassed reality”. In the Sanskrit alphabet Anuttara^[1] is associated to the first letter—“A”. As the ultimate principle, Anuttara is identified with Śiva, Śakti (as Śakti is identical to Śiva)^[2], the supreme consciousness (cit), uncreated light (Prakāśa), supreme subject “aham” and atemporal vibration (spanda). This school is classified under the Anuttarāmnaya.

The practitioner who realizes Anuttara^[3] through any means, whether by her own efforts or by direct transmission by the Grace of Śiva / Śakti, is liberated and perceives absolutely no difference between herself and the body of the universe. Being and beings become one and the same whereby subject perceives object and in that act of perception is filled with non-dual being/ consciousness/bliss. Anuttara is different from the notion of transcendence in that, even though it is above all, it does not imply a state of separation from the Universe.

“aham”—the Heart of Śiva

“aham” is the concept of supreme reality as heart which is a non-dual interior space^[4] of Śiva, support for the entire manifestation, supreme mantra identical to Śakti.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

[Cidgaganacandrikā] Verse 193.

[2]:

Ibid. Verse 252.

[3]:

Ibid. Verse 171.

[4]:

Ibid. Verse 5.