Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
by Geetika Kaw Kher | 2012 | 86,751 words
This study discusses the dynamics between the philosophy and practice in the Lakulisha-Pashupata order. According to the cave temples of Elephanta and Jogesvari (Jogeshwari), Lakulisa was the 28th incarnation of Shiva, and Pashupata Shaivism his doctrine, of which the Pasupatasutra represents the prominent text detailing various ritual practices (v...
Superconciousness and a Theological explanation
Since it has been established that the vidhis followed by the aspirants of LakulisaPasupata order had a strong intrinsic logic and rationale of its own, it is important to understand this curious aspect with a focus on theology also. To explain such practices Swami Akhilananda says:
To explain further Swami Akhilananda[1] states,
“Indian psychologists (yogic practitioners) have always laid great emphasis on the understanding of nor merely the conscious, but also the various kinds of superconscious and extra-sensory perceptions. They have not been mere objective observers and speculative thinkers,so far as psychology is concerned, but they have also realized that the various states of mind cannot be properly understood without bringing in the subjective element, namely training of the perceiving mind. They have never been inclined toward behaviourism of the Western type. In order to understand the objective validity of the superconcious and other forms of extrasensory perceptions (and in order to know the unconcious) one must experience these states….It is an undeniable fact that the main emphasis is Indian psychology has been on religious experiences of various types (though some non-theistic systems were developed in the process of self analysis) Both Hindu and Buddhist psychologists systematized their psychological concepts in the course of their religious experiences. As their investigation and development of mental powers progressed they discovered that the unified mind could have some experiences which were not religious, even though they were extraordinary and extra-sensory. The mind, when concentrated and trained develops tremendous power to understand and control the various gross and subtle laws of nature, though these may not be perceived with the naked eyes…The mind can also control these laws through definite discipline and training”
He considers the Yoga-Sutra by Patanjali, Hathayoga-paradipika and various tantras like Satcakraniupana and Padukapancaka as thoroughgoing studies of various aspects of ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) in which different methods of developing these powers, which are nothing but hidden functions of mind, are described. Hence he concludes by saying htat superconcious states cannot be really understood unless one experiences them. As chemical laws cannot be verified without laboratory experiments, so superconscious realization or samadhi of various types cannot be properly understood by unprepared or untrained minds, however intellectual or well intentioned they may be.