Chapters in the Shivaprakasham

1 Introduction

This introduces the research work, its problem, hypothesis, purpose and the scope with a brief description of literary works similar to Shivaprakasham and on works prior to the present research. It briefly describes the methodology adopted and contents of each chapter concluding with research findings and benefits.

2 Bondages

This chapter gives a description of the innate defilement of every individual self and the nature of such defilement. It gives the details of the other bondages like karma, maya and tirodhayi .Maya provides the self with body, senses with implements of knowledge and this world for its enjoyment. It also explains that karma performed by the self is the result of anavamala which acts according to the maturity level of the self.Tirodhayi enables the self to undergo the experiences and react and it stands by the self till the maturity level improves to perfection. Thus maya and tirodhayi are helping the individual self to get rid of the innate defilement. This chapter also discusses tattvas that enable the self to function, undergo enjoyment,take decisions and react, finally landing in a miserable condition corresponding to the maturity levelof anavamala .The seven-fold effects of anavamala are also discussed in the course of this discussion.

3 Understanding the self

This chapter deals with the concept of the self and its power of intelligence of knowing the things for which it is helped and guided by another entity from within. The differences between the individual self and Pati—the Primal Being—is brought out in this chapter. Also the concept of pasha being asat is also brought out so as to explain the behaviour of the self. The orientation of the self towards the pasha and its orientation towards the Primal Being are taken up and it is concluded that the self is really sadasat (sat-asat). The behaviour of the self like a crystal is also discussed. A crystal reflects the same rays emanating from the object before which it is located. When it is oriented towards anavamala , its actions are similar to the qualities of anavamala . When it is oriented towards Pati , its functions are similar to the divine qualities of Pati.

The karya avasthas in embodied state of the self like sleeping, dreaming, waking, walking etc (sakala state) are explained in detail. The causal states of kevala, sakala and shuddha are also explained in detail. All three gunas , their branching out to 34 sub-units and 36 tattvas of the self are also discussed.

4 Concept of God

This chapter explains the nature of Pati .The question of existence of God is also discussed in this chapter. It brings out the differences between Pati,pashu and pasha .It brings out the supremacy of Pati over the other two.The five-fold functions of God, the method of execution as well as the necessity of these functions are explained.

5 Concept of advaita

This chapter brings forward the advaitic principles of various philosophies of great Indian thinkers and acharyas regarding the relation between the Primal Being and the individual self. They had different interpretations of Vedas and agamas . This chapter also brings out the concepts of Mahavakyas as interpreted by Shankara, Madhva and Ramanuja; the concept of advaita as enunciated in Shaiva Siddhanta is brought out as explained by Umapati Shivam in Shivaprakasham. The advaita expounded in Shaiva Siddhanta philosophy with reference to that of the other philosophies according to Umapati Shivam is also explained here. In this process the relationships between different entities similar to advaita relationship are also discussed. The advaitic principle of Shaiva Siddhanta already spelt out in the agamas and explained by Umapati Shivam are brought out here.

6 Means to release

This chapter gives an account of theories on release from defilement and alsofrom consequential bondagesand the means to attain the liberation-mukthi according to other doctrines and also that of Shaiva Siddhanta. The emphasis on the necessity of a preceptor in getting the release according to Umapati Shivam in Sivaprakasam is explained.The path of performing Carya, Kriya,Yoga and Jnanato attain the release is explained. The Divine help of pancaksharaas outlined in Shivaprakasham is also brought out.

7 Liberation of the individual self

This chapter explains the concept of liberation according to other doctrines first, followed by that of Shaiva Siddhanta. The reasons for refuting the concept in other doctrines, as explained by Umapati Shivam, have also been stated. He has explained the concept of attaining liberation as per Shaiva Siddhanta in ten stages known as Dasha Karyamin Unmai Neri Vilakkam . The same concepts are explained within three main stages by Umapati Shivam in Sivaprakasam. Three main stages presented by Meikandar in Shivajnana bodam has also been explored for further enlightenment. The concept of a human being living in this world in liberated condition (jivanmuktha ) as well as his greatness and excellence while leading this worldly life as narrated by Umapati Shivam have also been brought out.

8 Conclusion

The outcome of this research work, as enunciated in the above six chapters (excluding the preliminary introduction) is presented under this heading.

The literature—the books, journals and essays—consulted for this work is listed out in bibliography which is appended at the end.

A glossary of Sanskrit terms used in this work with their respective meaning is also appended at the end.

A list of abbreviations of books from which footnotes have been indicated is also given.