Unique in its combination of scriptural erudition and experiential wisdom, this book makes accessible the true philosophy of Tantra and Kashmir Shaivism for dedicated students of yoga and Eastern philosophy.
One of the questions that we humans ask ourselves most frequently is: What do we do in this universe? What were we created for?
After much thinking, I think what we should ask ourselves is: who are we? The answer to this question that gives us the Shivaism of Kashmir, Buddhism and mysticism in Christian and Muslim religions is incredible, in fact if you get to read and understand you are still far from feeling and living it for real. You would transform your life as you can not imagine.
To delve more into the subject, for those who are on the spiritual path Swami Shantananda wrote a magnificent book called "The Shining of Recognition" where he explores the 20 sutures of Pratyabhijña-hrdayam.
The original text is magnificent but incomprehensible, especially for a Westerner. Shantananda's comments help a lot but what really helps is to find in your spiritual path the state where you know who you are. "I am" or "I am that" is the final answer. But what does it mean?
If you want to know, you are at the beginning of a long journey ... and a long way begins with the first step.
Swami Shantananda does an excellent job of taking a highly esoteric ancient text (Kashmir Shaivism's Pratyabijñā-hṛdayam) and making it relatable. Not only does he have a firm understanding of the theological tenets of his discipline, Siddha Yoga, but he also breathes life into the theory by sharing a wealth of personal insights from his own practical experience.