Uncreated

(Quotations from The Vijñâna Bhairava)

What it means to be void

The Highest Reality is called shûnya or void, because it is free of all {characteristics with which we are familiar}, not because it is not Real.
(p. 115, commentary on verse 127, dharana 102)

The Absolute void is Bhairava who is beyond the senses and the mind, beyond all the categories of these instruments. From the point of view of the human mind, He is most void. From the point of view of Reality, He is most full, for He is the source of all manifestation.
(p. 29, commentary on verse 32, dharana 9)

Non-dualism of Kashmir Shaivism

The reality of this world is nothing apart from Shiva. Therefore this world should be viewed not as the world (i.e. as something different from Shiva) but as the modality of Shiva. Therefore it is Shiva alone who has to be contemplated on. Thus there will be ...great spiritual Awakening.
(p. 55, commentary on verse 57, dharana 34)

Shiva's relation to His Shakti

Just as one recognizes a person by his face, even so one recognizes Shiva by His Shakti who is like His face.
(p. 17, commentary on verse 20)

... just as to perceive the sun, another sun is not required {since it is known by its own light} Even so Shiva is known by His Shakti who is not different from him
(p. 18, commentary on verse 21)

Select a new topic, or explore this topic further within Hinduism or across religions.

Browse additional quotations from The Vijñâna Bhairava.

Refer to bibliography.

Go to home page.