An Introduction to the Advaita Saiva Philosophy of Kashmir

The concept of purnahamta (pure I-experience) symbolizing the fullness-nature of the Supreme Experient, i.e. Siva pramata different from the ego-experience ahamkara of the limited embodied beings, has been explained in this book in esoteric terms as it marks a unique contribution of Kashmir Saivism to Indian philosophical thought. The Advaita Saivas describe the nature of the Supreme Reality, one without a second, in different ways namely, as Caitanya or Samvidas an abstract metaphysical principle (nirakara tattva) as well as Parama Siva and Paramesvara possessing a form (sakara Being). They also describe the Supreme Reality as the transcendent Absolute (anuttara) and at the same time as all-pervasive Reality (visvatmaka).