Kashmir Shaivism Teaches that Shiva is the One Ultimate Reality

Kashmir Shaivism (कश्मीर शैव धर्म) is a 20th-century umbrella term for a body of Sanskrit exegetical literature from several non-dualist Shaiva-Shakta tantric and monistic…

Tantraloka Literally Means the Light on the Tantras

Tantraloka (तन्त्रलोक) is a treatise of Abhinavagupta, a writer and philosopher of the Kashmir Shaivism school of Hindu philosophy. The Tantraloka…

Turiya Refers to the Fourth State of Consciousness

In Hindu philosophy, Turiya (तुरीय), also referred to as chaturiya or chaturtha, is the true self (atman) beyond the three common states of consciousness…

Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is a Shiva Tantra

The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra (विज्ञान भैरव तंत्र) is a Shiva Tantra of the Kaula Trika tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, possibly authored by Guru…

Matsara Serves as a Guidepost for Inner Growth

Matsara (मत्सर) is a Buddhist/Hindu term translated as “stinginess” or “miserliness”. It is defined as being incapable of enjoying one’s…

Mada Leads to the Corruption of the Mind

Mada (मद) is a term used in both Hindu theology and mythology and is one of the Arishadvargas. It refers…

Surya Siddhanta is Established Doctrine of the Sun

The Surya Siddhanta (सूर्य सिद्धांत) is a Sanskrit treatise in Indian astronomy dated to the 4th to 5th century, in fourteen chapters. This Siddhanta describes rules to…

Dvapara Yuga is the Third and Third Best of the Four Yugas

Dvapara Yuga (द्वापर युग), in Hinduism, is the third and third-best of the four yugas (world ages) in a Yuga Cycle, preceded by Treta Yuga and…

Treta Yuga is the Second and Second Best of the Four Yugas

Treta Yuga (त्रेतायुग), in Hinduism, is the second and second-best of the four yugas (world ages) in a Yuga Cycle, preceded by Krita (Satya) Yuga and…

Kali Yuga is Worst of the Four Yugas in a Yuga Cycle

Kali Yuga (कलियुग), in Hinduism, is the fourth, shortest, and worst of the four yugas (world ages) in a Yuga cycle, preceded by Dvapara Yuga and…