In the previous parts, we provided a general overview of the origins and core principles of Tantra, and it became clear that there is no single form of Tantra; rather, Tantra has evolved over time. In addition to historical changes, Tantric teachings also differ based on different lineages. However, there are some core principles that have historically and still today united all Tantric systems. The most important of these is that Tantra is a spiritual system aimed at enlightenment (or liberation), and this is achieved by perceiving all of reality as divine.

Now let’s delve deeper and introduce one particular Tantric lineage whose teachings are considered part of the higher Tantra – Kashmir Shaivism. Prepare yourself for a fairly philosophical read and try to feel what you read in your body/being. At the end, a short meditation awaits you.

Kashmir Shaivism is one of the non-dual Tantra (Shaivism) lineages that flourished in Kashmir between the 8th and 12th centuries. These teachings are still alive today and, in fact, convey the deeper philosophy of Tantra very well—a teaching that leads to enlightenment. One of the most well-known masters of this tradition is the remarkable Abhinavagupta, whose works include Tantrāloka, Tantrasāra, and Parmārthasāra.

At the heart of Kashmir Shaivism lies the understanding that there exists an all-encompassing, supreme consciousness known as Shiva. In Tantra, Shiva is often referred to as the pure masculine principle or God. These descriptions are correct, but when thinking about Shiva, one must not limit oneself to the earthly idea of masculinity or the concept of God from any specific religion. Instead, feel Shiva in a much more expansive way, as it is a concept that is quite difficult to grasp in our daily experience. Imagine it as infinite awareness (consciousness) that is non-material—pure oneness from which all reality arises.

This leads us to another concept familiar from Tantra—Shakti. Shiva is immaterial, pure consciousness, yet from him arises the material reality that we can physically perceive. Shakti is the creative energy, creative consciousness, the expression of all reality. Through Shakti, Shiva creates the world— from one comes the many. This includes everything we experience as Life, as reality, through our senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch. Both the physically tangible world and that which we experience as intangible: emotions, thoughts, perceptions.

It could also be said that Shiva is static consciousness, and Shakti is dynamic consciousness—all of Life is the dynamic play between the two, a continuous, infinite creation. This is all around us, within us, and more than that—we are Shiva and Shakti, because according to Tantra, nothing exists other than consciousness.

And this is the reason why Tantra sees Life as divine—every aspect of it. Even the parts we experience as unpleasant, disgusting, meaningless, insignificant—or wonderful and desirable. Since all reality is an expression of pure consciousness—Shiva and Shakti—it is, from the viewpoint of Kashmir Shaivism (and other Tantric lineages as well), possible to reach enlightenment in any life situation. But to do so, we must be tuned in a certain way. Above all, we must begin to see divinity in every life situation, in ourselves and in others. From this comes the Tantric understanding that the other person is you. This attitude alone can bring a profound shift in your life, don’t you think?

Kashmir Shaivism describes reality as being born from the joyful play of consciousness—every act of creation, every life experience, is a source and result of pure divine joy (even those we perceive as negative). Separation from our essence allows us to experience what we call Life. When we awaken, we return to the oneness of pure consciousness and perceive everything from a different perspective—as a divine play that we ourselves are constantly creating.

According to Kashmir Shaivism, there is no need to be healed or to redeem sins, but rather we need to remember and awaken to our true essence. In rare cases, this may happen spontaneously—by the grace of God. However, more commonly, the guidance of a guru is important. GU RU means someone or something that has gone from darkness to light—in other words, an enlightened master, someone who has gone through the process of enlightenment and is able to guide others. A guru can also be the written texts of enlightened masters, which is why it is highly recommended to read sacred texts that carry the energy of the master.

Kashmir Shaivism, along with most other Tantric lineages, uses practices such as mantra and visualization meditations, yantras (geometric symbols), and rituals as paths toward enlightenment.

Here is a small meditation for you:

Find a quiet place to sit, keeping your back straight. Bring your attention to your breath, breathe calmly. At first, simply observe how air flows in and out of you. Feel how your body begins to calm down, continue breathing and observing. Become increasingly aware of the flow of your breath, in and out. Notice how the exhaled air is warm and the inhaled air cooler. Continue to be aware of this difference in temperature.

Now begin to notice how, after each exhale, there is a small natural pause before the next inhale begins. There is also a pause after each inhale. Feel each pause. If it comes naturally, you can let the pause be a bit longer, but without effort. Notice what you feel in that pause. Allow yourself to expand into it. Experience the expansion in the pause, the infinity, something eternal. Be relaxed and aware—this experience is your true self, pure divine consciousness.