(By: Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo)*

The historical materials pertaining to Hindu religious thought in Kashmir consistently pique the interest of scholars and academics. It is this enduring relevance that prompts us to revisit these materials in search of solutions to our contemporary challenges. Such activities have been integral to Kashmir, fostering the development of its profound native thought and contributing significant value to Advaita, the core of Indian religious and spiritual philosophy.

Through rigorous inquiry, Kashmir’s spiritual masters developed their own philosophy known as ‘Shaiva Advaita,’ which not only articulates the profound connection between the individual and the universe but also endeavors to comprehend one’s own nature.

Dr. R.L. Bhat, a prolific writer with a profound interest in history, philosophy, and the contemporary human condition, has recently published an intriguing book titled ‘’The Core of Kashmir Shaivism’’. In the tradition of Kashmir’s scholarly inquiry, he has positioned himself among serious academicians. Among his other acclaimed works are translations from Kashmiri, Sanskrit and Persian into English. These include titles as diverse as ‘Faith Besieged,’ ‘Lal and Her Vaakh,’  ‘Azad – the Poet of Lool,’ and ‘Abhinava Patha of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.’ Additionally, he has offered his own interpretations of Allama Iqbal’s Urdu poem ‘Shikva.’ Furthermore, he has developed a unique method for transcribing Kashmiri into Roman script without relying on diacritical marks and has dared to include and introduce the same in his books.

 No Compromise with Tradition

Dr. Bhat’s remarkable quality lies in his unwavering adherence to the sources and disciplines espoused by the tradition. While interpreting the profound philosophy of Shaiv Darshana, he abstains from relying on mere opinions or speculations. Instead, he strictly adheres to the established tradition, considering that the ‘Aagams,’ the ‘Tantras,’ and the ‘Shiv Sutras’ are the most sacrosanct sources. In the foreword to his book, he humbly acknowledges, ‘The gems of Shaiv Darshana remained scattered in shambles till Swami Ram came and put them together again.’ He further attributes the reinstatement of these teachings, as they were in the days of Acharyapaada Abhinavagupta, to Swami Ram.

Kshemraja’s contribution

Dr. Bhat’s profound passion to introduce Kashmir’s unique philosophy not only extends beyond the urgency of recognition of the fact of dwindling number of Kashmiri Hindu youth and the race against time to somehow bring forth the same to them but also underscores a pressing need to cherish and perpetuate this golden tradition within contemporary Kashmir. The introduction of the philosophy, along with its diverse communities and schools catering to various orientations and natures, has been immaculately detailed.  The book delves into the life and teachings of Kshemraja, the direct disciple of the great Abhinavagupta. It meticulously explores Kshemraja’s contributions in explaining the core tenets of Shaiva Darshana, which evolved significantly from Vasugupta to Abhinavagupta over a period of centuries. By selecting Kshemraja as the focal point, the book aptly portrays him as a pivotal link encompassing the entirety of Shaiv Darshana.

The book effectively emphasizes the significance of awareness in Shaiva Darshana. It elucidates that this awareness begins at the individual level and goes on expanding as one accumulates energy, leading to a profound understanding of one’s inner nature and its magnificence. Unlike many other schools of Indian philosophy, Shaiva Darshana does not reject worldly experiences (“bhoga”), thereby recognizing joy in the diverse experiences the life offers. Consequently, there is no notion of renouncing the world. However, ethical conduct in Shaivism arises naturally from understanding one’s immediate and inner environments, representing what we now understand as default behavior associated with this Darshana.

The subjects such as “Pratyabhijna Hridayam” and the “Matrikachakra” have naturally attracted Dr. Bhat’s attention also. However, unlike Swami Laxman Joo’s extrapolations in “Kashmir Shaivism : The Secret Supreme” (as revealed to John Hughes), Dr. R.L.Bhat has not extensively elaborated on the subjects. Nonetheless, introductory passages in this regard do exist. Similarly, a brief mention has been made to shed light on stages of consciousness from “Jagrit” to ‘Turya”. However understandably due to the esoteric nature of these subjects, no further exploration can be expected either.

 Science of Sleep and  “Maatrikaa Vigyaan’’

The book also provokes the reader to delve deep into his or her inner world amidst the chaos projected by the outside world. Similarly the book raises the question as to when will the current structure of scientific research and exploration deem it fit to inquire into the subtleties of “Maatrikaa Vigyaan” and the science of sleep variously known as “Yog Nidra” also.

The reader may find it challenging to adapt to Dr. Bhat’s consistent advocacy for the elimination of diacritical marks, as this approach has not yet been widely accepted as a standard mode of expression. However, young readers are likely to appreciate the merit of this book, as it endeavors to elucidate essential truths in a rational manner, free from the rigidity and barrenness usually associated with religious discourse.

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*Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo, an accredited translator of Kashmiri, Urdu and Hindi by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi and Indian Institute of Languages Mysore,  has remained associated with the institution of All India Radio (AIR) where he  worked as Senior most Producer. His books of Translation include “Samay Matrika” , the translation of 10th century Sanskrit classic of the same name by Acharya Ksemendra of Kashmir, Sahitya Akademi New Delhi’s “Hum Kaal Sindhi Afsana Sombran” a Kashmiri translation of Hindi scripted  “Samkaleen Hindi Kathayen”, and under publication “Navi Yogikie Vaaeris Dar” a Kashmiri translation of English scripted collection of Punjabi short stories of renowned Punjabi short story writer Mohinder Singh Sarna, Indian Institute of Languages publication “Hindustaenie Falsafekie Khad-o-Khal”, the Kashmiri translation of “Outlines of Indian Philosophy” by world renowned Professor M.Hiriyanna besides a  monograph on veteran and doyen of Kashmiri poetry, Makhan Lal Kanwal, (a Sahitya Academy Publication, Delhi)