Pratyabhijna

Pratyabhijna is a significant philosophical and spiritual system within Kashmir Shaivism that emphasizes the recognition (pratyabhijna) of one's original self or consciousness, often equated with the divine. This system was developed in Kashmir during the medieval period, primarily by the philosopher Utpaladeva and his disciple Abhinavagupta, who are both pivotal figures in the history of Indian philosophy.

Overview

Pratyabhijna philosophy posits that the ultimate reality is consciousness (Shiva), and that all individual experiences and phenomena are manifestations of this universal consciousness. The goal of Pratyabhijna is the recognition of one's unity with Shiva, leading to spiritual liberation (moksha). This recognition is not seen as the acquisition of a new knowledge but rather the remembrance of something inherently known but forgotten.

Key Concepts

• Shiva and Shakti: In Pratyabhijna, Shiva is considered the universal consciousness and Shakti as his dynamic power, which manifests the universe.
• Aham: This term means "I" or self, central to Pratyabhijna, where the recognition of "Aham" leads to the realization of one's divine nature.
• Maya: Unlike in Advaita Vedanta, where Maya is often seen as a veiling power, in Pratyabhijna, Maya is the divine power of Shiva that creates the universe for the purpose of the game of hide and seek of self-recognition.
• Anavopaya, Shaktopaya, and Shambhavopaya: These are the means or methods (upaya) of achieving recognition, ranging from the individual effort in Anavopaya to the spontaneous recognition in Shambhavopaya.

Historical Development

The foundational texts of Pratyabhijna are Utpaladeva's Ishvarapratyabhijnakarika and Abhinavagupta's Tantraloka and Ishvarapratyabhijnavigrahini. These works lay out both the philosophical foundations and the practical aspects of the system.

Impact and Legacy

Pratyabhijna philosophy has had a profound impact on later developments in both Tantric traditions and other schools of Indian thought. Its emphasis on direct recognition of one's divine nature has influenced various spiritual movements and has been compared to the teachings of Dzogchen in Tibetan Buddhism.

See Also

• Kashmir Shaivism
• Tantra
• Indian philosophy