Kashmir Shaivism The 36 Principles

Kashmir Shaivism = Trika Philosophy = Threefold

Kashmir Shaivism proposes 36 discrete Principles in creation. These are categorized as Trika = the Three states of Consciousness.

a) 25 gross aspects of divinity. These make up the visible spectrum of sound and light, name and form.

b) 5+1 = 6 distinct aspects of divinity that have taken a subtle energy body. This form the beginning of the energy-matter phenomena. These can be cognized by intelligent and innocent and clear-hearted men. These occur in deep meditative states to humans, and are also exhibited by flora and fauna and geographical natural phenomena. The seers state that these six principles serve to obscure what is beyond. These are infamously known as the veils of ignorance. Actually these six tattva manifest the primal principles of duality, opposites, and all natural and cosmic forces. And whatever science is unraveling as it evolves, or whatever man grapples with in his quest for spiritual answers, whatever we say gets downloaded from the cosmos to become philosophy, invention, innovation and discovery, nay spirituality.

• 1. Niyati
• 2. Kaala
• 3. Raaga
• 4. Vidya
• 5. Kalaa

+1=

• 6. Maya

c) 5 distinct aspects of formless divinity. These are the para tattva - the transcendental principles. These are realized by enlightened yogis, and thus cognized in their discourses and teachings. Rare and manifest on earth in certain phenomena, during specific times, and in unique places. We cannot term these 5 principles as matter, and neither as energy. It is technically correct to say these are beyond grasp of man, machine, nature or anything else. These are only divined by enlightened masters, and stated by them, but never in any transactional manner. These 5 aspects cannot be (nay should not be) put in any framework, philosophy, or thought.

Sum = 25 + 5 +1 + 5 = 36 Tattva of Kashmir Shaivism.