Bhairava and Bhavana in Kashmiri Trika Saivism English 2026

Bhairava (Supreme Reality): The book examines Bhairava not just as a deity, but as the Supreme Consciousness or foundational reality in the non-dual Trika tradition. Bhavana (Creative Contemplation): This is identified as the vital technique for the "refinement of consciousness" (vikalpa-saṁskāra). The author argues that bhavana is the underlying process for all spiritual means (upayas) used to experience the divine. Transformation of Consciousness: A central thesis is that humans can use these contemplative techniques to expand a limited state of awareness into an expansive, perfected state of "Supreme Consciousness". The research is an in-depth enquiry rooted in primary Kashmiri Tantric texts: Vijnanabhairava Tantra: Focuses on the various dharanas (contemplative methods) for realizing ultimate reality. Siva Sutras: The foundational scriptural authority revealed to Vasugupta. Tantraloka: The encyclopedic work by Abhinavagupta that perfected the Trika system.