The Cult of Phallus God: Understanding Siva, Trika, and the Path of Recognition in Tantric Shaivism (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798296108890)

This book delves into the Pratyabhijñā school within the broader framework of Trika philosophy and Kashmir Śaivism, exploring its distinctive concept of liberation (mokṣa). Central to Pratyabhijñā is the realization of one's true identity as Śiva-the Pūrṇāhantā or pure 'I'-consciousness. Liberation is thus a process of recognition (pratyabhijñā) where the finite self (aṇu or paśu) reclaims its essential unity with the Supreme (Paramāśiva). Contrary to Advaita Vedānta, which posits an inexplicable ajñāna as separate from Brahman, Pratyabhijñā interprets ajñāna as a real, dynamic power-Māyāśakti-manifesting as difference (vikalpa) and finitude. The empirical self, tied to the body-mind complex, is seen as a product of this ignorance, particularly of the āṇavamala, which continues even in jīvanmukti. Hence, partial liberation or jīvanmukti does not suffice in Pratyabhijñā; full liberation is achieved only with the dissolution of the body-mind complex and the complete eradication of spiritual ignorance (pauruṣa-ajñāna), culminating in samāveśa-the experiential absorption into pure 'I'-consciousness. The work emphasizes that liberation is not a mere cognitive realization but a total ontological reabsorption into Śiva, wherein all differences dissolve and only the undivided Self remains.