Dear Friends
“As I embark on the sacred journey to understand and write about this divine manuscript (Pratibignyahridayam), my hands tremble and my heart shakes. I seek the blessings of Paramashiva, my Parampitah, my revered father, to guide me, to hold my hand, and fill my heart with his presence as I begin to write. In my physical and a very ordinary form, I feel inadequate for this task, however, with the grace of Paramashiva, the words and thoughts are His, and I am merely the instrument through which He expresses them. Thus the words expressed are his and by understanding them, one can move on the path of attracting grace, one can attain the state “AhamShivam”- “I am Shiva”
“I Am Shiva” (AhamShivam) is a profound exploration of the teachings found in the Pratibignya Hridayam, a foundational text of Kashmir Shaivism. The first volume of this book is written after studying various translated manuscripts, authors, scholars who have also interpreted the original text. This volume is also tailored around the first verse ( shaloka) of Pratibignya Hridayam,” “Chiti Swatantra Vishwasidhihetu” with an aim to help readers discover the hidden potentialities within themselves, recognising that each individual is a manifestation of shiva and has freedom of will to transform. In Kashmir Shaivism, the phrase “Shivoham” (I am Shiva), summarises this profound truth and asserts that divinity is not separate from us but is our very essence. In the process of my exploration and experimentation, the term that I have discovered to explain “I am Shiva” is “Aham Shivam”.
It is “discovered” because, I believe that it was already there, just the grace of the Paramshiva helped to locate. The reason for referring this phenomenon as “Aham Shivam” is because, “I am Shiva” is an affirmation of one’s identity with universal consciousness, emphasizing that the individual self is an expression of Shiva’s infinite, autonomous consciousness. While “Shivoham” a more direct and assertive declaration of one’s true nature as Shiva, “Aham Shivam” is about continuous process of introspective realisation where an individual is acknowledging their state of being Shiva, implying one’s journey towards understanding and internalizing and also integrating the realization of being Shiva into daily life. It is like the step by step process of moving from lower levels or class to higher class where one of gains and attains knowledge, awareness and self-realization by following progressive steps. It also resonates with the profound truth of “Aham Brahmasmi” (I am Brahman), and “Ana al-Haqq” (I am the Truth) as well.
The journey of self-realization in Kashmir Shaivism, unlike some other philosophies, is unique in that it does not advocate for renouncing the material world. Instead, it emphasizes embracing, experiencing, and ultimately transcending it to recognize one’s true nature. This perspective is a powerful solution to the inescapable materialism and superficiality of contemporary life.
By raising self-awareness, individuals can manage themselves more effectively, transcending ordinary materialistic consciousness to connect with their true self and, by extension, with all others as one interconnected reality. Kashmir Shaivism teaches that the material world is not separate from the divine; rather, it is a manifestation of the same consciousness, Shiva. This philosophy holds that every aspect of life, from mundane tasks to complex business activities, is infused with divine energy and offers opportunities for spiritual growth.
This philosophy advocates that while one can engage in their routine professional activities, perform their daily tasks such as doing routine office jobs, engaging in the routine business activities, caring for family, cooking, cleaning, travelling, playing even partying and yet one can find their true self by practicing self-inquiry, meditation, mindfulness, integrity, empathy, dedication and a detached attachment. An office worker can practice mindfulness by being fully present in meetings, listening actively, and performing tasks with full attention, love and passion.
This approach not only improves productivity but also brings a sense of peace and fulfilment. A business owner can integrate ethical practices and a sense of service into their business model. By viewing their business as a means to contribute positively to society, they align their professional life with their spiritual values. Therefore, balancing personal, professional, and spiritual activities creates a holistic life and that is how one moves on the path to realise “AhamShivam” (“I am Shiva”)
A central theme of “I Am Shiva” (Aham Shivam) is understanding the nature of the free will of our consciousness, which inherently desires to manifest and takes joy in this process, like a spider spinning its web from its own substance, living within it, and then eventually retracting it back into itself. Similarly, the ultimate consciousness (Shiva), manifests the universe from its own consciousness, sustains it, and ultimately absorbs it back into its pure, undifferentiated state like a painter who takes joy in creating art and painting his imagination on the canvass. The act of painting is an expression of the painter’s inner vision, much like how our consciousness manifests the world as an expression of its inherent freedom and creativity.
However, this divine manifestation often becomes veiled by the illusion of “Maya”, causing individuals to forget their true nature. “Maya” creates a sense of separation and duality, making us perceive ourselves as distinct from others and the world around us. In contemporary time, one can relate “Maya” to lack of right knowledge, awareness and understanding that creates the obstacle in realising and recognising my true self. “I Am Shiva” delves into the purpose of human life, to pierce through these illusions, discover our origin, and ascend back to our true nature.
For example, in everyday interactions, we often see ourselves as separate from others, driven by personal desires and fears. By recognizing that these interactions are manifestations of the same underlying consciousness, we can foster deeper empathy and connection. The realization that the divine essence within us is the same as in others can transform our vision and how we relate to the world, fostering unity and compassion.
“I Am Shiva” (AhamShivam) emphasizes that the journey to self-realization does not require rejecting the material world but rather accepting and experiencing it fully. Through this acceptance and experience, one can transcend the illusions created by Maya and recognize their true divine nature. This approach aligns with modern life, where the challenges and responsibilities of daily living can become hurdle as well as can bring opportunities for spiritual growth and self-discovery. It is up to an individual, how the individual person wants to approach life through the process of raising their level of awareness.
The teachings of Kashmir Shaivism also resonate deeply with contemporary metaphysical concepts such as quantum entanglement, wave-particle duality, and the interconnectedness of all things. These scientific principles echo the philosophical teachings that underline the interconnectedness of all existence and the non-dual nature of reality.
For instance, quantum entanglement suggests that particles, once connected, remain so across vast distances, influencing each other instantaneously. This mirrors the idea that all beings and phenomena are intrinsically connected through the same consciousness. Similarly, the wave-particle duality reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of reality, much like the interplay between the manifested world and the underlying divine consciousness.
“I Am Shiva” (AhamShivam) is a guide for readers to awaken to their inherent divinity, offering a path to higher self-awareness and self-management. It encourages embracing the material world while transcending its illusions to recognize and experience the true nature of consciousness. Through practical examples and profound insights, this book has also attempted to link ancient wisdom and modern metaphysics, providing a transformative perspective on life and existence.
In the hustle and bustle of life, “I Am Shiva” serves as a practical guide on how to manage life and ourselves. This book offers timeless wisdom from Kashmir Shaivism, providing actionable insights and practices that help individuals navigate the complexities of modern life while staying connected to their deeper spiritual essence
As you embark on this journey, may you discover the divine essence within and connect deeply with the universal consciousness, recognizing and embracing the inner flame of “I AM Shiva” that resides within each of us.
The book “I am Shiva” (AhamShivam) shall be released on ShravanShuklapaksh Purnima, 19th August, 2024.
( Author is Vice Chancellor: Shri Vishwakarma Skill University)