with Maxim Voroshilov


Abhinavagupta teaching

In this 8 week series we will be studying the “Parama-artha-sara” a text with 105 verses, written by Abinavagupta –a great philosopher and yogi of the 11th century. Abhinavagupta is believed to be an incarnation of Shiva on the grounds of the powers he displayed. Known for his theory of yogic perception, his tradition is now referred to as Kashmir Shaivism.

The topics we are going to cover:

1. The theory of the world creation according from the point of view of Kashmir Shaivism yogis

2. Thirty six tattvas, the level of beings possessed of karma and the realm of the pure or realized beings.

3. The nature of Maya, the Lord's power. The "covers" of the spirit that turn the Experiencer into a "limited" soul, Purusha.

4. The nature of Samsara. A creature limited by Time, limited activity, limited knowledge, "limited interest", the law of causation.

5. The cause of the bondage - the "limited concepts" or deeply rooted impressions, programmes.

6. The definition of liberation from bondage

7. Shakti-paata - the "descent of power", Lord's power as the cause of the liberation.

8. The world made by energies of Lord Shiva

9. The forms of some Tantric deities. The nature of Tantric practice


What can we learn studying Kashmir Shaivism

1. It has got many ideas which it shares with a greater Hindu tradition. So learning it we penetrate deeper into the Hindu frame of mind, in terms of the practical philosophy of sadhana.

2. It opens for us the door to understanding the Tantric teachings and the way they interpret the world. The Tantric teachings do not discard (unlike many others) the world but rather worship and get inspired by it considering it to be the play of divine energies.

3. It enables one to see clearly how to practice sadhana while being "in the world" - Kashmir Shaivites are all householders, not hermits.

	Maxim Voroshilov – a student of Sanskrit and Asian wisdom traditions since 1990, has had the good fortune to study in India with numerous pundits of the Kashmir Shaivism tradition. Currently he is writing his PhD thesis on Kashmir Shaivite philosophy. Max maintains interest in Ayurveda, Advaita Vedanta, and Vajrayana Buddhism and has found yoga and theoretical study blend perfectly together.

Date: Every Friday start from January 18 - March 7.
Time: 5.45 - 7.45pm
Cost: 500 Bht per session or just 3,500 Bht for All sessoins.