Kashmir Shaivism is a school of Philosophy that developed in Kashmir. Also known as the Trika Philosophy, it rests on the three energies of Lord Shiva. The system of Kashmiri Shaivism is based upon Tantras spoken by Lord Shiva. These Tantras are divided into three classes- one class is that of the monistic tantras. They are called Bhairava Tantras; the second group of Tantras is founded on the mono-dualistic aspect of Kashmir Shaivism. These Tantras are called Rudra Tantras; the third class is based on dualistic Shaivism. These Tantras are called Shiva Tantras.
The philosophy of these Tantras was re-originated at the beginning of Kaliyug by Sage Durvasa. Many centuries later this Tantric philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism was taught by the four great Masters in four Great Schools, Paratyabhigna School, Krama School, Kula School and Spanda School.
Paratyabhigna means Recognition. The realisation of what one has always been in one`s essential, timeless nature. This system was expounded in Kashmir by Somananda.
The Krama School is grounded in space, time and form. Its purpose is to develop such strength of awareness that one transcends the circle of time, space and form and thus becomes timeless, space-less and formless. This thought of the Krama School of Shaivism was taught by Shri Erakanatha.
The third school of Kashmir Shaivism is called the Kula system. The purpose of this school is to discard Individual Energy and to enter into blissful energy of the totality. Thisi thought was re-orginated and taught by Sumatinatha in Kashmir.
The fourth, the Spanda School of this system was re-originated in Kashmir by Vasaguptanatha. Spanda means `Vibration` and the system which goes by its name directs the aspirant to concentrate on each and every movement in this world. Even the movement of a blade of grass will carry you to God-consciousness.
These four schools are not too different or separate from each other. All four carry the Sadhaks to the one and that is Universal God-consciousness. This thought of Kashmir Shaivism is so great, world-affirming and Universal that it has deeply impressed many western minds too, holding out as it does the wonderful vision of this whole Universe as nothing but the Blissful energy of an all pervading consciousness, Lord Shiva.
