Pratyabhijñāhṛdayam: The Secret of Self-recognition

by Jaideva Singh (Editor)

Sanskrit text with english translation, notes and introduction by Jaideva Singh

This little work is a digest of the Pratyabhijna system of Kashmir Saiva philosophy, prepared by Ksemaraja, the illustrious disciple of Abhinavagupta. It avoids all polemics and gives in a very succinct form (20 sutras) the main tenets of the Pratyabhijna presented by Utpala. Pratyabhijna means recognition. Jiva is Siva; by identifying himself with his body, Jiva has forgotten his real nature. This teaching is meant to enable Jiva to suggest to him the spiritual discipline needed to attain ‘at-one-ment’ with SIVA.

Dr. Jaideva Singh has considerably revised and enlarged his translation, and provided a scholarly Introduction, Notes, Glossary of technical terms and Indexes. It serves as the best introduction to Pratyabhijna philosophy.

Genres: Hinduism, Spirituality

187 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[gardenofweediiin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might payoff or be necessary to study through the notes and glossary of terms before jumping head first into this one. Otherwise a bit inaccessible for an intro into Kashmir Shaivism without prior studying or knowledge of Sanskrit or Hindi.

Maybe one I revisit in the future for greater comprehension into this spiritual study of the 'highest realms.' Tickled my interest to say the least.

[Allen O'Dell Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short text of 20 sutras that gives a full overview of the trika philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. It is all about recognizing the divine within yourself and within everything else. Deep and easential.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine translation but he enjoys frequently, harshly critiquing a prior translator in the footnotes. The commentary is dry and academic. Christopher Wallis' modern translation and commentary (The Recognition Sutras) is much better and honestly one of the most inspiring books I've ever read.

[William Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shivoham.