The Splendor of Recognition: An Exploration of the Pratyabhijna-hrdayam, a Text on the Ancient Science of the Soul

by Shantananda Puri, Peggy Bendet

Unique in its combination of scriptural erudition and experiential wisdom, this book makes accessible the true philosophy of Tantra and Kashmir Shaivism for dedicated students of yoga and Eastern philosophy.

Genres: Hinduism, Spirituality

446 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dee]

I suspect I will always be currently reading this book.

[Liam O'Leary]

One of 3 core texts of the trika tradition of Non-dualist Shiva Shakti Tantra (the Shiva Sutras, and Spanda Karikas being the other). I read this to supplement a meditation teacher training at Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Centre in Uluwatu. It is at times a bit weighty and could be greatly assisted by some high level summaries and integration pieces to avoid one sutra being forgotten after the next few!

Know that any 3 of these texts are short as they are only 20 statements or so, but that commentaries are in-depth as they are complex. This edition of the Splendor of Recognition was recommended by my yoga centre. It gives a human grounding to the text. It would be nicer if it had wider integration and background on the rest of the Trika system, and a higher-level summary.

To anyone new to trika in Tantra, I would recommend starting with a lighter accessible version of the Shiva Sutras instead. My teacher suggested that the Shiva Sutras explains the mindset change, Spanda explains the energetic feelings change, and The Splendor of Recognition explains more of the integration and reflection of the core principles. It may therefore make sense to read them in this order.

[Juan Rivera]

One of the questions that we humans ask ourselves most frequently is: What do we do in this universe? What were we created for?

After much thinking, I think what we should ask ourselves is: who are we? The answer to this question that gives us the Shivaism of Kashmir, Buddhism and mysticism in Christian and Muslim religions is incredible, in fact if you get to read and understand you are still far from feeling and living it for real. You would transform your life as you can not imagine.

To delve more into the subject, for those who are on the spiritual path Swami Shantananda wrote a magnificent book called "The Shining of Recognition" where he explores the 20 sutures of Pratyabhijña-hrdayam.

The original text is magnificent but incomprehensible, especially for a Westerner. Shantananda's comments help a lot but what really helps is to find in your spiritual path the state where you know who you are. "I am" or "I am that" is the final answer. But what does it mean?

If you want to know, you are at the beginning of a long journey ... and a long way begins with the first step.

[Allen O'Dell Harper]

This is an excellent exposition on the Pratyabhijnahrdayam. Twenty short sutras that can open up the entire universe.

[SAT CHIT ANANDA]

#1. The best book I've ever read and will ever read. One of the paramount works of non-dual Shaivism. The Self will never be the same 😊

[Brandon Ballentine]

Swami Shantananda does an excellent job of taking a highly esoteric ancient text (Kashmir Shaivism's Pratyabijñā-hṛdayam) and making it relatable. Not only does he have a firm understanding of the theological tenets of his discipline, Siddha Yoga, but he also breathes life into the theory by sharing a wealth of personal insights from his own practical experience.

[Sarah Fischer]

A serious read on the Pratyabhijna-hrdayam a sacred Tantric Text. but wonderful and pretty easy to digest as far as ancient texts and commentaries go

[Carrie]

70

[LeeLee]

The most important Tantric text I have been reading for eight years.