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Sounds of Liberation, The Spanda Karikas
About the Book
The Spanda Karikas was written by Sage Vasugupta in the late 8th century or early 9th century ad. Sage Vasugupta is also known for the Shiva sutras, a text revealed to him by Lord Shiva. The Spanda Karikas contains a wealth of knowledge. It explains to us how the world has been created, what are the important elements within it, what causes our bondage, and the means to overcome that bondage. Like all great texts, The Spanda Karikas is highly transformative. Its verses can transform our life and take us to a higher plane of existence. Drink from its cup of wisdom and watch your life transform.
About the author
Ranjit Chaudhri has translated some important texts of Kashmir Shaivism from Sanskrit into English. These include 112 Meditations for Self Realization: The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, The Shiva Sutras: Eternal Wisdom for Life, and Sounds of Liberation: The Spanda Karikas. He presently lives in Kolkata.
The Spanda Karikas was written by Sage Vasugupta in the late 8th century or early 9th century ad. Sage Vasugupta is also known for the Shiva sutras, a text revealed to him by Lord Shiva. The Spanda Karikas contains a wealth of knowledge. It explains to us how the world has been created, what are the important elements within it, what causes our bondage, and the means to overcome that bondage. Like all great texts, The Spanda Karikas is highly transformative. Its verses can transform our life and take us to a higher plane of existence. Drink from its cup of wisdom and watch your life transform.
About the author
Ranjit Chaudhri has translated some important texts of Kashmir Shaivism from Sanskrit into English. These include 112 Meditations for Self Realization: The Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, The Shiva Sutras: Eternal Wisdom for Life, and Sounds of Liberation: The Spanda Karikas. He presently lives in Kolkata.
- GenresSpirituality
120 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
44 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 2, 2021
The Spanda Karikas was written by the sage Vasugupta in the late 8th or early 9th century. Vasugupta is known for the Shiva Sutras, a text revealed to him by Lord Shiva.
Written in verse format. This book The Spanda Karikas is very subtle enriched with valuable elements. A book that takes you to a new perspective.
The Spandakarikas are several verses that serve as a sort of analysis on the Siva-sutras. The divine consciousness is not simply cold, inert intellection. It is rather spanda, active, dynamic, throbbing with life, creative pulsation. Spanda Karikas and Shiva Sutras belong to the Spanda school of Kashmir Shaivism out of the four schools of thought.
This is an excellent demonstration of Spanda-Karikas, both enlightening and praiseworthy. Each verse is illustrated first in its original form with escorting English translation followed by comprehensive analysis. Easy to infer. Recommended.
Written in verse format. This book The Spanda Karikas is very subtle enriched with valuable elements. A book that takes you to a new perspective.
The Spandakarikas are several verses that serve as a sort of analysis on the Siva-sutras. The divine consciousness is not simply cold, inert intellection. It is rather spanda, active, dynamic, throbbing with life, creative pulsation. Spanda Karikas and Shiva Sutras belong to the Spanda school of Kashmir Shaivism out of the four schools of thought.
This is an excellent demonstration of Spanda-Karikas, both enlightening and praiseworthy. Each verse is illustrated first in its original form with escorting English translation followed by comprehensive analysis. Easy to infer. Recommended.
July 20, 2021
When it comes to the diversity of cultures and religions, our country really has no match. With numerous philosophies and schools of belief, India has an amazingly rich religious history. Amongst these ancient philosophies, there's Kashmir Shaivism which portrays Lord Shiva as the Supreme Being and the sole reality of the universe.
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The tradition of Kashmir Shaivism is based on the Shiva Sutras, written by sage Vyasgupta. Also penned by Vyasgupta are the Spanda Karikas which highlight the essence of Shiva Sutras and present the precious wealth of knowledge in a graspable form.
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The Spanda Karikas by Ranjit Chaudhri is the author's take on all the 53 verses from the original Spanda Karikas. He talks about each and every verse in detail and comments on the ideas around which all the verses revolve. Explaining each of them and talking about their relevance in one's life, the book gives tell the reader how crucial it is to stay in touch with the spiritual elements.
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Perfect for readers who are looking for a book which would talk about spirituality and God as the essence of life, this book reflects on how to understand what our religion intends to teach us, and how to inculcate all those lessons in our life so that we can recognize the potential within us and truly feel that unity with the supreme power. One thing that I really liked about the book was the short chapters which prevented the content from coming off as intimidating.
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My advice for those who pick this up would be to go slow with it and read only as much as they can easily grasp at one time, because even though the lucid language makes it easy to understand the concept, still it's a lot to chew over and you should take your own time pondering upon it and drawing meaning from what you read. That way you can get the most out of the book and takeaway some valuable lessons to hold onto forever.
.
The tradition of Kashmir Shaivism is based on the Shiva Sutras, written by sage Vyasgupta. Also penned by Vyasgupta are the Spanda Karikas which highlight the essence of Shiva Sutras and present the precious wealth of knowledge in a graspable form.
.
The Spanda Karikas by Ranjit Chaudhri is the author's take on all the 53 verses from the original Spanda Karikas. He talks about each and every verse in detail and comments on the ideas around which all the verses revolve. Explaining each of them and talking about their relevance in one's life, the book gives tell the reader how crucial it is to stay in touch with the spiritual elements.
.
Perfect for readers who are looking for a book which would talk about spirituality and God as the essence of life, this book reflects on how to understand what our religion intends to teach us, and how to inculcate all those lessons in our life so that we can recognize the potential within us and truly feel that unity with the supreme power. One thing that I really liked about the book was the short chapters which prevented the content from coming off as intimidating.
.
My advice for those who pick this up would be to go slow with it and read only as much as they can easily grasp at one time, because even though the lucid language makes it easy to understand the concept, still it's a lot to chew over and you should take your own time pondering upon it and drawing meaning from what you read. That way you can get the most out of the book and takeaway some valuable lessons to hold onto forever.
August 5, 2021
Full review follow soon.
August 6, 2021
Spanda means vibration, throb, pulse, or movement. It is the state of Shiva or God. The word Spanda has been used to describe Divine consciousness. The Spanda Karikas and Shiva Sutras belong to the Spanda school of Kashmir Shaivism- a nondualistic philosophy. Kashmir Shaivism explains that the elements are found in the energy of sound, specifically in the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. The book contains 53 verses. Traditionally the verses are in the Sanskrit language but the author has added an English translation of each of the verses along with Sanskrit. The Spanda Karikas is a remarkable little text. The book imparts a wealth of wisdom.
The author has added the verses of many other great books like Shiva Sutras, Param Shiva, Ashtavakra Gita, Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, Katha Upanishad, etc in this book. The author has covered many topics be it related to depression, consciousness, liberation, or desire. He has also discussed the most famous mantra "Aum Namah Shivaya". The book is written in very easy language. There is so much to get from this book. This book is highly recommended to everyone. Trust me, there is so much to learn from it. Don't take this book as a mythological read. This book will help you in understanding so much about life.
The verses mentioned in the Spanda Karikas can transform our life and take us to a higher plane of existence.
The author has added the verses of many other great books like Shiva Sutras, Param Shiva, Ashtavakra Gita, Vigyan Bhairava Tantra, Katha Upanishad, etc in this book. The author has covered many topics be it related to depression, consciousness, liberation, or desire. He has also discussed the most famous mantra "Aum Namah Shivaya". The book is written in very easy language. There is so much to get from this book. This book is highly recommended to everyone. Trust me, there is so much to learn from it. Don't take this book as a mythological read. This book will help you in understanding so much about life.
The verses mentioned in the Spanda Karikas can transform our life and take us to a higher plane of existence.
July 27, 2021
When it's all about Mythology especially about Lord Shiva, it was so obvious to grab this book. "The Spanda Karikas" by author RAJIT CHAUDHRI is an amazing creation indeed that is based on Siva Sutras, a text revealed to him by Lord Shiva.
The book is based on the creation of our world and so many unknown supernatural connections as well. I am in love with the way everything has been penned down and how prominent each and every detail is. This book consists of pieces of advice, pearls of wisdom, and so on. Anybody who loves to read Mythology with non-fictional touch and wants to explore this platform more, without any doubt this book will be their favorite one. While reading I could feel my inner strength is getting developed. Definitely, it's a strong non fiction with a moderate fictional touch. I am really blessed that I have read this book and of course my complete respect for the author. I am overwhelmed and awestruck by the author's knowledge and efforts to this book. I will recommend this book to Mythology based nonfiction readers but those who are new to this platform can try it too. It's such a powerful and steady read that has filled my heart with purity.
The book is based on the creation of our world and so many unknown supernatural connections as well. I am in love with the way everything has been penned down and how prominent each and every detail is. This book consists of pieces of advice, pearls of wisdom, and so on. Anybody who loves to read Mythology with non-fictional touch and wants to explore this platform more, without any doubt this book will be their favorite one. While reading I could feel my inner strength is getting developed. Definitely, it's a strong non fiction with a moderate fictional touch. I am really blessed that I have read this book and of course my complete respect for the author. I am overwhelmed and awestruck by the author's knowledge and efforts to this book. I will recommend this book to Mythology based nonfiction readers but those who are new to this platform can try it too. It's such a powerful and steady read that has filled my heart with purity.
July 21, 2021
The book is essentially a translation of around 50 verses or Shiv Sutras that were originally composed by Sage Vasugupta in the late 8th century – early 9th century AD. These sutras were revealed to him by Lord Shiva himself and aim to bring consciousness to the lives of people. The author tries to bring to the fore the importance of living life to the fullest in the very sense of one’s being. The author has explained each verse in detail besides commenting on the ideas being expressed in each verse. The author also talks about the relevance of these ideas in an individual’s life besides educating the readers about the importance of staying in touch with the spiritual elements.
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January 6, 2024
Audit of Life
Spanda Karikas offer the way to lead one's life with peace, harmony and satisfaction by knowing, understanding and experiencing the Self within. During the course of my reading, I could experience that right from my childhood to my present-day (a journey of seven decades!) there is one element that has not changed and it is that I cannot call it "mine"! It was revealed to me that in times of crisis I had referred to that "element" and It had guided me to navigate my life with confidence without being perturbed. Earlier a person reads such gems of wisdom - more so a young person who is to face life immediately after his/her education - the better. The world will be a better living place full of harmony, peace and empathy for other fellow beings as that "element" is a common thread binding the entire humanity.
Spanda Karikas offer the way to lead one's life with peace, harmony and satisfaction by knowing, understanding and experiencing the Self within. During the course of my reading, I could experience that right from my childhood to my present-day (a journey of seven decades!) there is one element that has not changed and it is that I cannot call it "mine"! It was revealed to me that in times of crisis I had referred to that "element" and It had guided me to navigate my life with confidence without being perturbed. Earlier a person reads such gems of wisdom - more so a young person who is to face life immediately after his/her education - the better. The world will be a better living place full of harmony, peace and empathy for other fellow beings as that "element" is a common thread binding the entire humanity.
January 7, 2026
"He who sees all beings in his self and his self in all beings, thereafter has no fear."
"Renunciation is not the discarding of external things but of the ego.
As you experience the peace within, the less you are inclined towards turning your attention outwards, away from the self."
This book presents a simplified explanation of each verse of the Spanda karikas integrating it with real world examples. A book of wisdom emphasising on enlightenment and transience of the body and its sensory pleasures. The writer could have provided words specific meaning used in Sanskrit verses, making the explanation more pronounced. Few repetitive discussions. Overall, the book is a good intro to understand aspects in Kashmir shaivism.
"Renunciation is not the discarding of external things but of the ego.
As you experience the peace within, the less you are inclined towards turning your attention outwards, away from the self."
This book presents a simplified explanation of each verse of the Spanda karikas integrating it with real world examples. A book of wisdom emphasising on enlightenment and transience of the body and its sensory pleasures. The writer could have provided words specific meaning used in Sanskrit verses, making the explanation more pronounced. Few repetitive discussions. Overall, the book is a good intro to understand aspects in Kashmir shaivism.
July 22, 2021
In brief it explains the essence of Shiva and role in the reality in the form of verses. It presents the original verses by the Sage Vasugupta, the founder of Kashmir school of Shaivism. It gives simple explanation and exposition of the verses mentioned. They present the remarkable secrets of the life and consciousness. Although the true essence of Sanskrit is always lost in translation, this presents an layman's perspective of the true meaning. This presents of essence of what is the ultimate reality.
The book provides you a little insight and for better understanding try reading it twice and recommend you to get a copy of yours. Enjoy reading!
The book provides you a little insight and for better understanding try reading it twice and recommend you to get a copy of yours. Enjoy reading!
September 13, 2023
Mesmerizing book that covers many aspects of spiritual journey and it's ups and downs. It conveys to some level the meaning of freedom in spiritual journey which is to be free from desires and be in state of detachment.
Only through love and spirituality one can achieve freedom as in true love whether for God or another human being, all the impure desires are washed away slowly.
The name of book "The sounds of liberation" justifies it and "Spanda Karikas" is the pure vibrations of love. In state of freedom slowly diseases of the body are also removed and there's freedom from negativity in form of diseases in our body.
Only through love and spirituality one can achieve freedom as in true love whether for God or another human being, all the impure desires are washed away slowly.
The name of book "The sounds of liberation" justifies it and "Spanda Karikas" is the pure vibrations of love. In state of freedom slowly diseases of the body are also removed and there's freedom from negativity in form of diseases in our body.
April 16, 2023
Ranjitji never disappoints. This is his second book which I finished after 112 Meditations and it was very engaging and loved the way he gave analogies and arguments from today's modern world so that readers could relate to this ancient text.
Check out the brief summary here. Hope this summary will motivate you to read this wonderful enlightening book in full.
https://5point-something.com/index.ph...
Check out the brief summary here. Hope this summary will motivate you to read this wonderful enlightening book in full.
https://5point-something.com/index.ph...
July 2, 2025
Very succinct in capturing essence of Shiva or Brahman
This book has only 53 shloka - like many other classics it is small but huge in its power.This book captures beautiful ideas I have not read elsewhere outside Kashmir Shaivism - specifically elaboration of Kalaa, kaala, niyati, vidya as emergent from Maya that hinders the true view. The meanings given are highly technical and differ from the common understanding I had.
This book has only 53 shloka - like many other classics it is small but huge in its power.This book captures beautiful ideas I have not read elsewhere outside Kashmir Shaivism - specifically elaboration of Kalaa, kaala, niyati, vidya as emergent from Maya that hinders the true view. The meanings given are highly technical and differ from the common understanding I had.
August 5, 2021
The author eloquently explains the concept of enlightenment, how to attain it, how the state can be described (at best), how one behaves after attaining it. The author used various examples to illustrate the concept clearly- at times some parts felt like a self help book. By far, this had been the most simplified and yet holistic book that I have read. Sincere thanks to the author.
February 25, 2022
The Spanda Karika brings to us true wisdom and Ranjit Choudhari does justice to the translation. A book that truly enlightens and leaves us to the path of practice, a path of true liberation. The book is easy to understand and it only leaves us more alert on the Self. Having read the Shiv Sutras I thoroughly loved reading this and getting deeper into my spiritual journey.
March 17, 2023
Modern world is just waking up to what ancient wisdom Hinduism carry. This book is all about answering the question of what the world is all about, who is Shiva, where it all started. It's crazy to see how world once accused Hinduism or orthodox and now waking up to what gems it have under each domain. Aum
November 23, 2025
Spandan which means vibrations and the vibration of our god particles which are inside us. Though a small book it teaches us well about how to go inwards and attain eternal peace and bliss of getting connected with the inner Shiv. Truly wonderful book in just 53 shloks. I would have appreciated more if the original shloks were given in Sanskrit also.
December 26, 2024
Started in January finished in December, this to me was perfect timing. I appreciated the teaching and the superb commentary very much at this point of time. It tied in seamlessly with other things that are currently brought to me to read.
February 15, 2025
Too much repetition of the ideas presented in the book. Also, you would find only a few more insights into the message of shiv sutras if you have read it already. Nothing much, easy and simple read after shiv sutras, as you're already familiar with the core ideas.
February 9, 2022
Well, I was expecting answers to the question on how the entire entirety has been created. However, couldn't get answer to that.
July 2, 2022
Beautiful book
Very good book. Nicely explained. Eye opener on few fundamentals.great read. Author is brilliant for such beautiful translation and understanding l.
Very good book. Nicely explained. Eye opener on few fundamentals.great read. Author is brilliant for such beautiful translation and understanding l.
July 9, 2022
This book was wonderfull. Got to know lots of interesting facts and realised how important it is to be aware of ourself.
After reading this book i have already started practicing to live in present.
After reading this book i have already started practicing to live in present.
April 18, 2023
Not a good translation. The entire rasa (nectar) of the original hasn’t been extracted.
November 14, 2025
spanda!!! a term which defines every consciousness. beautiful book basing on kashmir shaivisim...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews