The Heart of Awareness

Course Description

The "Heart of Awareness" is an immersive introduction to the foundational teachings of Non-Dual Shaiva Tantra. This course centers on Abhinavagupta's pivotal text, the Paramārthasāra, or "The Essence of the Supreme Reality." Our intention is to provide a solid foundation for further tantric study and practice, guiding you toward a profound understanding of this unique and powerful tradition.

We'll delve into the core metaphysics and philosophical worldview of Shaiva non-duality, exploring its rich history and key distinctions from other non-dual traditions. Unlike other systems that may view the world as an illusion, Shaiva non-duality celebrates the universe as a direct and joyful manifestation of consciousness itself. This perspective offers a path to liberation and the actualization of your highest potential without the need to renounce the world.

"I take refuge in you alone, O Shambhu,
the Supreme within the Supreme, who is unfathomable, eternal, singular,
yet who secretly resides in the many, and is the abode of all,
pervading both the animate and inanimate” || 1 ||

The Paramārthasāra

The Paramārthasāra outlines the Shaivite vision of the universe as the unfolding of a single, unified consciousness. This Supreme Consciousness manifests the cosmos through a hierarchical process, giving rise to 36 fundamental principles (tattvas). In this way, the diverse universe is projected onto consciousness itself, much like images on a screen.

Within this grand cosmic display, the Absolute assumes the form of the limited human experiencer. It deliberately veils its true nature with three impurities, or malas, thereby adopting a state of self-limitation. This process describes how the infinite and boundless consciousness appears to be a separate, finite individual. Our exploration of the Paramārthasāra will focus on how to see through these veils and recognize the boundless awareness that is our true nature.

Bridging Theory and Practice

To bridge the gap between philosophical study and direct experience, the course couples our discussions with guided meditations from the Vijnanabhairava Tantra, another crucial scripture of the tradition that offers profound teachings on tantric meditation. These time-honored practices serve as a practical guide to the profound states of awareness described in the texts, allowing you to directly embody the principles you're learning.