Kashmiri Śivavism
The Philosophy of Consciousness
Philosophy and meditation workshops
It was the monistic school of Kashmiri Śivaism that brought the entirety of tantric literature and that of the classical Indian systems to a single concept at the end of the 12th century – namely the teaching of »consciousness«. This philosophy equates the term “consciousness” with the term “soul” or even “mantra”. Every thought, every sensation, according to this school, is in its essence pure consciousness and an invitation to enter your own pure self: through an increasing understanding of the processes of our own consciousness.
Although it is a theistic school, it encounters the practitioner at his own spiritual roots and explains the superstructure of all processes taking place there in the light of a universal philosophy of consciousness that has matured to perfection. It is deeply suited to modern man. These seminars are an open invitation to all.
English Zoom Teachings!
Śakti~Series
A course through the Powers of Consciousness
The causal forces of consciousness are referred to as “pure energies”; they constitute the inner dynamics of consciousness and the process of becoming conscious. Concentration on one of these five supreme tattvas bestrows liberating, pure knowledge (śuddha-vidyā). These workshops are a journey into perception as our sacred state of being. Within the light of the philosophy of Kashmiri Śivaism, we practice guided meditation, read relevant passages from it's literature and discover, that stillness, bliss, astonishment, knowledge and activity of consciousness make up the very dynamic of all things - our own self, as well as the Lord we worship.
Program 2023
A half year course through the Powers of consciousness,
with monthly weekend workshops:
15th & 16th of April
27th & 28th of May
24th & 25th of June
22nd & 23rd of July
26th & 27th of August
Single workshop 80 $
All five workshops for 360 $
चैतन्य
Awareness
Caitanya – “Nothing can exist outside of consciousness, since consciousness is universal in every respect. Basically, as thinking beings, we are absolutely free in all knowledge and in all its activity, because our condition is caitanya, involved in all knowledge and action as absolute freedom. This freedom belongs to God, Śiva!” (Commentary Śivasūtra 1.1 by Kṣemarāja)
The concept of caitanya is the starting point of the philosophy of Kashmiri Śivaism, as well as our starting point in this series of five practical philosophy and meditation workshops. We will try to catch it and meditate upon it, contemplate and worship it being the supreme state of yoga. The Śakti (power) of consciousness is its ability to relate to itself, because of which consciousness is alive.
Zoom Śakti-Series
Awareness
15th & 16th of April
Time:
West Coast US: 9.30 am - 12:30 pm
Germany: 17:30 - 20:30 Uhr
Price:
80 $ via Paypal
All five workshops for 360 $
Classes will be recorded.
Registration and information:
mail to yoga@viveknath.de
आनन्द
Bliss
Ānanda – The state of self-reflection is that of pure Consciousness's inherent bliss as it flows out, since the state of Self-reflection as absolute abundance is seeking a way. Awareness overflows, this state we call bliss. We are going to follow on this subject the Mālinīvijayottara, the basis for Abhinavaguptas Tantrāloka. Great joy will await us. This workshop consists of theory and practice to the usual extent. The Power of Bliss (ānanda-śakti) is the second pure power of consciousness.
Zoom Śakti-Series
Bliss
27nd & 28th of May
Time:
West Coast US: 9.30 am - 12:30 pm
Germany: 17:30 - 20:30 Uhr
Price:
80 $ via Paypal
All five workshops for 360 $
Classes will be recorded.
Registration and information:
mail to yoga@viveknath.de
चमत्कार
Amazement
Camatkāra means wonder. The mind and thoughts are awake and detached, they are expansive and they marvel. In this seminar we start on a journey of discovery to true being and endless amazement. Wonder is the third of the pure energies of consciousness. Here the wonder of life manifests itself as the process of conscious being, the energy which in itself is consciousness being astohished.The workshop consists of many guided exercises within the wonderful superstructure of Kashmiri Śaivism. It is suitable for everyone and everyone is welcome.
Zoom Śakti-Series
Amazement
24th & 25th of June 2023
Time:
West Coast US: 9.30 am - 12:30 pm
Germany: 17:30 - 20:30 Uhr
Price:
80 $ via Paypal
Registration and information:
mail to yoga@viveknath.de
विमर्श
Reflection
Vimarśa – Everything is vimarśa, for every moment proclaims itself through knowledge (jñāna). Every letter, every word and all sense perception we name here vimarśa – through knowledge everything is taking place. While Vimarśa describes the Śakti aspect and Prakāśa the light aspect, it is when Lord Śiva opens His eyes, that He sees You, Śakti, the plane of reflection. We are this plane of reflection and our yoga is the process back to pure light. A special seminar with a lot of light and its reflection, practicing there will and leads us back to this point in the heart, where they touch.
Zoom Śakti-Series
Reflection
22nd & 23rd of July
Time:
West Coast US: 9.30 am - 12:00 pm
Germany: 17:30 - 20:30 Uhr
Price:
80 $ via Paypal
Registration and information:
mail to yoga@viveknath.de
स्पर्श
Touch
Sparśa – Touch is closest to the heart. The topic sparśa we associate here with activity, although in fact it is associated with wonder, the third pure tattva, a main theme in tantric thought.
Activity contains the fullness of all pure energies, here we are going to explore the subject feeling. Abhinavagupta emphasizes the importance of touch. He says that while the other sense organs must be left behind as they ultimately impede enlightenment, touch does not, it aids in the process of liberation, for light and touch form the dynamic unity of consciousness.
Zoom Śakti-Series
Touch
26th & 27th of August
Time:
West Coast US: 9.30 am - 12:30 pm
Germany: 17:30 - 20:30 Uhr
Price:
80 $ via Paypal
All five workshops for 360 $
Classes will be recorded.
Registration and information:
mail to yoga@viveknath.de
Vivek
