Pratyabhijnahrdayam: The Secret of SelfRecognition

Product Description Pratyabhijnahrdayam: The Secret Of Self-Recognition Sanskrit Text With English Translation, Notes and Introduction is a book by Jaideva Singh. This translation in English is an important study of Saivism in Kashmir. This is a short Tantra. After Somananda, Abhinavagupta, who was the illustrious disciple of Kshemaraja, wrote two commentaries on it. One is short and the other an extensive one. This book is the translation of the second Vivarana.The book is a mystical-philosophical literature of India and one the most-difficult texts of Kashmir Saiva School, which has been beautifully translated by Jaideva Singh in lucid English language. The main theme of the book is Ultimate Reality. Jiva is Shiva, meaning by identifying oneself with Shiva one forgets him/herself. The methods of self-discipline that leads to the realisation of the Ultimate Truth and how it is centered above all in theory and practice of the mantra, has been explained here. It serves as a good introduction to Pratyabhijna philosophy.Pratyabhijnahrdayam: The Secret Of Self-Recognition Sanskrit Text With English Translation, Notes and Introduction is in paperback. It was published by Motilal Banarsidass Publishers as 8th edition in 2013.Key Features:It is the revised and enlarged translation.It has a scholarly introduction with notes.It also makes available one of the major-mystical texts of Indian tradition, to readers interested in philosophy and spirituality.It has glossary of technical terms and indexes. Review I got this as another translation of the Pratyabhijnahrdayam. I am most familiar with that of I.K. Taimni, the Secret of Self-Realization. This book is harder to read because of its organization. Most of the explanatory material is in endnotes at the back of the book, so you have to flip pages a lot. Humorously, in the footnotes, the author bashes a translation by a white guy who apparently got it all wrong. In the main text most explanation of each sutra is via translations of other Indian writings that pertain to the subject of each sutra. This is good for getting a broader view of the Indian literature. Compared to Taimni, Singhs work is more technical. He goes into more detail of a lot of the concepts in Kashmir Shavism, -that is to say, lists of technical terms- whereas Taimni tends to paint in broader brush strokes. To really grasp the material will require several readings and serious attempts to memorize the concepts. While one can see the similarity between Taimnis and Singhs interpretations, Singhs is clearly more technical. If you are interested in a comparative translation, or want a more detailed understanding of technical concepts in Kashmir Shavism, and also a broader introduction to this literature in general, then this is a fine book. If you are a complete beginner to the concepts, I would recommend Taimnis Secret of Self-realization first, its a lot easier to understand. --By Donald J. DEGRACIA on July 12, 2009The 20 aphorisms contained in the Pratyabhijnahrdayam are to my mind the most powerful, intoxicating, profound, lucid, liberating, expanding, amazing collection of teachings anywhere. Not everyone can appreciate them, so Ill include an aphorism here to assist readers in deciding: Sutra 1: The absolute Chiti (Universal power) of its own free will is the cause of the Siddhi (manifestation) of the Universe. Commentary: It is only when Chiti, the ultimate consciousness-power comes into play that the Universe comes forth into being. To me, this is such a powerful Sutra it gives me a thrill every time I read it. However, I know others who get no such reaction. If this sutra gives you a thrill, you can with full confidence purchase this book and treasure it deeply, as I do. --By Amazon Customer on March 7, 2007When reading spiritual classics it is essential that the translator be a great swami or at least be a serious practicioner who has regular access to a great swami. The t