Books on Saivism or Shaivism

Recommended Books

The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices Associated with Kashmir Shaivism (SUNY series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir) Cutting across distinctions of schools and types, the author explains the central feature of Kashmir Shaivism: the creative pulse of the all pervasive Consciousness called SAiva. This is also the central theme of the Hindu Tantras, and Dyczkowski provides new insight into the most literate and extensive interpretations of the Tantras. Amazon Reviews

Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme The essence of Abhinavagupta's Tantra Loka and the definitive explanation of Kashmir Shaivism from the master. Kashmir Shaivism is a mental discipline. While it does encompass the practices of Bhakti and Karma yogas, it teaches the perennial metaphysics of the universe, its creation and our place of purpose therein. Therefore there are many metaphysical ideas in Kashmir Shavism uniquely formulated in the Sanskrit terms that contain their essence. Immersing our consciousness in the unfamiliar waters of these Sanskrit terms is one of the initial challenges for the seeker. However it is also one of the enduring pleasures of this school of wisdom and you will find whatever effort you make to assimilate these terms well worth your time. Amazon Reviews

Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism: The Oral Teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo This book presents the oral teachings of the twentieth century’s great Kashmir Shaivite master. The last of his long lineage, Swami Lakshmanjoo preserved, as did his predecessors, the oral knowledge that illuminates this ancient philosophy―that clarifies the often deliberately obscure tantric texts. Swami Lakshmanjoo reveals the essence of the way and the means to self realization. Here in his own original discourses, as well as in his English renderings of Abhinavagupta and Kshemaraja, he unveils the essential teachings of this yoga philosophy.

The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-dual Shaivism of Kashmir (SUNY series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir) This book explores one of the most explicit and sophisticated theoretical formulations of tantric yoga. It explains Abhinavagupta’s teaching about the nature of ultimate reality, about the methods for experiencing this ultimate reality, and about the nature of the state of realization, a condition of embodied enlightenment. The author uncovers the conceptual matrix surrounding the practices of the Kaula lineage of Kashmir Shaivism. The primary textual basis for the book is provided by Abhinavagupta’s Paratrisika-laghuvrtti, a short meditation manual that centers on the symbolism of the Heart-mantra, SAUH.

Kashmir Saivism: The Central Philosophy of Tantrism Revised Edition his brilliant book by Dr. Mishra (retired former professor of philosophy at Benares Hindu University) is the best introduction to Abhinavagupta and the Shaivite tradition available today. I'm an author on yoga and Hinduism myself, so people often ask me where they should go to learn more about tantra or Shaivism. This is the book I refer them to. You won't find a clearer, more accurate, more readable account on the topic in the English language. Amazon only allows me to give it five stars; if they'd let me, I'd give it ten! Amazon Reviews

From Early Vedanta to Kashmir Shaivism: Gaudapada, Bhartrhari, and Abhinavagupta (SUNY Series in Religious Studies) This book clarifies the relationship between God and the creation for Gaudapada, Bhartrhari, and Shankara, and by doing so, demonstrates a major continuity of thought from Gaudapada through Bhartrhari to Abhinavagupta and Kashmir Shaivism.

Mysticism in Shaivism and Christianity Scholarly comparative study, essays by ten specialists. wide range of perspectives, balanced. seminar proceedings. Mysticism in Shaivism and Christianity is an excellent collection of writings both of Shaivism and Christianity. The book is the outcome of a spiritual dialogue between Saivas and Christians called the Rajpur Seminar. The papers are well-written and both inspirational and informational. This collection is a rare glimpse into the world of mysticism both East and West. The Abishiktananda Society supported the Seminar and the preparation of the book. Topics in the collection include: What is Mysticism by Alois M. Hass; Source of all Bliss: Mysticism of Saiva Siddhanta by Swami Nityananda Giri; Mysticism of Jesus Christ by Raimon Panikkar; Divine Recognition by H.N. Chakravarty; On Letting God be God: Meister Eckhart and the Lure of the Desert; The Divine Way: Sambhavopaya in Kashmir Saivism by B.N. Pandit; Unknowing and Personalism in the Theological Tradition of Christian East by Serge Descy; Saktpata: Grace in Kashmir Saivism by Janikainath Kaul; Hadewijch of Antwerp and Hadewijch II: Mysticism of Being in the Thirteenth Century in Belgium by O. Baumer-Despeigne; Enclosed in God: The Joyful Surprise of One-ing, The Experience of Julian of Norwich by C. Murray Rogers; The Active Mysticism of St Ignatius Loyola by G. Gispert-Sauch; and, Aesthetics of Mysticism or Mysticism of Aesthetics? The Approach of Kashmir Saivism by Bettina Baumer. There is also an extensive Bibliography of Raimon Panikkar and a Bibliography of Kashmir Shaivism.& Amazon Reviews

Shaivism In The Light of Epics, Puranas and Agamas Saivism encompasses all aspects of religion: a philosophy, a theology, a conception of the universe, a current of devotion, a world of myths, elaborate rituals in organized temples, expressions in plastic arts, in poetry, music, dance. Images of Siva of great variety and impressive beauty are countless all over India. To improve our understanding of such a rich and elevated subject, the sources are the Sanskrit texts of Epics, Puranas and Agamas, The present book gives a clear presentation of Saivism through a survey and an erudite reading of this vast literature. The Agamas are the key to the knowledge of temple organization and rituals, the description of which is a unique and original contribution of this work. This very readable work contains an amazing quantity of information, carefully referenced at ever step, and is likely to be of the greatest utility to researchers in history of religion, medieval to modern, as well as to the general reader interested in Saivis

Samvidullasah: Manifestation of Divine Consciousness: Swami Lakshman Joo (Saint-Scholar of Kashmir Saivism) Swami Lakshman Joo Raina, also called Lakshman Brahmacarin and Isvara Svarupa (1907-1991) was one of the greatest saints of 20th century India, who was at the same time an extraordinary scholar who relived and revived the almost forgotten tradition of Kashmir Saivism. His high spiritual state was matched by his profound knowledge of the Saiva scriptures and of the great thinkers and commentators of the tradition - Abhinavagupta, Ksemaraja and others. Swami Lakshman Joo lived a secluded life in his ashram in Kashmir Saivism to Pandits and scholars from different countries, besides giving spiritual guidance to a number of seekers and disciples. On the occasion of his Birth Centenary, a volume in his memory is being brought out containing articles by scholar-disciples, devotees and relatives which throw light on the extraordinary life of this saint and on his contribution to reviving and continuing the tradition of Kashmir Saivism. Articles on his life by his close disciple Prabha Devi and his scholar-disciples Jaideva Singh and Jankinath Kaul 'Kamal', an exhaustive article on his place in the Kashmirian Saiva tradition by Professor Alexis Sanderson of Oxford, to mention only a few, provide an insight into his saintly personality and his great qualities as a teacher. Even scholars and seekers who have never met him and have been deeply influenced by his spiritual presence have contributed an account of their experience. The volume is richly illustrated by historical photographs which provide a visual testimony of the life of Swami Lakshman Joo. A list of his published works is an important complement. Dr Bettina Baumer, born in Austria, living and working in India (Varanasi) since 1967, is a schola. Amazon Reviews

Trika Saivism of Kashmir by Moti Lal Pandit (Hardcover - January 2003)

Kashmir Shaivaism (Suny Series in Cultural Perspectives) by Jagadish Chandra Chatterji (Paperback - December 1986)

Shakti, Shiva, and Yoga Bhagirthaprasada Tripathi; Unknown Binding;

Nothing Exists That Is Not Siva: Commentaries on the Siva-Sutra, Vijnanabhairava, Gurugita, and Other Sacred Texts by Swami Muktananda, Swami Shantananda (Introduction) (Paperback)

Sivastotravali of Utpaladeva

The Aphorisms of Siva: The Sivasutra With Bhaskara's Commentary, the Varttika (Suny Series in Tantric Studies) Mark S.G. Dyczkowski; Hardcover;

The Doctrine of Vibration by Mark S. G. Dyczkowski

Kashmir Shaivism by Swami Lakshmanjoo, John Hughes (Editor)

Spanda-Karikas by Jaideva Singh

Siva Sutras by Jaideva Singh

Saivism in Kashmir by Ramjee Singh (Editor) (Hardcover - 2000)

Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme by Swami Lakshmanjoo, John Hughes (Editor) (Paperback)

Nothing Exists That Is Not Siva by Swami Muktananda, Swami Shantananda (Introduction)

Kundalini by Lilian Silburn, Jacques Gontier (Translator)  

Shiva Sutras by Swami Lakshmanjoo, John Hughes (Editor)

Creator, Protector, Destroyer by J. R. Picken

From Early Vedanta to Kashmir Shaivism: Gaudapada, Bhartrhari, and Abhinavagupta (Suny Series in Religious Studies) by Natalia Isayeva, N. V. Isaeva (Paperback - July 1995)

Tantra by Ph.D. Georg Feuerstein (Author)

Saivagamas: A Study in the Socio-Economic Ideas and Institutions of Kashmir (200 B.C. to A.D. 700) by Vishva Nath Drabu (Hardcover - December 1990)

Auspicious Wisdom by Douglas Renfrew Brooks

I Am That  by Swami Muktananda, Swami Chidvilasananda (Designer)

Desire by Daniel Odier, Clare Marie Frock (Translator)

Healing With Form, Energy and Light by Tenzin Wangyal, et al

Kundalini Yoga for the West by Swami Sivananda Radha

Kundalini by Swami Kripananda (Introduction), Swami Muktananda

Tantric Quest by Daniel Odier, Jody Gladding (Translator)

Nothing Exists That Is Not Siva: Commentaries on the Siva-Sutra, Vijnanabhairava, Gurugita, and Other Sacred Texts by Swami Muktananda, Swami Shantananda (Introduction) (Paperback)

Rediscovering God With Transcendental Argument : A Contemporary Interpretation of Monistic Kashmiri Saiva Philosophy (Suny Series)

The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism (Suny Series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir) by Mark S. G. Dyczkowski (Paperback - November 1987)

Dynamic Stillness Part One: The Practice of Trika Yoga by Swami Chetanananda, et al

Creator, Protector, Destroyer: Discover That You Are God by J. R. Picken Out of Print--Limited Availability

The Philosophy of Sadhana: With Special Reference to the Trika Philosophy of Kashmir (Suny Series in Tantric Studies) by Debabrata B. Sen Sharma (Paperback - August 1990)

Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme by Swami Lakshman Jee Out of Print--Limited Availability 

Body and Cosmology in Kashmir Saivism by Gavin D. Flood (Hardcover - May 1993)

Kashmir Saivism by L. N. Sharma (Hardcover)

Naresvarapariksa : Srimadramakanthacaryakrtaya "Prakasa" tikaya samvalita by Sadyajyoti Out of Print--Limited Availability

The Doctrine of Recognition: A Translation of Pratyabhijnahrdayam (Suny Series in Tantric Studies) by Ksemaraja

Kundalini : The Energy of the Depths : A Comprehensive Study Based on the Scriptures of Nondualistic Kasmir Saivism (Suny Series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir) by Lilian Silburn, Jacques Gontier (Translator) (Paperback)

Poems to Siva: The Hymns of the Tamil Saints (Princeton Library of Asian Translations) Indira Viswanathan Peterson; Hardcover; 

The Doctrine of Vibration: An Analysis of the Doctrines and Practices of Kashmir Shaivism (Suny Series in the Shaiva Traditions of Kashmir) by Mark S. G. Dyczkowski (Paperback)

Parvatidarpana: An Exposition of Kasmir Saivism Through the Images of Siva and Parvati Harsha V. Dehejia; Hardcover

Sivastotravali of Utpaladeva : Sanskrit text, with introduction, English translation, and glossary Utpala; Unknown Binding;

Rudra-Siva und Tezcatlipoca : ein Beitrag zur Indo-Mexikanistik Kornelia Giesing; Unknown Binding;

Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism by Lakshman, et al

Pratyabhijnahrdayam by Jaideva Singh

Paratrisika Vivarana by Abhinavagupta; the Secret of Tantric Mysticism  by Abhinavagupta, et al

Vijnanabhairava or Divine Consciousness by Jaideva Singh

Doctrine of Recognition: A Translation of Pratyabhijnagrdayam (Suny Series in Tantric Studies) by Ksemaraja

Triadic Mysticism: The Mystical Theology of the Saivism of Kashmir by Paul E. Murphy (Hardcover)

The Aphorisms of Siva: The Siva Sutra With Bhaskara's Commentary, the Varttika (Suny Series in Tantric Studies) by Bhaskara, et al (Paperback - May 1992)

Parvatidarpana: An Exposition of Kashmir Saivism Through the Images of Siva and Parvati by H.V. Dehejia, Harsha Dehejia (Paperback - February 1997)

Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism: The Oral Teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo by John Hughes, et al (Hardcover - December 1994)

The Aphorisms of Siva: The Sivasutra With Bhaskara's Commentary, the Varttika (Suny Series in Tantric Studies) by Mark S.G. Dyczkowski (Translator), Vasugupta (Hardcover - May 1992)

Kashmir Shaivism (Suny Series in Cultural Perspectives) by Jagadish Chandra Chatterji (Hardcover - November 1986)

The Yoga of Vibration and Divine Pulsation: A Translation of the Spanda Karikas With Ksemaraja's Commentary, the Spanda Nirnaya (Suny Series in Tant) by Jaideva Singh, Vasugupta

Mirror of Self-Supremacy or Svatantrya-Darpana by Balajinnatha Pandita (Hardcover) Out of Print--Limited Availability

Specific Principles of Kashmir Saivism by Balajinnatha Pandita (Hardcover - April 1998) 

Sivastotravali of Utpaladeva : Sanskrit text, with introduction, English translation, and glossary by Utpala Out of Print--Limited Availability

Spandakarika, stances sur la vibration de Vasugupta et gloses de Bhatta Kallata, Ksemaraja, Utpalacarya, Sivadrsti (chapitre I) de Somananda  by Vasugupta Out of Print--Limited Availability

Naresvarapariksa by Sadyojyoti Original Release Date: 1926

La Kundalini, ou, L'énergie des profondeurs : étude d'ensemble d'après les textes du Sivaïsme non dualiste du Kasmir by Lilian Silburn

Die Gleichheit in der Unterschiedenheit : eine Lehre des monistischen Sivaismus, untersucht anhand des fünften Kapitels der Sivarsti des Somananda Ntha by Birgit Mayer-König Out of Print--Limited Availability

The Splendor of Recognition: An Exploration of the Pratyabhijna-Hrdayam: A Text on the Ancient Science of the Soul by Shantanada, Peggy Bendet (Hardcover - October 2003)

Pratyabhijñapradipah by Rangesvaranatha Misra Out of Print--Limited Availability 

The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of Kashmir This magnificent piece of literature contains wisdom so deep, so clear and so intellectually developed I am sometimes unable to read more than a sentence or two before I am plunged into a space of unrelenting power. Each sentence has been carefully worded as to not waste even one second of the student's time in speculation or controversy. It's as if Abhinavagupta, with his expert hands, surgically removes our ingorance of Shiva, in so doing, he leaves us unable to experience anything else! "The heart of Siva is not a static or inert absolute, however. In fact, the non-dual Kashmir Shaiva tradition considers it to be in a state of perpetual movement, a state of vibration in which it is continuously contacting and expanding..." The Triadic Heart pg. 82. Reviewer: Telema Graham from USA 

Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism This remarkable 1,008-page sourcebook covers every subject, answers every question and quenches the thirst of the soul for knowledge of God and the Self. Clearly written and lavishly illustrated, expertly woven with 600 verses from the Vedas, Agamas and other holy texts, 165 South Indian paintings, 40 original graphics, a 40-page timeline of India's history and a 190-page lexicon of English, Sanskrit and Tamil. In producing this modern catechism, or prasnottaram (literally, "questions and answers"), we kept in mind the need to provide resources so that Hindu institutions and communities around the globe could have, at their fingertips, authentic teachings from which they could locally develop classes and courses and various kinds of study. We encourage scholars, pandits, swamis and elders everywhere to work with us in translating Dancing with Siva into many of the world's more than 3,000 languages.

othing Exists That Is Not Siva: Commentaries on the Siva-Sutra, Vijnanabhairava, Gurugita, and Other Sacred Texts This book is composed of brief commentaries by Baba Muktananda of individual lines of various sacred texts as noted in the title. Sometimes it may only be a paragragh or two; sometimes a page. But I found this simple format and these brief explanations to be profoundly moving and enlightening. As I would read a commentary, and I would only read a few a day, I would find myself drawn naturally into a profound contemplative orientation towards my thoughts and actions and notions about myself and my life. It always felt very healing and as if unnecessary burdens were dissolving on the spot. I would at times be moved to tears of gratitude, to meditative silence, to joyful realizations. This book is indeed food for the heart, soul, and mind. It is alive with blessings. It is literally, not metaphorically alive, and if you relate to it with care and attention, you will find yourself in a sacred and precious relationship. Reviewer: jelias25 from Seattle, Washington, USA 

Finding the Hidden Self: A Study of the Siva Sutras Roger Worthington, Ph.D. has studied Eastern philosophy for nearly thirty years and specializes in classical Indian philosophy, in particular the philosophy of yoga. He has a Master's degree from Keele University in England and a doctorate in philosophy from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Babaji and the 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Tradition (4th edition) : The first authoritative biography of Babaji, the immortal master made famous by Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi, an all-time best-seller. Babaji lives today near Badrinath, in the upper Himalayan mountains. His body has not aged since the age of sixteen, when centuries ago he attained the supreme state of enlightenment and divine transformation. This followed his initiation into scientific art of Kriya Yoga by two deathless masters, the siddhas Agastyar and Boganathar, who belonged to the "18 Siddha Tradition", famous among the Tamil speaking people of southern India. This rare account, by a long time disciple, reveals their little known stories, ancient culture and present mission, as well as how their Kriya Yoga can be used to bring about the integration of the material and spiritual dimensions of life. A book which will inspire you.