Pratyabhijnahrdayam: The Secret Of Self-Recognition Sanskrit Text With English Translation, Notes, And Introduction
Product ID: 181935860
Desertcart purchases this item on your behalf and handles shipping, customs, and support to Croatia.
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, Singh's 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 Taimni's and Singh's interpretations, Singh's 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 Taimni's Secret of Self-realization first, it's 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 I'll include an aphorism here to assist readers in deciding: Sutra 1: The absolute Chiti (Universal power) of it's 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 desertcart 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 Review: Superb book - Superb book Review: Five Stars - This contains the essence of all the scriptures. Must for all those who strive to know about self.
| Best Sellers Rank | #88,037 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #5,994 in Reference (Books) #10,620 in Health, Family & Personal Development (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 153 Reviews |
R**A
Superb book
Superb book
D**J
Five Stars
This contains the essence of all the scriptures. Must for all those who strive to know about self.
Y**H
Self realisation
Good work by jaidevasingh for seekers
A**N
Wonderful book on Kashmiri Shaivism
Excellent book... Very informative... Must read for anyone interested to learn about Kashmiri Shaivism
B**R
Best Rendition of "The Doctrine of Recognition"
Again, another excellent rendition by Jaideva Singh to complement his Kashmir Shaivism series. There are at least two other versions that have been available by my knowledge, but this is by far the most authoritative and accessible.
S**A
Five Stars
Great
A**H
Five Stars
Know this and you know everything :)
A**E
Book on basic of Kashmiri Shivaism
Word pratayabhijna means recognition. Pratayabhijna-hridaym means summary/digest on principles of recognition. It’s a classical text by Sri kesamaraja he wrote 20 sutras and wrote commentary on each. Sri Abhinava Gupta collected this classic text and now author added his introduction and his commentary as well. This book by Sri Jayadeva has three parts: 1. His introduction on Kashmiri Saivism : It’s an amazing section. I recommend readers to read it twice at least. 2. His sutra wise commentary. 3. Actual Devanagari text with kesamaraja commentary with Sri Javdeva’s translation. I came to know about the basics of Kashmiri Shivaism by this book. Kashmiri Shivaism Is a non dual philosophy being novice i was knowing only sarkaras philosophy was non dual. Author has given difference between Kashmiri Shivaism and Sankaras Advaita philosophy. It’s a must read book I recommend. Just caution folks coming from puranic thoughts might find it too much abstract. I felt it so but I feel only spiritually developed individuals can fully understand this text.
A**K
good book
good
C**S
Read it as a way to focus on, and help perceive the divine.
When 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 translator claims, and I believe him, that he had help and guidance of both his guru and Swami Laxmanjoo, the most famous modern luminary of his lineage. It is important that a spiritual system or way of looking at the entire creation be helpful, or at least a way to focus on the divine. This book delivers, though it is not necessary that all contents of the book be true. A great piece of music may have a story line that is part or all fiction, yet be true as far as getting you to experience what the composer was trying to convey. The original Pratyabhijnahrdayam was a masterpiece, the commentaries in this book are very helpful. This book is excellent because it offers some understanding. Ultimately the mind needs to be transcended, but it is easier to do so if you have some spiritual understanding first, and most spiritual traditions are quite limited compared to this one. Reading this book is a kind of spiritual practice, like yoga, chanting, or meditating. Beats shopping. Many people will not read this book because it takes more attention than reading for cheap entertainment. Spirituality is worth some effort. This book is one of the all-time greats. Every library should have one. Please buy a copy, loan it to a brainy friend who can get engrossed in spiritual teachings, you can be of service to others this way.
J**A
Muito bom!
Uma das melhores introduções a tradição filosófica tantrica
I**2
Highly Recommend
Arrived quickly enough and in good condition. Even reading the introduction can be a life changing experience, if you have some exposure to Indian practices and scriptures but are trying to go into more depth. I have the sense that this book will tie a great many things together for me. Har Har Mahadev
D**N
This is not an easy text to read
This is not an easy text to read. It is very rewarding in focusing attention on spirituality. In addition, you would learn Sanskrit words for spiritual terms. Many of the words are not translated as there are not direct English equivalents. This text has helped me in explanations of metaphysics.
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
3 days ago