04/28/25: “Differences between Kashmiri Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta” – Nishanth Selvalingam

About this Video

• Video Title: 04/28/25: “Differences between Kashmiri Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta” – Nishanth Selvalingam
• Channel: Vedanta Center of Atlanta
• Speakers: Nishanth Selvalingam, audience members (several un-named)
• Duration: 01:43:04

Introduction

This video lecture compares and contrasts Kashmiri Shaivism and Advaita Vedanta, two non-dual traditions within Hinduism. The speaker, Nishanth Selvalingam, explores their similarities and differences, focusing on their respective worldviews and approaches to understanding reality and consciousness.

Key Takeaways

• Kashmiri Shaivism's Name: The term "Kashmiri Shaivism" is a bit of a misnomer, as the tradition's origins and practitioners spanned across India.
• Sanka and the 24 Tatwas: The lecture details Sanka's cosmological framework, outlining the 24 tatwas (principles) that constitute reality, culminating in the distinction between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature).
• Advaita Vedanta's Idealism: Advaita Vedanta takes Sanka's framework further, arguing that the world is not separate from consciousness, and ultimately, only consciousness exists. Different schools within Advaita Vedanta vary in their approach to this concept.
• Kashmiri Shaivism's View of Maya: Kashmiri Shaivism agrees with Advaita Vedanta's consciousness-only view but differs in its understanding of Maya. Instead of viewing Maya as an illusion or product of ignorance, Kashmiri Shaivism sees it as the divine power of Shiva, responsible for the manifestation of the world.
• The Role of "Madness" in Spirituality: The speaker discusses the concept of "madness" in relation to spiritual realization, suggesting that true love for God can lead to a state of blissful, uninhibited devotion, transcending conventional notions of sanity.