In this paper I explore the extent to which the dialectical approach of Śrīharṣa can be identified as skeptical, and whether or how his approach resembles that of the first…
The experience of the self in the body, when using ābhāsa, is explained in terms of cittadoṣa or ‘defilement of mind’ and is distinguished from cidābhāsa, where cidābhāsa describes the experience of the self in other than the body.
A poetry for aesthetic experience and an Āgama for esoteric Tantric practice – Text as the Metaphoric Body: Incorporation of Tripurā in Saundaryalaharī
The commixture of literary tropes comes to its pinnacle in verse 68. A commentator points out that this verse contains the commixture (saṅkara) of metaphor (rūpaka), illustration (nidarśana), concealment (apahnuti), reason (hetu), and wonder (vismaya).
The allusion of the eternal bond of Śiva and Śakti, the rasa of śṛṅgāra (meaning) is suggested (pratīti), and within this, another trope of ‘model metaphor’ (samāsokti) is nested.
Any Tantric text uses two different types of languages. There are narratives, cosmologies and philosophies that are intelligible in plain language. However, the same language is then used to encode and decipher mantric language, the deity image, or a maṇḍala.
At least two domains are involved in creating phonetic symbolism. One, the phonemes have a designated order. Two, the deities represent cosmic principles, or foundational elements such as earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.
Reading Tantric literature by applying cognitive theories has a meaningful role to play. If there is anything valuable in these texts and traditions and if Tantric practices can serve humanity, the whole world deserves the benefits of such practices.