Self-Awareness

The world is not merely an illusion as proposed by Vedānta; it is indeed real, especially since Shiva is omnipresent. The world represents the various manifestations of all souls. When Shiva is awake, the world is vibrant, and when Shiva rests, the world merges back into Him. Thus, the world embodies the consciousness of Shiva, often referred to as Cit. In this sense, Shiva is both the origin and the outcome. Ultimately, everything unfolds according to Shiva's will. The world arises from Citi, which reflects Shiva's independent, free, and absolute will. This aspect of Shiva is referred to as Shakti for the sake of understanding. This is known as Parāśakti, the supreme power. Citi enables all souls to differentiate into various principles, or tattva-s, ranging from the purest to the most material. Shakti governs the world through various energies, termed subordinate śakti-s. The world serves as the playground for Parāśakti, where she interacts with both positive and negative energies affecting humanity. This dynamic play of consciousness showcases Her magnificence. However, there is a distinction between tattvas and śakti-s; both are utilized by Parāśakti to create and maintain the universe. Tattva represents philosophical abstraction, while śakti-s stem from constructive imagination influenced by religious beliefs. As the world comes into being, citti gradually confines itself to citta, the individual mind. Consequently, citta becomes tainted by the three impurities of ego, karma, and māyā, leading to transmigration if these impurities persist. To escape transmigration or saṃsāra, one must strive to ascend from citta to Citi. The individual who explores and realizes that their true inner self is Shiva, and is one with both Shiva and the world, achieves liberation. Another path to liberation involves the use of mantras, which generate powerful and subtle vibrations. Mantras are essentially Śabda Brahman, and through consistent and proper repetition, Citta itself becomes a mantra; however, this approach may not be suitable for everyone.

This explanation is intended for those who earnestly follow the mantra path. The term "mantra" refers to the mental awareness that allows one to feel a connection with Shiva through Śakti. The essence of I consciousness is essentially the power of Shiva or the śakti of Shiva. The third approach to liberation involves breath control and focused concentration, particularly on the psychic chakras. A slower breathing rate helps to calm the mind (citta). These three methods are not meant to be practiced in isolation; for optimal spiritual practice (sadhana), they should be harmoniously integrated in the right balance. Only then can one receive anugraha (Grace), which brings ultimate relief from the suffering of transmigration. In some cases, Shiva may intervene directly, a phenomenon known as Śaktipāta, which is entirely at His discretion. This is the only situation where the Law of Karma can be set aside by the Lord.