An inner awakening

AAKANSHA CHARI

Ask anyone how they are doing today, and the answer is almost a variation of the same word: overwhelmed. We live in an era of hyper-connectivity and chronic burnout, where mental health is treated like a puzzle we are constantly trying to fix with lifestyle trends and mindfulness apps. But what if the antidote to modern anxiety isn’t a new psychological hack, but an ancient philosophy from the Himalaya?

Kashmir Shaivism is based on the ancient wisdom of Agamas. This non-dualistic tradition offers a radical shift in perspective. Instead of viewing ourselves as broken pieces needing to repair, it teaches a path of self-realisation, a way to build emotional resilience and unlock an inner strength that remains unshaken by worldly chaos.

Bringing the tenets of this philosophy to Goa, Kashmiri Pandit and teacher Virendra Qazi conducted an insightful session on his recent visit to Goa at International Centre Goa, (ICG) Dona Paula. These included meditation practices for self realisation.

“Goa has presence of diverse cultures,” says Qazi, noting that this diversity has the perfect connections for this ‘universal
spiritual philosophy’.

“Kashmir Shaivism resolves all diversities as they have single source called universal consciousness. Basically we believe in inclusion and integration. This opens our vision towards general and comprehensive
understanding,” he says.

This wisdom, he continues, teaches the inward journey which leads to inner strength. “In this way you will remain calm whatever may be the situation,” he says.

Perhaps an important aspect of Kashmir shaivism is how it reframes our psychological relationship with ourselves. In self-help culture obsessed with the mindset of ‘I need to fix myself’, this philosophy offers radical shift ‘you are already inherently whole. “This concept is the core teaching expounded in the shiv Sutras. Rather than viewing humans as flawed beings who must accumulate merit or fix pieces of their broken psyche, the philosophy teaches ‘Pratyabhijna’ a word meaning “spontaneous recognition” or self realisation of one’s divine nature,” says Qazi, whose effort is to explain this in simple way for the benefit of audience.

This shifting of burdens extends to the philosophy’s unique take on karma. While mainstream understandings often view karma as a cosmic ledger of personal rewards and punishments, Kashmir Shaivism introduces a liberating perspective. “Kashmir Shaivism has a very important view. We believe ‘God is the Doer; God is the Enjoyer’, when we believe we are the doer we suffer the consequences of pain and pleasure”
explains Qazi.

Throughout a long journey of spreading these teachings, one particular story stands out to the master- a testament to the power of finding inner strength. “These teachings have helped many people to bring positivity and right direction in their life and relationships. A young Indian lady in Spain was in deep distress and wanted to end her life as her husband would torture her. With deep focus on inner strength and upliftment her life changed. She was able to stand on her own and go on to lead a successful
life,” says Qazi.