Non- Dualism in Saiva and Sakta Philosophy (An Old and Rare Book

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Non-dualistic philosophy or Advaita-Vada is specially associated with the philosophy of Acarya Sankara. A critical and liberal study of the Shiva and Sakta Agamas will, however, reveal that there is a deep and profound non-dualistic approach to the solution of the perennial problem of 'Being' and 'becoming'. This thesis is based upon a comparative and liberal study of Sabah-Brahma-Vada' as pro- pounded in ancient Vayakarana and Saiva and Säkta Agamas. Acarya Bhṛtrhari himself was deeply versed in the ancient lore of Saiva and Sakta Agamas. His doctrine of 'Sphota' is an authentic version and support of the non-dualistic philosophy of Agamas and Nigamas.

In this thesis, I have tried to show that Bhrtrharı acknowledged four forms of Vak i.e. Para 'Pasyanti Madhyama 'Vaikharl, and his 'Para- Vak is indicative of the same Absolute Reality which is integrated, Prakasa and Vimarsa that is, self- luminosity and self-consciousness as enjoined in Saiva-Sakta philosophy.

The objections to the doctrine of 'Sphota' by the Naiaikas and the Mimamsakas have been carefully considered on a comparative basis in the beginning of the thesis, and I have tried to show that 'Sabda- Brahma-Vada' seems to be a more satisfactory non- dualistic approach than any other form of Advaitā philosophy. This non-dualistic philosophy of ancient grammar is closely associated with Saiva and Sakta.