The Absolute is Consciousness. It is always…
““The Absolute is Consciousness. It is always Self-conscious, meaning it is always aware of itself and its divine nature. The Self-awareness of the Absolute is a subtle form of activity which has two essential qualities. First, Consciousness is Self-luminous; the light of Consciousness (prakasa) requires no other source of illumination. This is Its aspect of jnana or knowing. Second, the process of becoming aware of Itself (vimarsa) is the Absolute’s aspect of action (kriya). The action is a kind of subtle stir that gives rise to joy and the creative impulse. This subtle movement is not a physical motion or any form of mental restlessness. Rather, it can be described as a spiritual stirring that corresponds to the sensation everyone has at moments of direct self-awareness during peak experiences. This stirring of Self-awareness is spanda. It makes Absolute Consciousness vibrant and expansive, and it is this activity that is the basic source of all creative manifestation. Everything that exists, sentient and insentient, is a result of this stirring of spanda. — B. N. Pandit, Specific Principles of Kashmir Shaivism (3rd ed., 2008), p. xx-xxi””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Consciousness is self‑aware, self‑illuminating, and its subtle activity (spanda) fuels all creation.
In simple terms: Self‑aware light creates everything.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the inner luminous activity that drives creativity.
Themes
spirituality
consciousness
creativity
philosophy
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- artistic creation
- scientific inquiry
- personal growth
Key Concepts
self‑luminous awareness
spanda
jnana
kriya
Questions to Reflect On
- How does inner self‑awareness influence your daily actions?
- Can you experience spanda in moments of deep focus?
A Different Perspective
The concept may be abstract and hard to verify empirically.