--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: According to Shaivism, anupaya may also…" description: "\"“According to Shaivism, anupaya may also be reached by entering into the infinite blissfulness of the Self through the powerful experiences of sensual ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af2/balajinnatha-pandita-24889_abhinavagupta_according-to-shaivism-anupaya-may-also-b_2855474.jpg" --- # According to Shaivism, anupaya may also be reached by… ![“According to Shaivism, anupaya may also be reached by entering into the infinite blissfulness of the Self through the powerful experiences of sensual pleasures. This practice is designed to help the practitioner reach the highest levels by accelerating their progress through the sakta and sambhava…” quote by Balajinnatha Pandita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af2/balajinnatha-pandita-24889_abhinavagupta_according-to-shaivism-anupaya-may-also-b_2855474.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af2/balajinnatha-pandita-24889_abhinavagupta_according-to-shaivism-anupaya-may-also-b_2855474.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af2/balajinnatha-pandita-24889_abhinavagupta_according-to-shaivism-anupaya-may-also-b_2855474.jpg) > ““According to Shaivism, anupaya may also be reached by entering into the infinite blissfulness of the Self through the powerful experiences of sensual pleasures. This practice is designed to help the practitioner reach the highest levels by accelerating their progress through the sakta and sambhava upayas. These carefully guarded doctrines of Tantric sadhana are the basis for certain practices, like the use of the five makaras (hrdaya) mentioned earlier. The experience of a powerful sensual pleasure quickly removes a person’s dullness or indifference. It awakens in them the hidden nature and source of blissfulness and starts its inner vibration. Abhinavagupta says that only those people who are awakened to their own inner vitality can truly be said to have a heart (hrdaya). They are known as sahrdaya (connoisseurs). Those uninfluenced by this type of experiences are said to be heartless. In his words: “It is explained thus—The heart of a person, shedding of its attitude of indifference while listening to the sweet sounds of a song or while feeling the delightful touch of something like sandalpaste, immediately starts a wonderful vibratory movement. (This) is called ananda-sakti and because of its presence the person concerned is considered to have a heart (in their body) (Tantraloka, III.209-10). People who do not become one (with such blissful experiences), and who do not feel their physical body being merged into it, are said to be heartless because their consciousness itself remains immersed (in the gross body) (ibid., III.24).” The philosopher Jayaratha addresses this topic as well when he quotes a verse from a work by an author named Parasastabhutipada: “The worship to be performed by advanced aspirants consists of strengthening their position in the basic state of (infinite and blissful pure consciousness), on the occasions of the experiences of all such delightful objects which are to be seen here as having sweet and beautiful forms (Tantraloka, II.219).” These authors are pointing out that if people participate in pleasurable experiences with that special sharp alertness known as avadhana, they will become oblivious to the limitations of their usual body-consciousness and their pure consciousness will be fully illumined. According to Vijnanabhairava: “A Shiva yogin, having directed his attention to the inner bliss which arises on the occasion of some immense joy, or on seeing a close relative after a long time, should immerse his mind in that bliss and become one with it (Vijnanabhairava, 71). A yogin should fix his mind on each phenomenon which brings satisfaction (because) his own state of infinite bliss arises therein (ibid., 74).” In summary, Kashmir Shaivism is a philosophy that embraces life in its totality. Unlike puritanical systems it does not shy away from the pleasant and aesthetically pleasing aspects of life as somehow being unspiritual or contaminated. On the contrary, great importance has been placed on the aesthetic quality of spiritual practice in Kashmir Shaivism. In fact, recognizing and celebrating the aesthetic aspect of the Absolute is one of the central principles of this philosophy. — B. N. Pandit, Specific Principles of Kashmir Shaivism (3rd ed., 2008), p. 124–125.”” [Balajinnatha Pandita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/balajinnatha-pandita/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Sensual pleasure can awaken inner bliss, transforming indifference into a vibrant heart awareness. **In simple terms:** Pleasure can spark spiritual awakening. Key Takeaway Use sensory experiences to awaken inner vitality. Themes spirituality bliss sensuality inner transformation Mood contemplative reverent Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - Meditation - ritual practice - sensory immersion - personal awakening Key Concepts Tantric sadhana ananda‑sakti heart consciousness Questions to Reflect On - How can sensual experiences be integrated responsibly into spiritual practice? - What safeguards prevent excess? A Different Perspective May be misinterpreted as hedonism, neglecting ethical discipline. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aspects of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aspects-of-life/) [Blissfulness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blissfulness/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/) [Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/joy/) [Kashmir-shaivism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kashmir-shaivism/) [Physical body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physical-body/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Spiritual practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spiritual-practice/) ## Related quotes > [“It is important to understand that, according to Kashmir Shaivism, this analysis of all phenomena into thirty six tattvas is not an absolute truth.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/balajinnatha-pandita/it-is-important-to-understand-that-according-to-kashmir-shaivism-this/) [Balajinnatha Pandita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/balajinnatha-pandita/) > [“According to Abhinavagupta, a yogin who is established in the understanding and experience of supreme non-dualism, sees only one reality shining in all mutually…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/balajinnatha-pandita/according-to-abhinavagupta-a-yogin-who-is-established-in-the/) [Balajinnatha Pandita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/balajinnatha-pandita/) > [“Abhinavagupta does not prescribe a hermit’s life for that Shiva yogin, who is free to live without restrictions, to remain in the household, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/balajinnatha-pandita/abhinavagupta-does-not-prescribe-a-hermit-s-life-for-that-shiva-yogin/) [Balajinnatha Pandita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/balajinnatha-pandita/) ## More by Balajinnatha Pandita > [“Since all people, regardless of categories, are Shiva Himself appearing in that form, all gods, supergods, masters of higher worlds (bhuvanas), purer beings in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/balajinnatha-pandita/since-all-people-regardless-of-categories-are-shiva-himself-appearing/) [Balajinnatha Pandita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/balajinnatha-pandita/) > [“The ancient sages of Kashmir Shaivism did not look for the truth only in logic and intellectual speculation. 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In his words: “It is explained thus—The heart of a person, shedding of its attitude of indifference while listening to the sweet sounds of a song or while feeling the delightful touch of something like sandalpaste, immediately starts a wonderful vibratory movement. (This) is called ananda-sakti and because of its presence the person concerned is considered to have a heart (in their body) (Tantraloka, III.209-10). People who do not become one (with such blissful experiences), and who do not feel their physical body being merged into it, are said to be heartless because their consciousness itself remains immersed (in the gross body) (ibid., III.24).” The philosopher Jayaratha addresses this topic as well when he quotes a verse from a work by an author named Parasastabhutipada: “The worship to be performed by advanced aspirants consists of strengthening their position in the basic state of (infinite and blissful pure consciousness), on the occasions of the experiences of all such delightful objects which are to be seen here as having sweet and beautiful forms (Tantraloka, II.219).” These authors are pointing out that if people participate in pleasurable experiences with that special sharp alertness known as avadhana, they will become oblivious to the limitations of their usual body-consciousness and their pure consciousness will be fully illumined. 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