Trika Shaivism - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Trika Shaivism, often simply called Trika, is a nondualistic, tantric religious tradition that originated in Kashmir around the 9th century CE, a spiritual path as profound as it is enigmatic. Some scholars see it as synonymous with Kashmir Shaivism, while others view it as a distinct, though related, school of thought. But perhaps these labels are only shadows, for Trika challenges the very nature of definition itself. The tradition’s name, "Trika," meaning "triad," refers to the three primary energies (para, parapara, apara), the three modalities of consciousness (Shiva, Shakti, and Nara), or the three perspectives of reality (non-difference, difference-and-non-difference, and difference), inviting a multilayered interpretation that defies simple categorization.
Our earliest glimpses into Trika thought come from the Manthānabhairavatantra, a crucial tantric text from the 9th and 10th centuries, and the teachings of masters like Somananda. This was a period of profound philosophical and religious ferment in Kashmir, a time of intense intellectual exchange between Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. Yet, the political instability resulting from conflict between the Karkota and Utpala Dynasties may have also contributed to the desire for a system emphasizing inner liberation, as promoted by Trika.
Abhinavagupta, an 11th-century philosopher and mystic, stands as the tradition’s most influential figure. His encyclopedic Tantraloka synthesized and systematized Trika teachings, shaping its trajectory for centuries to come. Other important figures include Somananda, Utpaladeva, and Kshemaraja. Trika flourished, influencing not only religious practices but also art, literature, and social structures within Kashmir. However, the decline of Hindu kingdoms in the region and the rise of Islamic rule led to its gradual decline, an era of suppression that concealed it from external scrutiny.
Today, Trika Shaivism continues to inspire seekers and scholars. Its sophisticated metaphysics and transformative practices resonate with contemporary concerns of consciousness, identity, and self-realization. Is Trika a relic of the past, or does its wisdom hold the key to a deeper understanding of reality itself? The answer, perhaps, lies within the seeker's heart.