Utpaladeva's doctrine of recognition
Much has been written on the connections between philosophy and religion in ancient India. Most has been written on the connection between orthodox Hindu religion and orthodox Hindu philosophy, or Buddhist religious practice and Buddhist philosophy. But the religious tradition of which Utpaladeva was a member was not orthodox and its sacred scriptures, the non-dualist SÌaivite Tantras, were taught only in secret initiatory sects. And Utpaladeva is one of the very few Tantric philosophers who does not propound his views in the form of a commentary upon one of the Tantras themselves. Utpaladeva's philosophy is not intended solely for members of his own esoteric cult, it is written ~for the benefit of mankind~, to convince those of differing religions and philosophical persuasion that the world view expounded in the non-dualist SÌaivite Tantras is the only correct one. Thus although Utpaladeva quotes from the Tantras in his IÌsÌvarapratyabhijnÌaÌkaÌrikaÌs, he attempts to establish the identity of the self with SÌiva by independent philosophical argument (tarka). The principal philosophical view which Utpaladeva is concerned with refuting is that of the Buddhist DharmakiÌrti. DharmakiÌrti's views were
Allport, David
Kashmir Saivism--History ; Utpala, active 900-950. Isvarapratyabhijna ; recognition ; doctrine ; Utpaladeva
Utpaladeva's doctrine of recognition. Much has been written on the connections between philosophy and religion in ancient India. Most has been written on the connection between orthodox Hindu religion and orthodox Hindu philosophy, or Buddhist religious practice and Buddhist philosophy. But the religious tradition of which Utpaladeva was a member was not orthodox and its sacred scriptures, the non-dualist SÌaivite Tantras, were taught only in secret initiatory sects. And Utpaladeva is one of the very few Tantric philosophers who does not propound his views in the form of a commentary upon one of the Tantras themselves. Utpaladeva's philosophy is not intended solely for members of his own esoteric cult, it is written ~for the benefit of mankind~, to convince those of differing religions and philosophical persuasion that the world view expounded in the non-dualist SÌaivite Tantras is the only correct one. Thus although Utpaladeva quotes from the Tantras in his IÌsÌvarapratyabhijnÌaÌkaÌrikaÌs, he attempts to establish the identity of the self with SÌiva by independent philosophical argument (tarka). The principal philosophical view which Utpaladeva is concerned with refuting is that of the Buddhist DharmakiÌrti. DharmakiÌrti's views were
doctrine recognition much_write connection philosophy_religion ancient india write connection orthodox hindu religion orthodox hindu philosophy buddhist religious_practice buddhist_philosophy religious_tradition member orthodox sacred scripture non dualist teach secret sect philosopher propound view form commentary_upon themselves philosophy intend solely member esoteric cult write for benefit mankind convince differ religion philosophical persuasion world_view expound non dualist correct thus although quote attempt_establish identity self independent philosophical_argument principal philosophical view concern refute buddhist view