Vijnanakala (finite self)
In Kashmir Shaivism, from the
perspective of involution, the Shuddhashuddha-tattvas ("Pure-Impure" principles)
or Vidya-kala ("knowledge state") constitute the loss of the omnipotent
Godhead-consciousness. Here there is the origin of individual consciousnesses
or purushas (seperate centre of consciousness), called Vijnanakalas (unit
of consciousness), and Maya (the origin of form). Here the macrocosmic
Shiva-Shakti
becomes a microcosmic purusha-prakriti.
But from the perspective of the ordinary consciousness, ascending
or expanding to the Godhead, this is an expansion and awakening, the first
stage of Enlightenment, whereby one realises one's difference from the
objects of consciousness.
In Ken Wilber's
involution-evolution
psychology this stage would seem to corerspond in part to the "High
Subtle" and "Low
Causal" states.
page history
page created 20 December 1999