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Introduction | 1. 1-150 | 1. 151-300 | 1. 301-332 | 2. 1-50 | 3. 1-150 | 3. 151-294 | 4. 1-150 | 4. 151-279 | 5. 1-159 | 6. 1-151 | 6. 152-252 | 7. 1-71 | 8. 1-161 | 8. 162-302 | 8. 303-452 | 9. 1-152 | 9. 153-314 | 10. 1-151 | 10. 152-309 | 11. 1-118 | 12. 1-25 | 13. 1-154 | 13. 155-301 | 13. 302-361 | 14. 1-46 | 15. 1-150 | 15. 151-300 | 15. 301-450 | 15. 451-613 | 16. 1-150 | 16. 151-311 | 17. 1-122 | 18. 1-11 | 19. 1-56 | 20. 1-15 | 21. 1-61 | 22. 1-48 | 23. 1-103 | 24. 1-24 | 25. 1-29 | 26. 1-76 | 27. 1-59 | 28. 1-150 | 28. 151-300 | 28. 301-434 | 29. 1-150 | 29. 151-291 | 30. 1-123 | 31. 1-163 | 32. 1-67 | 33. 1-32 | 34. 1-3 | 35. 1-44 | 36. 1-15 | 37. 1-85

 Tantrāloka (Tantraloka) - Non-dual Shaivism of Kashmir

Light of Tantra

  1. Introduction
  2. Āhnika 1 - Vijñānabhit — The different kinds of knowledge/consciousness
    Parts  A-(1-150) | B-(151-300) | C-(301-332) - The first Āhnika or Chapter contains 332 stanzas
    (There is) successively a nomination --i.e. a mentioning-- of all.
  3. Āhnika 2 - Gatopāyaḥ — Devoid of means [Anupāya]
    Parts A-(1-50) - The second Āhnika or Chapter contains 50 stanzas
    (There is) a penetration into the state or condition which is devoid of means --i.e. into Anupāya--.
  4. Āhnika 3 - Paropāyaḥ — The highest means [Śāmbhavopāya]
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-294) - The third Āhnika or Chapter contains 294 stanzas
    (i) The reflection in the universal Consciousness, (ii) the method of the emergence of Consciousness (and) (iii) the unity of (all) the mantra-s, etc.
  5. Āhnika 4 - Śāktopāyaḥ — The means of Śakti [Śāktopāya]
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-279) - The fourth Āhnika or Chapter contains 279 stanzas
    (i) Purification of vikalpa-s, (ii) the essence of superior logic, (iii) the real nature of the Guru, (iv) uselessness of the limbs of Yoga, (v) disregard for the artificial worship, etc., (vi) emergence of the wheels of Consciousness, (vii) the power of the mantra-s, (viii) the real nature of a muttered prayer, etc. (and) (ix) equality of rules and prohibitions.
  6. Āhnika 5 - Naropāyaḥ — The means of the limited being [Āṇavopāya]
    Parts A-(1-159) - The fifth Āhnika or Chapter contains 159 stanzas
    (i) Meditation by means of the intellect, (ii) utterance through the essence of breath, (iii) rising of Consciousness, (iv) entry into the Highest Principle and (v) the characteristic of the path, (vi) concentration in which the organs are used and (vii) the principle of word.
  7. Āhnika 6 - Kālopāyaḥ — The means related to Time
    Parts A-(1-151) | B-(152-252) - The sixth Āhnika or Chapter contains 252 stanzas
    (i) The measure of the movement (of breath), (ii) vikalpa-s are about the passage from day to night, etc., (iii) difference in the destruction (and) (iv) rising of word.
  8. Āhnika 7 - Cakrodayaḥ — Rising of the cakra-s
    Parts A-(1-71) - The seventh Āhnika or Chapter contains 71 stanzas
    (i) The different kinds of cakra-s (and) (ii) the different types of mantra-s and vidyā-s.
  9. Āhnika 8 - Deśādhvā — The path of Space
    Parts A-(1-161) | B-(162-302) | C-(303-452) - The eighth Āhnika or Chapter contains 452 stanzas
    (i) A measure of the worlds and (ii) a compendium (of the worlds) (plus) (iii) union of the categories (with the worlds).
  10. Āhnika 9 - Tattvādhvā — The path related to the categories
    Parts A-(1-152) | B-(153-314) - The ninth Āhnika or Chapter contains 314 stanzas
    (i) The state of cause and effect and (ii) an examination of the succession of categories.
  11. Āhnika 10 - Tattvabhedanam — The divisions of the categories
    Parts A-(1-151) | B-(152-309) - The tenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 309 stanzas
    (i) Nature of a thing, (ii) the way of the categories, (iii) an examination of wakefulness, etc. (and) (iv) the different experients or knowers.
  12. Āhnika 11 - Kalādyadhvā — The path of the Kalā-s, etc.
    Parts A-(1-118) - The eleventh Āhnika or Chapter contains 118 stanzas
    (i) The essential nature of the Kalā-s, (ii) contemplation of the categories by means of (the division into) one, three, five, etc., (iii) the dualistic succession of the words (and) (iv) an examination of the Power supporting it all.
  13. Āhnika 12 - Adhvopayogaḥ — The application of the path
    Parts A-(1-25) - The twelfth Āhnika or Chapter contains 25 stanzas
    (i) Contemplation on non-duality and (ii) removal of doubts --lit. diminution of tremors--.
  14. Āhnika 13 - Śaktipātatirohitī — Descent of Power and Concealment
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-300) | C-(301-361) - The thirteenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 361 stanzas
    (i) Superiority with regard to Sāṅkhya, (ii) the essence of Āṇavopāya, etc., (iii) the variety of powers, (iv) the fulfillment of regardlessness/indifference --i.e. Liberation does not depend on anything an individual can do, It depends only on His Grace-- and (v) the variety of concealments.
  15. Āhnika 14 - Dīkṣopakramaṇam — Approaching initiation
    Parts A-(1-46) - The fourteenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 46 stanzas
    (i) Disappearance of concealment, (ii) Perfect Fullness by means of Knowledge (and) (iii) uselessness of dying (to attain Liberation).
  16. Āhnika 15 - Dīkṣā sāmayī — Initiation into discipline [for beginners]
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-300) | C-(301-450) | D-(451-613) - The fifteenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 613 stanzas
    (i) Regarding an inspection, etc. about the suitableness of the disciple --i.e. if the disciple is suitable--, (ii) different types of baths, (iii) performing a bath, (iv) different sorts of general nyāsa, (v) the chalice and its use, (vi) appropriateness of the substances and worship, (as well as) (vii) worshiping of the external door (of the initiation hall), in succession, (viii) entering into (the initiation hall), (ix) nature of (all) the directions and (x) purification of body, breath, etc., (xi) variety of special nyāsa, (xii) (how to use) a chalice which possesses special qualities, (xiii) worship of the body, (xiv) nyāsa and worship of the (six) courses on breath, intellect and Consciousness --in the state of void of Consciousness--, (xv) superiority (of our scriptures) over the multitude of other scriptures, (xvi) (how to) completely worship a cakra, (xvii) seizing of a holy spot, (xviii) five products coming from the cow, (xix) worship (of those very five products), (xx) worship of earth and Gaṇeśa, (xxi) worship of the weapon (mantra), (xxii) ritual of fire, and even (xxiii) dwelling in the site of the fire, (xxiv) libation of water, (xxv) complete accomplishment with respect to oblations of rice, (xxvi) death purifying consecration, in which toothbrushes are made from certain little branches (of a certain tree), (xxvii) rite of Śiva's hand, and also (xxviii) the procedure to make the bed, (xxix) the activity relating to the discipline of sleep, as well as (xxx) (all) the disciplines.
  17. Āhnika 16 - Pautrikavidhiḥ — The method to become a spiritual son
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-311) - The sixteenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 311 stanzas
    (i) Inquiry into the nature of maṇḍala --or 'to be constantly aware of the Self in the maṇḍala-s'--, (ii) detailed description of the paśu to be offered, (iii) satisfaction of the fire, (iv) kindling of one's own essential nature, (v) entry into the body of the disciple, (vi) method of nyāsa on the (six) paths or courses (inside the body of the disciple), (vii) variety of purified, purifier, etc., (viii) different types of initiation, (ix) highest nyāsa, (x) being and use of the mantra-s, and (xi) various kinds of conjunctions, etc.
  18. Āhnika 17 - Prameyaprakriyā — Procedure about how to act during initiation
    Parts A-(1-122) - The seventeenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 122 stanzas
    (i) Making of the thread, (ii) purification of the tattva-s, (iii) burning of the noose --i.e. the bond-- and also (iv) the act of uniting, as well as (v) different paths or courses.
  19. Āhnika 18 - Sūkṣmā dīkṣā — The subtle initiation
    Parts A-(1-11) - The eighteenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 11 stanzas
    (i) Being free from birth, etc. as well as (ii) a very clear (exposition about) the different sorts of mantra-s.
  20. Āhnika 19 - Sadyaḥsamutkramaḥ — Departure (from the body) immediately
    Parts A-(1-56) - The nineteenth Āhnika or Chapter contains 56 stanzas
    (i) Examination of Kalā, (ii) nyāsa by a sword, etc., (iii) motion in the body (of the disciple) and rite of Brahmavidyā --lit. Knowledge about the Absolute--.
  21. Āhnika 20 - Tulādīkṣā — Scales initiation
    Parts A-(1-15) - The twentieth Āhnika or Chapter contains 15 stanzas
    (i) Inspection of the candidate, (ii) inner purifying rite and also the scales rite.
  22. Āhnika 21 - Pārokṣī — Mysterious (initiation) [or initiation of the absent one]
    Parts A-(1-61) - The twenty-first Āhnika or Chapter contains 61 stanzas
    (i) Rite of raising the dead to life, (ii) teaching about the net, (iii) group of purifications and (iv) discussion about strength and weakness.
  23. Āhnika 22 - Liṅgoddhāraḥ — Removal of the mark or sign
    Parts A-(1-48) - The twenty-second Āhnika or Chapter contains 48 stanzas
    (i) Acquiring knowledge by hearing and (ii) approval --authorization--, (iii) purification, (iv) disappearance of the sins (as well as) (v) removal of doubts.
  24. Āhnika 23 - Abhiṣecanam — Consecration
    Parts A-(1-103) - The twenty-third Āhnika or Chapter contains 103 stanzas
    (i) Carrying out an inspection (of the disciple) by the Guru, (ii) elimination of that vow by (merely) wishing (it), (iii) removal --lit. separation-- of that (knowledge about the Self) (and) (iv) the state of sādhaka --i.e. the state of the one doing sādhanā--.
  25. Āhnika 24 - Antyeṣṭiḥ — Funeral rite
    Parts A-(1-24) - The twenty-fourth Āhnika or Chapter contains 24 stanzas
    (i) The candidate and also (ii) the purifying rite (and) (iii) its purpose.
  26. Āhnika 25 - Śrāddhakḷptiḥ — Rite of offering to the dead
    Parts A-(1-29) - The twenty-fifth Āhnika or Chapter contains 29 stanzas
    (i) Purpose or use (and) (ii) it is clearly (explained) here the way --also, method-- in which this can give worldly enjoyment and Liberation.
  27. Āhnika 26 - Śeṣavṛttinirūpaṇam — An explanation about how to behave in the remainder of one's life (after being initiated)
    Parts A-(1-76) - The twenty-sixth Āhnika or Chapter contains 76 stanzas
    (i) The highest constant worship —(and its) (ii) purpose or use —, (which must be performed by the enlightened Yogī) during the remainder of his life.
  28. Āhnika 27 - Liṅgārcā — Worship of Liṅga
    Parts A-(1-59) - The twenty-seventh Āhnika or Chapter contains 59 stanzas
    (i) Nature of the liṅga, and (ii) an investigation of the mālā-s in their many versions, (along with) (iii) the different types of worship.
  29. Āhnika 28 - Bahubhitparvapavitrādi nimittajam — Occasional (rituals) [e.g. the sacred thread ceremony, etc.] performed on special days
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-300) | C-(301-434) - The twenty-eighth Āhnika or Chapter contains 434 stanzas
    (i) Different sorts of special days, (ii) their particulariti(es), (iii) worship of the cakra, (iv) its praising, (v) investigation into the purpose in worshiping the Guru's first day --birthday-- and last day --mahāsamādhi--, etc., (vi) examination of death as well as (vii) the method to meet with the Great Yoginī-s, etc., (viii) the method with reference to the explanation (of the scriptures), (ix) the method with reference to listening (and) (x) the method for worshiping the Guru.
  30. Āhnika 29 - Rahasyacaryā — Secret rite
    Parts A-(1-150) | B-(151-291) - The twenty-ninth Āhnika or Chapter contains 291 stanzas
    (i) Difference in the natures of the candidates, (ii) succession of perfected beings and their consorts in the Kula school, (iii) method of worship, (iv) two kinds of behavior toward a female attendant, (v) method of the secret doctrine, (vi) initiation and ablution, and (vii) Knowledge.
  31. Āhnika 30 - Mantraughaḥ — A flood of mantra-s
    Parts A-(1-123) - The thirtieth Āhnika or Chapter contains 123 stanzas
    (i) Nature of mantra (and) (ii) its power.
  32. Āhnika 31 - Maṇḍalam — Circle(s)
    Parts A-(1-163) - The thirty-first Āhnika or Chapter contains 163 stanzas
    (i) Different (arrangements of) lotuses and tridents, (and) (ii) an inquiry into Khecarī --lit. lord of ether--, svastika, etc.
  33. Āhnika 32 - Mudrikāvidhiḥ — Mudrā-related method
    Parts A-(1-67) - The thirty-second Āhnika or Chapter contains 67 stanzas
    (i) Various kinds of predominance of qualities or attributes, (ii) deliberation about the power (contained there, and) (iii) the various Kalā-s.
  34. Āhnika 33 - Ekīkāraḥ — Union
    Parts A-(1-32) - The thirty-third Āhnika or Chapter contains 32 stanzas
    Recapitulation of the teachings given in the first 32 chapters.
  35. Āhnika 34 - Svasvarūpe praveśaḥ — Penetration into one's own essential nature
    Parts A-(1-3) - The thirty-fourth Āhnika or Chapter contains 3 stanzas
    Recapitulation of the teachings given in the first 32 chapters.
  36. Āhnika 35 - Śāstramelanam — Meeting/Union of the scriptures
    Parts A-(1-44) - The thirty-fifth Āhnika or Chapter contains 44 stanzas
    Recapitulation of the teachings given in the first 32 chapters.
  37. Āhnika 36 - Āyātikathanam — Transmission of the scriptures [lit. arrival talk]
    Parts A-(1-15) - The thirty-sixth Āhnika or Chapter contains 15 stanzas
    Recapitulation of the teachings given in the first 32 chapters.
  38. Āhnika 37 - Śāstropādeyatvanirūpaṇam — An explanation about the selection of the scriptures
    Parts A-(1-85) - The thirty-seventh Āhnika or Chapter contains 85 stanzas
    Recapitulation of the teachings given in the first 32 chapters.
  39. Tantrālokaviveka (the celebrated commentary on Tantrāloka)
  40. Further information
Only active links appear in dark orange bold letters in the above index
55 transcribed documents out of 55 documents
19 translated documents out of 55 documents
5847 transcribed stanzas out of 5847 stanzas - (percentage: 100%)
2946 translated stanzas out of 5847 stanzas - (percentage: 50.38%)

 Introduction

This work was composed by the great Master Abhinavagupta and is a compendium of Tantra in all its facets. Anyway, it is predominantly a kind of commentary on the celebrated Mālinīvijayottaratantra (the most important Tantra according to Abhinavagupta himself). It is his most important and voluminous work. So many people have already written about the "historical" Abhinavagupta, who was the teacher of Kṣemarāja --wrongly-written Kshemaraja or Ksemaraja-- (the author of the celebrated Śivasūtravimarśinī --wrongly-written Shiva Sutra Vimarshini-- and Spandanirṇaya --wrongly-written Spanda Nirnaya--) and lived about 975-1025 AD in Kashmir, etc. If you are interested in time and space, simply search the Web for "Abhinavagupta" and you will receive tons of information about the historical Abhinavagupta. But all that has nothing to do with the real Abhinavagupta. My statement is valid regarding all saints, obviously, because they merged their individualities into the Supreme Self, but as far as the most remarkable ones among them are concerned, my statement is even more valid. In my own case, having studied Trika for so many years, the act of adding time and space to Abhinavagupta is absolutely nonsensical. Abhinavagupta is my own Self and his Tantrāloka --wrongly-written Tantraloka-- is His Revelation. So, my approaching Tantrāloka now is something that took me innumerable births.

That is why I will be reading and writing it completely, God willing, and translating it to the extent of my own capacities, God willing again. Without His Grace, it is impossible to translate it properly. It was even His Grace which let me approach this treatise, in the first place, and it will be His Grace which will decide if I am fit for fully translating it. Let us see what He decides then. As the sage is speaking from his enlightened state, the act of reading/writing/translating his work amounts to attaining full Enlightenment too. Therefore, this is the most important action I have done in my entire life. By publishing this document, I wanted to share my experience with the rest of people. "Kimatra", i.e. "What else could I say about it then?".

Let the holy Tantrāloka begin!Start reading! 

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 Further Information

Gabriel Pradīpaka

This document was conceived by Gabriel Pradīpaka, one of the two founders of this site, and spiritual guru conversant with Sanskrit language and Trika philosophy.

For further information about Sanskrit, Yoga and Indian Philosophy; or if you simply want to comment, ask a question or correct a mistake, feel free to contact us: This is our e-mail address.


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