Define Kasmir Saiva Darsana.

Kashmir Shaiva Darshana, also known as Trika Shaivism, is a profound philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in the Kashmir Valley. It belongs to the broader Shaiva tradition and is characterized by its emphasis on the direct experience of divine consciousness, known as Shiva.

Key Aspects of Kashmir Shaiva Darshana:

1. Monistic Non-Dualism (Advaita): Kashmir Shaiva Darshana is rooted in a monistic non-dualistic philosophy, asserting the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality, Shiva. It teaches that all of existence is an expression of the divine consciousness.

2. Spanda and Shakti: The central concept in Kashmir Shaivism is Spanda, which denotes the pulsation or vibration of divine energy underlying the entire universe. Shakti, the dynamic and creative aspect of Shiva, is considered the source of this cosmic energy and the driving force behind all manifestation.

3. Tantric Practices: Kashmir Shaiva Darshana incorporates various tantric practices, including mantra, meditation, and ritual, as means to attain direct communion with the divine. Tantric rituals are viewed as a way to channel and awaken the latent spiritual energy within individuals.

4. Recognition of Divine Immanence: Unlike some other philosophical traditions, Kashmir Shaivism emphasizes the immanence of the divine in all aspects of life. It encourages practitioners to recognize and realize the divine presence in both the transcendent and immanent aspects of reality.

5. Recognition of the Individual Self: While emphasizing the ultimate oneness of all reality, Kashmir Shaiva Darshana acknowledges the importance of individual experience and the journey of the soul toward self-realization.

In summary, Kashmir Shaiva Darshana offers a profound synthesis of philosophy, mysticism, and practical spirituality, providing seekers with a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of reality and realizing their innate divinity.