The Earth as an Expression of the Self

Based on my study and understanding, I would like to share these insights with you. According to the non-dual philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, the physical world is not seen as an illusion to be renounced. It is seen as an expression of Shakti, the dynamic, creative power of Consciousness. Teachers such as Christopher Wallis describe the manifest world as a real, vibrant expression of the divine, not something separate from spiritual life.

Pṛthvī tattva, The Earth element, is presented at the bottom of the 36 tattvas as the final stage of manifestation. Where in the ultimate reality, or Parama Shiva the entire universe lies as a potency in the hearth of the Supreme, just like the great banyan tree lies only in the form of potency in the seed. The 36th tattva is the “thatness” or “level of reality” where all the potentialities inherent in the Divine are fully expressed. Where we may perceive the infinite as solid, stable, and tangible. This is the final point in the descent of the thirty-six tattvas, a process described in texts such as the Tantrāloka, Pratyabijñāhṛdayam by Jaideva Singh and explained in Tantra Illuminated by Chirstopher Wallis.

I have used the Pratyabijñāhṛdayam by Jaideva Singh and Tantra Illuminated by Chirstopher Wallis as sources to help compose this article.

Bless you all on your journey!

With Gratitude.

Namaste,

Jop