This was such an incredible discussion. Thank you so much. The development of Northern Śaivism (widespread through the Indian subcontinent, I understood Wallis' point) is of immense interest to millions of us. I'm so glad that more scholars and practitioners are bringing this cultural, spiritual and physical world back through deep study and historical investigation.
Thank you for sharing this podcast Chris. Didn't expect to listen to someone who knows more about Abhinav Gupta and his teachings than yourself. Thanks again
A lively discussion, a bit over theoretical though but I guess it has to be, given that different offshoots of Tantra are being debated. The dialogue provided useful clues for further exploration. Thanks for the effort in making this video, Chris. Would love to hear more from Ben on his actual realisations along the Buddhist Tantra path, since what he speaks of was apparently practiced by no one less than Milarepa himself, in my understanding.
0:41 About Dr Ben Williams 3:06 Ben’s Childhood and adult experiences leading to studying Tantra and Hinduism, Falling in love with India and finding ‘swadharma’, 11:51 About Naropa university and why Ben chose to be a professor there as a Scholar Practitioner 18:21 historic importance of Intellectual development in spiritual life vs the lack of importance today 29:52 Ben’s doctoral research on Abhinava Gupta- why did Abhinava Gupta write in biographical mode and why did Ben choose this subject 37:58 The ‘Kaula’ model- the left hand of Tantra of Abhinava Gupta which contrasts with mainstream Tantra practitioners, moving away from deity practice to ‘mahasiddhas’ which are treated like a deities. Ties with Kaula and Buddhism 44:21 Abhinava Gupta’s self depiction as a mahasiddha to lead the way for other practitioners. 46:06 Kashmir’s importance for Abhinava Gupta 47:30 Future research of Ben on Abhinava Gupta 49:18 Correcting the assumption that the Kashmiri Trika religion did not have continuity after Abhinava Gupta 53:43 Importance of a living Guru and ‘shakti’ from work of Gurus like Abhinava Gupta 56:04 Powerful Experience of Ben and Christoper reading Abhinava Gupta’s work together 59:00 Reason why Tantra became so widespread across geographies and traditions 1:07:39 The ‘Nirvaana Diksha’ and its enormous effect on psychology of an aspirant wanting liberation 1:10:39 Is formal initiation necessary today like it did back then? 1:16:33 ‘Mystical or pivotal experiences’ and how to work with them to make more sense of the teachings- Signs of grace 1:19:31 What does Abhinava Gupta mean by the ‘divine’ if he is a non dualist 1:24:35 Does various names of shiva for Abhinava Gupta denote various forms of consciousness 1:30:44 The role of classical Tantra in the 21st Century and the Tantra renaissance today with rising interest 1:37:41 Outro
@@christopherwallis751 I met Prof Ben at a siddhayoga intensive and he strongly recommended to me to read the recognition sutras. He even lent me his copy as it wasn’t available in India. As soon as I read the first page I had an overwhelming ‘this is it’ goosebumpy feeling and since then life has taken a 180degree turn. Thank you and Dr Ben for pointing the way!
"Abhinavagupta may use the compound "cit-bhairava" to stress that Bhairava is none other than pure consciousness itself." so important for everyone to know 🙏
Amazing conversation and great to have hours of material from Ben to digest as well now that I realize he is an absolute gem like you. A question, since the siddhas play such a big part in the kaula systems, are there mantras to invoke siddhas like Abhinavagupta, Ksemeraja, Macchandanata etc?
My late Tibetan teacher who spoke little English used to respond to some questions by simply advising us to.. "Study Study Study!" As seriously as I took his advice I fear that I did not take it serious enough 🙁
I am new to this. If we are all the ground of awareness which is always constantly reinventing itself why would the rules have to remain static/consistent withwith regard to initiation?
I dont think that there is a valid concern about a scholar-practitioner's ability to approach texts without preconceived notions. No European university would have brought up such concerns for theology students who also happen to be catholics.
