ABSTRACT

This chapter is a cross-cultural comparison of subtle body theory and contemplative practice, as expressed in Abhinavagupta’s Trika Śaivism and Longchenpa’s Great Perfection. I investigate the crossing of sensory and subtle bodies by focusing on the notion of “spiritual breath,” both connected to and transcending the physical breath. In dialogue with phenomenological and transpersonal psychologist Harry T. Hunt, I show how in relation to spiritual breath contemplations, complex synaesthetic patterns arise.  Both systems involve kinesthetic experiences of flowing energies blending with visual and aural manifestations. Inspired by hermeneutical phenomenologist David Michael Levin’s “body’s recollection of Being,” I argue that for both Abhinavagupta and Longchenpa, the subtle body streaming of energies is activated when human beings let go of limited and distorted body images. In both systems, a primordial body of enlightenment is recovered, experienced as the optimal expression of clarity, vital presence, and reflexive awareness.