The Subject, the Object, the Path and the Goal: Śaiva Devotion in a Monistic Setting 1

The emphases of both dualistic and monistic Śaivism which developed in Kashmir from the eighth to the eleventh centuries AD are undoubtedly on systems of initiation (dīkṣā) and ritual (prakriyā). According to dualistic Śaivism only initiation and the performance of Śaiva liturgies eradicate impurity (mala) and are necessary conditions for liberation. ² While accepting the idea that liturgy can lead to eventual liberation, the monistic Śaivas also accepted other ways of eradicating impurity: spiritual insight (pratibhā, jñāna) gained through yoga; grace (anugraha) of Paramaśiva granted spontaneously and the descent of his power (śaktipāta); and devotion (bhakti).