ABSTRACT
The book concludes by first revisiting the notion of the guru in the modern context. Here, the conclusion argues that, despite some efforts to practice the tradition without a guru, the role of the guru is too central to Nondual Śaivism to be discarded. Thus, it will remain a flashpoint for controversy and a double-edged sword for the contemporary tradition. Next, it argues that, regardless of the exploitation of “Kashmiri Śaivism” by some unscrupulous individuals, there are modern forms of Nondual Śaiva Theosophy (NŚT) that may be considered authentic forms of spirituality. As a form of High Tantra, NŚT will continue to be popular as an option within the New Age spiritual marketplace. Moreover, certain aspects of the tradition such as its view of divinity as both male and female, its worship of the Great Goddess (Mahādevī) and goddesses in general, and its integrated view of a harmonious cosmos, if properly implemented could contribute to humanity’s future survival and flourishing in the twenty-first century.
