The Trika philosophy, also known as Kashmir Shaivism, is a school of philosophy that originated in Kashmir, India. According to this philosophy, the ultimate reality is consciousness, and the individual self is identical with the supreme reality. The Trika philosophy has a threefold aspect, which is:
- Shiva: The first aspect of the Trika philosophy is Shiva, who is the supreme consciousness or the absolute reality. Shiva is considered to be the ultimate reality, beyond all limitations and dualities.
- Shakti: The second aspect of the Trika philosophy is Shakti, who is the dynamic energy of Shiva. Shakti is considered to be the power that creates, sustains, and dissolves the universe. Shakti is also known as the divine mother, who bestows grace and liberation to the seeker.
- Nara: The third aspect of the Trika philosophy is Nara, which refers to the individual self or the embodied consciousness. The individual self is considered to be identical with Shiva, but due to ignorance and delusion, it identifies with the body-mind complex and experiences suffering.
Therefore, the Trika philosophy emphasises the need to realise the identity of the individual self with the supreme reality, which can be achieved through the practice of yoga, meditation, and devotion to Shiva and Shakti.