Description:
The Paramarthasara, or 'Essence of Ultimate Reality', is a work of the Kashmirian polymath Abhinavagupta (tenth and eleventh centuries). It is a brief treatise in which the author outlines the doctrine of which he is a notable exponent, namely nondualistic Saivism, which he designates in his works as the Trika, or 'Triad' of three principles: Siva, Sakti and the embodied soul (nara). This book presents, along with a critically revised Sanskrit text, the first annotated English translation of both Abhinavagupta's Paramarthasara and Yogaraja's commentary.
Review Quotes:
"Clearly, Sanskrit scholars and the growing coterie of serious students of Śaivism will profit greatly from a close study of Bansat-Boudon's notes and other supplemental materials; yet, this volume also will be of use to those with less than a professional commitment to the study of Śaiva materials, as the clarity of the authors' translations affords an easy access to the subject, even, perhaps especially, for those who do not read Sanskrit. Certainly, then, every college and university library worth its salt should own a copy, but I also imagine--and hope--the readership of this outstanding text will extend to a wider audience, beyond the confines of academia."
John Nemec, University of Virginia
Journal of the American Oriental Society 135.2, pages 343-345 (2015) 343