Kashmiri Pandits struggling to carry forward the legacy of Abhinavagupta

Sumit Hakhoo

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Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29

Great scholar of Shaiva philosophy in Indian sub-continent, Abhinavagupta, born in Kashmir in 10th century AD, may have been pushed to oblivion by historians in Jammu and Kashmir, but displaced Kashmiri Hindus, living in exile for the past 25 years are still trying to preserve and promote the message of great thinker.

A group of displaced Kashmiri Pandits is making an effort to revive his philosophical contribution by organising regular interactive programmes between community intellectuals and school students, especially studying in camp schools established for Pandits in Jammu after the migration of 3.50 lakh members in 1990.

So far, nearly 600 students have been reached out by Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra (SSK), a social organisation, which has taken the initiative evoking enthusiasm among Pandits who are facing grim future in the changing political landscape.

Abhinavagupta, considered as the tallest scholar, authored around 50 books. He codified the Tantric principles, practices and philosophy of Kashmiri Shaivism and established its underlying connection with Vedic traditions. His other works of importance are Tantraloka, Tantrasara and devotional poems dedicated to Lord Shiva or Bhariva in Tantric traditions.

Exodus of Hindus from the valley has not only led to the loss of homeland to an entire ethnic group, but the community has lost touch with its glorious past when great thinkers from across the Indian sub-continent, China and Tibet used to engage in debates with thinkers in the Kashmir valley before the arrival of Islam in 13th century which changed the religious and spiritual doctrine in the valley.

“Life in the refugee camps has been physically and psychologically shattering for our youth, especially schoolchildren and this is an attempt to make them aware about their past and contribution of their forefathers in shaping the spiritual thoughts of the sub-continent,” said SSK president Professor TN Shalla.

Uprooting of the entire minority community from Kashmir has perhaps been the greatest tragedy to have occurred in the history of post-Independence India and our present generation born and brought up in Jammu and other parts of the country are quite unaware of where they belonged to.

“Abhinavagupta was one of the greatest minds of all times. Being from our state, he remains a source of great inspiration for all of us but not much has been done to promote his thoughts within the state,” said noted writer and critic Professor RL Shant.

It is pertinent to mention that indologist and an expert on Kashmir Shaivism, Padma Shri (Dr) Bettina Sharda Baumer had faced opposition in Kashmir to establish an institute to preserve spiritual traditions and the work on preserving Shaivism is done outside Kashmir now.

Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Surinder Mohan Ambardar said: “Pandit community finds the fabric of its cultural and social life torn apart and despite traumatic experience of terror, there is a desire to save their heritage,” said Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Surinder Amberdar.