Constantina R. Bailly - Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir: A Translation and Study of Utpaladevas Shivastotravali

Utpaladeva was considered a siddha, a perfected being, one of the masters of the tantric tradition in Kashmir, and he is best known for his philosophical treatises. The Shivastotravali reflects Utpaladevas philosophy, known as the Pratyabhijna school. And yet it is unique among the authors works in its not being a straightforward philosophical treatise but instead, as Dr. Bailly points out in her introduction, more of a spiritual diary of one who is actually treading the path of Shiva. The path that Utpaladeva has chosen does not require leaving ones home and heading for a mountain cave; instead it calls for changing ones view of the world, for leading a life of divine recognition while carrying on with ordinary life.
In clearly written, lucid prose Dr. Bailly illuminates the many facets of Utpaladevas quest. At the core of his spiritual journey is the enigmatic relationship between devotion and grace: how much does spiritual attainment depend upon the individuals efforts, and how much is a divine gift? And how are these to be realized while living in the midst of society, maintaining worldly obligations and lifestyle?
For over a thousand years the Shaiva community of Kashmir has used in its worship the hymns of Utpaladevas Shivastotravali.Here for the first time these hymns are presented in translation as English verse along with the Sanskrit, a clear and lively introduction, two appendices on special aspects of Kashmir Shaivism, and additional notes.