Pāśupatasutras

By Swami Harshananda

It is one of the chief basic texts of the Pāśupata. Śaivism is the Pāśupatasutras^[1] with the bhāṣya^[2] of Kauṇḍinya.^[3] Since five subjects have been discussed, this work is also known as the Pañcārthasutras. These subjects are:

Kārya - effect
Kāraṇa - cause
Yoga - meditation and union
Vidhi - behavior
Duḍkhānta - dissolution of sorrow

Only a brāhmaṇa with keen senses was considered to be fit for the path of spiritual discipline described here. The work lays a great emphasis on ascetic forms of the discipline. Paśupati’s or īśvara’s grace is absolutely necessary to attain duhkhānta.^[4]

References[edit]

↑ It is the 2nd cent. A. D.
↑ Bhāṣya means the commentary.
↑ He lived in the 4th to 6th cent. A. D.
↑ It is same as mokṣa.

The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

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[1] It is the 2nd cent. A. D.

[2] Bhāṣya means the commentary.

[3] He lived in the 4th to 6th cent. A. D.

[4] It is same as mokṣa.

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