힌두탄트리즘의 수행 방법에 대한 고찰-불이론 쉬바파 『비갸나바이라바』를 중심으로-

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the dimensions of meditation within the tantric sect of Kaśmīra Śaivism. Vijñānabhairava, an ancient Indian yoga text, elaborates extensively on the core principles of Kaśmīra Śaivism and details 112 distinct methods of practice. This text holds a significant position in Śaivāgama philosophy. According to Swami Lakshmanjoo(1907~1991), Vijñānabhairava is purely monistic from the perspective of Bhairava, distinguishing it from the dualistic Śiva-Śāstra and the monistic-dualistic Rudra-Śāstra. Vijñānabhairava encapsulates the essence of the Rudrayamala Tantra, although the complete form of the Rudrayamala Tantra is no longer extant; portions of texts like Vijñānabhairava continue to be studied. Kṣemarāja, a prominent disciple of Abhinavagupta, contributed significantly to the understanding of Vijñānabhairava through his commentary, Udyota. Although incomplete, Udyota offers deep insights into the nature of Bhairava, addressing the threefold aspects of divinity. these commentaries have been supplemented by later scholars such as Shivopādhyāya and Bhaṭṭa Ananda. According to Kṣemarāja, the ultimate reality is manifested as the light of consciousness(prakāśa) and eternal awareness(vimarśa). This non-dual reality is symbolized through the unity of Śiva and Śakti, and the interplay between Bhairava and Bhairavī. Vijñānabhairava delineates 112 dhāraṇās, or concentration techniques, which are categorized into four upāyas(means or methods): Sāmbhavopāya, Śāktopāya, Āṇavopāya, and Anupāya. Each upāya represents a different level of consciousness and method of practice suitable for practitioners at various stages of spiritual development. Sāmbhavopāya is considered the highest and most refined method, requiring the practitioner to maintain awareness in a state devoid of thought. It is a direct path to realizing the supreme consciousness. Śāktopāya involves sustaining awareness within the realm of sensory perception and mental activities. Practitioners engage with their sensory experiences and subtle energies to transcend to higher states of consciousness. Āṇavopāya is suitable for those who rely on physical and mental activities, such as breath control and mantra recitation, to achieve concentration and spiritual awareness. Anupāya, literally meaning 'no method', represents a state where the practitioner, having mastered the other upāyas, transcends all methods and directly abides in the non-dual awareness. This is the realization that there is no distinction between the practitioner and the supreme consciousness. Vijñānabhairava remains a crucial text in the study of Non-Dual Śaivism, providing a comprehensive guide to various meditative techniques aimed at realizing the nature of ultimate reality. Through the efforts of scholars like Kṣemarāja, Shivopādhyāya, and Bhaṭṭa Ananda, the teachings of Vijñānabhairava have been preserved and continue to offer profound spiritual insights to practitioners. The categorization of dhāraṇās into four upāyas reflects the inclusive nature of this tradition, accommodating practitioners at different levels of spiritual evolution.