This post carefully unpacks the distinction between first-order reality and second-order reality and why it matters. Bonus material: how to have difficult conversations, and what ‘gaslighting’ really means.
The first half of this sublime text, newly translated. ‘The Stanzas on the Innate Pulsation of Awareness’ (Spanda-kārikā), First Flow (i.e., chapter one), entitled ‘The Pulsation of One’s True Nature’ (svarūpa-spanda).
Chapter Four of Abhinavagupta’s masterpiece, The Essence of Tantra, offers self-realization in nutshell, succinctly articulating precisely what we need to realize. Of course, it’s easier said than done!
Chapter Three of Abhinavagupta’s masterpiece, The Essence of Tantra, presents extremely subtle and potentially mindblowing pointers towards the true nature of reality.