Trika Shaivism is one of the ancient Tantrik traditions of India. You will also see it referred to as Kashmir Shaivism and Shaivite Tantra.
The tradition as we know it today was formed from the confluence of number of direct realization traditions. Some of these are the Pratyabhijña, Kaula, Trika, and Krama streams of Tantra that flourished in Kashmir and the Swat Valley from the early Christian Era until the 12th century.
Dzogchen is a direct realization tradition from Tibet. In its formation, Dzogchen drew from the Bön tradition of Tibet, from Chinese Chan Buddhism, from the teachings of India-born siddhas such as Garab Dorje, and from the sources of Trika Shaivism.
Trika Shaivism and Dzogchen share the understanding that the purpose of spiritual practice is to directly discover the unconditioned, natural state of existence and to remain resting in that.
Trika Shaivism places somewhat more emphasis on the heart and devotion. Both traditions are based in a profound understanding of the five elements and the necessity of opening the gates of the senses in order to re-integrate with the natural state.
Neither Trika Shaivism nor Dzogchen are belief- or faith-based systems. Practitioners are given tools and guidance so that they may discover their real nature with certainty for themselves.
Shambhavi Sarasvati is the spiritual director of Jaya Kula.
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