Papers by Swastik Banerjee
Journal of Sanātana Dharma, 2025
This essay seeks to address the philosophical problem of how a coherent national identity may be ... more This essay seeks to address the philosophical problem of how a coherent national identity may be grounded within a context marked by deep cultural and regional plurality. Drawing upon the classical debates within the Pratyabhijñā school of Kashmir Shaivism, the analysis focuses on the nature of the Self as articulated by Trika thinkers, situating this discourse within the broader framework of nationalism. By foregrounding the metaphysics of selfrecognition (pratyabhijñā) and ontological freedom (svātantrya), the essay argues that the Trika doctrine of the Self offers a valuable conceptual resource for contemporary nation-building and the cultivation of cultural awarenessthereby fostering a model of national integrity that honours both unity and diversity.
My research develops a phenomenological and practice-informed approach to Trika and Kaula traditi... more My research develops a phenomenological and practice-informed approach to Trika and Kaula traditions, focusing on the problem of self and identity within esoteric and ritual contexts. It integrates textual exegesis with embodied knowledge systems and modes of transmission in South Asian religious traditions.
Poorvam: International Journal of Creative Arts and Cultural Expressions,, 2025
This essay investigates the text Bhūtaḍāmara Tantra, examining a philosophical tension: “How does... more This essay investigates the text Bhūtaḍāmara Tantra, examining a philosophical tension: “How does a tantra so deeply embedded in ritual coercion reconcile itself with the language of liberation?” The analysis of this issue is conducted through the central deity, Krodha Bhairava, interpreted as Ferocious Consciousness—an expression of Consciousness that subjugates not only spirits but also the fundamental structure of ‘otherness’ within awareness. An examination of the key practices described in the text, viewed through the lens of Trika doctrine, suggests that an effort is made to establish non-contradiction to non-dual liberation through the fierce realisation of Consciousness.
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Papers by Swastik Banerjee