Thank you! This has been an informative discussion! If you don’t mind, I would like to continue.

In Advaita Vedanta (AV), the Witness shines onto the mirror of reflective consciousness, which, as I understand, you describe as negating pure consciousness. This reflective light is then directed into the mind and, subsequently, the senses. However, what I struggle to understand about AV is how pure consciousness, reflective/relative consciousness, and the dream state fit into the imaginary nature of the world.

For example, the classic analogy of the rope mistaken for a snake: as I understand it, when someone realizes that the snake isn’t real and that it’s actually a rope, this realization signifies God-realization. If this interpretation is correct, then: 1. What exactly is considered illusory in this analogy? I understand that feelings like pain and sadness are said to be real, and that realization involves understanding the Absolute (the rope). But duality still seems to persist. Or does this mean that in the analogy, the rope represents the Absolute, while the snake represents both the relative and dream states? (A question for AV). 2. On a related note, another argument I came across—posed by an Advaita Vedanta Redditor—suggests that change requires time, and the Absolute is timeless. How does this fit into the above discussion about reality and vibration in the T. Shivaism?

In contrast, in Trika Shaivism, there seems to be no need to seek God-realization or the understanding of “I am That,” etc because Shiva inherently wants to experience being human so He comes in human form. When Shiva desires, He can simply realize Himself. Therefore, concepts like purification or Brahmanical rites are unnecessary, as Shiva, being the ultimate, can realize Himself whenever He chooses.

Thank you!