Vasugupta was the author of the Shiva Sutras, which is considered to be a popular Holy Text amongst the Kashmir Shaivites.
Vasugupta was born during the 9th century AD to a pious Kashmiri Hindu family, and his disciples were Kallata and Somananda who were also contributed some Shiva Bhakti Texts. He worshipped Lord Shiva sincerely, and he is also considered to be one of the staunch devotees of Lord Shiva.
Vasugupta has attained great knowledge and divinity from his young age itself, and this was happened to him, due to his perfect dedication on Lord Shiva.It is believed that the divine attendant of Lord Shiva, the great Nandi Bhagavan, had once appeared on his dream and wrote the “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA MANTRA” on his tongue and then disappeared.
Apart from Shiva Sutras, Vasugupta also wrote a commentary on the Shiva Sutras. His teachings and preaching were accepted and followed by the then Kashmir Pundits and also by the common public, but, after Islam religion was flourished in Kashmir, people in large numbers were converted into Muslims.But however Vasugupta has got his own followers, and he is considered to be the founder of the Advaita Shaivism in Kashmir.
Vasugupta’s Shiva Sutra is an important spiritual text, which has enlightened the path of the then Kashmir Hindus. The text describes the ways to come out from the worldly bondages, in order to merge with Lord Shiva. The text has been appreciated by many spiritual writers, and the Holy Shiva Sutra was also translated into English language due to its religious significance.
SPIRITUAL QUOTES OF VASUGUPTA
1. Don’t do research work about the existence of Lord Shiva, since he dwells on all of his creations.
2. Similar to eating and sleeping, it is our most important duty to worship Lord Shiva during day and night.
3. Our each and every body organs must chant the Mantras of Lord Shiva, and even at the time of dying, we must recite the Shiva Mantra, “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”.
4. Lord Shiva must be considered as our only saviour, since all other gods and goddesses acts only as his assistants.
5. Wear the Holy Rudraksha on your neck, and apply the sacred ash on your forehead.
6. Believe that we are able to eat our daily food and able to quench our thirst only due to the mercy of Lord Shiva.
7. Dance and Dance, by reciting the wonderful names of Lord Shiva.
8. Consider that both Lord Shiva and his consort Ma Shakti Devi are one and the same.
9. Take proper care of the devotees of Lord Shiva, by providing sufficient food and water to them.
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR