Meditations on Shiva

Constantina Rhodes teaches in the Program in Religion at the City University of New York's Hunter College. Her books include Shaiva Devotional Songs of Kashmir: A Translation and Study of Utpaladeva's Shivastotravali and Meditations on Shiva: The Shivastotravali of Utpaladeva, both also published by SUNY Press.

"Devotion is always treated as a different approach from the 'yogic' one. Utpaladeva's approach of relating the path of devotion to the upayas (the means) of Kashmir Shaivism is original and accurate. It reveals the soul of the practices, that is, the feeling and emotional intensity with which they are done. Here is the rejoicing, the cajoling, the longing of a great being in love with God and in love with His creation. For the devotee, the created is a reflection of the Creator. This book is an authentic delight." — Swami Gitananda

• Introduction Highlights of Pratyabhijña The Sivastotravali STOTRA ONE The Pleasure of Devotion STOTRA TWO Contemplation of the All-Soul STOTRA THREE The Gift of Affection STOTRA FOUR Potent Nectar STOTRA FIVE The Command of Powers STOTRA SIX Tremblings along the Journey STOTRA SEVEN Victory over Separation STOTRA EIGHT Unearthly Strength STOTRA NINE The Triumph of Freedom STOTRA TEN Breaking the Continuity STOTRA ELEVEN Bound to the World by Desire STOTRA TWELVE Particulars of the Arcane Lore STOTRA THIRTEEN In Summary... STOTRA FOURTEEN Song of Glorification STOTRA FIFTEEN About Devotion STOTRA SIXTEEN Breaking out of the Fetters STOTRA SEVENTEEN A High Regard for Divine Amusements STOTRA EIGHTEEN Becoming Clear STOTRA NINETEEN The Meaning Revealed STOTRA TWENTY The Meaning Savored