The author, a well-known scholar, offers in this book a unique introduction to Kashmir Saivism. 

The Advaita Saivas describe the nature of the Supreme Reality, one without a second, in two different ways namely as Caitanya or Samvid as an abstract metaphysical principle as well as Parama Siva and Paramesvara possessing a form. 

Kashmir Saivism describes the process of world manifestation in terms of involution on the part of Caitanya to the gross level of matter; or as the unfoldment on the part of the Supreme Lord out of His free will, exercising His svatantrya sakti; or as His self-extension in the aspect of His Sakti.