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How does Shaiva Tantra view the concept of liberation or moksha?

In Shaiva Tantra, the concept of liberation or moksha is viewed as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. It is seen as a state of complete freedom and union with the divine, where one transcends all limitations and experiences the true nature of reality. This state is often described as the merging of the individual self with the universal consciousness, or the union of Shiva and Shakti.

According to Shaiva Tantra, the path to liberation involves the dissolution of the ego and the realization of one's true nature as pure consciousness. This is achieved through various practices such as meditation, mantra recitation, and ritual worship. These practices are aimed at purifying the mind and body, and ultimately leading to the direct experience of the divine.

One of the key principles in Shaiva Tantra is the concept of non-duality, which states that there is no separation between the individual self and the divine. Therefore, the attainment of liberation is not seen as a journey towards something external, but rather a realization of one's inherent divinity. This is often referred to as self-realization or self-knowledge.

In Shaiva Tantra, the process of attaining liberation is seen as a gradual unfolding rather than a sudden event. It is believed that as one progresses on the spiritual path, they gradually shed their attachments, desires, and false identifications, and come closer to their true nature. This process is referred to as "Shivaization," where one becomes more and more aligned with the qualities of Lord Shiva, such as detachment, compassion, and transcendence.

Furthermore, Shaiva Tantra also emphasizes the importance of the guru or spiritual teacher in the journey towards liberation. The guru is seen as a guide who has already attained liberation and can help the disciple navigate through the obstacles on the spiritual path. The guru-disciple relationship is considered essential for the transmission of knowledge and techniques that lead to liberation.

In conclusion, Shaiva Tantra views liberation as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, which involves the dissolution of the ego and the realization of one's true nature as pure consciousness. It emphasizes the principles of non-duality and gradual self-realization, as well as the importance of the guru in the journey towards liberation. By following the practices and principles of Shaiva Tantra, one can ultimately attain moksha and experience the blissful state of union with the divine.