Upaya (The Methods)

Different Strokes

Trika acknowledges that not everyone wakes up the same way.

It offers four distinct Upayas (Methods/Means), graded by subtlety.

1. Anupaya (The Methodless Method)

For the Master.

Here, there is no practice. The Guru says "You are Shiva," and the disciple instantly realizes it and never waivers.

It is sudden, causeless grace.

2. Sambhava Upaya (The Way of Will)

For the Advanced.

Pure Awareness. You simply maintain the state of "I am Shiva" without any supporting thoughts or mantras.

It is holding the silence by sheer force of Will (Iccha).

Practice: Choiceless Awareness / Zazen.

3. Shakta Upaya (The Way of Knowledge)

For the Intellectual.

Using the Mind to transcend the Mind.

Using logic, inquiry (Parchars), and visualization to deconstruct the illusion.

Practice: Jnana Yoga / Studying the texts.

4. Anava Upaya (The Way of Action)

For the Rest of Us.

Using the body, breath, and objects to access the divine.

Mantra, Pranayama, Puja, Asana.

This is where 99% of "Yoga" happens.

It uses the gross to reach the subtle.

The Protocol

Don't be arrogant. Start where you are.

Start with Anava (Breathwork).

Move to Shakta (Inquiry).

Rest in Sambhava (Silence).

Pray for Anupaya (Grace).