What is "God" and what does it mean to "attain" That? In this lecture, we discuss discuss "The Absolute" on a few different levels from a philosophical perspective but more importantly, we offer a few practice methods for "attaining", that is "recognizing, integrating and acting/thinking/feeling according to"  that Absolute Truth.   This lecture is part of a series on Kashmir Shaivism which you can watch here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfGGe32PDNMb9bvgn4Vfn1mtrfF7JPZQn In this installment, we hint at the metaphysical explanation behind the Shiva līla (God's play) idea which is central to this tradition by explaining the 5 powers of God with an emphasis on Vimarśa or ānanda-śakti!  At the end of the lecture we read a beautiful poem by Shankara that Swami Vivekananda sings to M. towards the end of the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.  And I'd like to share with you what is for me one of the most moving moments in the Gospel, the final scene where M. smiles and Narendra talks about the ultimate in spiritual life, in one concise sentence. And then I'd like to share the final line of the Gospel and its significance which changed my life and I pray, will change yours too!  Lectures happen live on zoom every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday at 6pm PST.  There's Q&A right after the lecture.  It is free and open to the public. All are welcome! Use this link and I will see you there: https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815 For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at: https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnish To get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrM Support the show