Supreme Speech (Parā-Vāc)
The Word before words: the silent creative pulse of consciousness from which all speech flows.
Parā-vāc is the 'supreme Word' — the highest and subtlest level of speech, which is not yet speech at all in any ordinary sense. It is the silent, undivided creative power of consciousness, the source from which all words and meanings will eventually flow, before any separation into sound or even distinct thought. In Kashmir Shaivism it is identified with the supreme Śakti, the divine's own self-expressive pulse. All the lower levels of speech are its progressive unfolding.
Key passages(3)
Each passage is tagged by what it does with the idea: explains it, applies it in practice, redefines it with a new meaning, or challenges it. Relevance shows how directly the passage is about this idea.
Speech is indeed the fourth foot of Brahman. That foot shines with Agni (fire) as its light, and warms. He who knows this, shines and warms through his celebrity, fame, and glory of countenance.
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