Spanda in kashmir Shaivism refers to the power of Vibration (spandana) inherent in the Supreme Reality. It is the Shakti, the dynamic power held back within the Ishwara. It is the secret of creation. Shiva without the Shakti is Shava, inert. With the awakening of the Shakti, he assumes the role of the Father, the Creator.
Its importance is that while traditional Vedanta makes an irreconciliable separation between the Purusha and Prakriti, the Masculine and the Feminine principle, Spanda in Kashmir Shaivism indicates the fundamental unity between these two eternal principles.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
