Skip to content
Wellsprings
hindu-mindWe're still mapping where this idea was first discussed. Key passages and related ideas below.

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)

Chāndogya Upaniṣad · Vedic Revelation (śruti)

High

Tantrasāra · Abhinavagupta

Moderate

Vijñāna-bhairava · Anonymous (Bhairava Āgama / Tantra)

Moderate