Śivasaṃhitā 1.14

This verse addresses the fundamental debate between theistic and non-theistic visions of the cosmos. The question of the existence or non-existence of a supreme principle governing reality has been central to all spiritual traditions. The text does not take sides, but simply records the existence of these opposing perspectives, suggesting that both visions may be conceptual limitations that prevent direct understanding of ultimate reality.

Nirīśvara (निरीश्वर) means “without lord” or “without ruler”, while Saiśvara (सेश्वर) means “with lord” or “with ruler”. These terms represent two fundamental metaphysical positions: one that sees the universe as autonomous and another that postulates a supreme intelligence or consciousness as the foundation of existence. In the context of hatha yoga, both perspectives are considered preliminary stages that must be transcended.

Historically, this debate manifests in the contrast between schools like Madhyamaka Buddhism (which tends toward non-theism) and Vedanta (which posits Brahman as ultimate reality). The Siva Samhita, like other hatha texts, adopts a position that transcends this dualism, suggesting that ultimate realization goes beyond the question itself about the existence of a personal or impersonal god. This neutrality reflects the philosophical maturity of hatha yoga as a tradition that seeks direct experience beyond metaphysical disputes.