The Two Aspects of the Absolute

Para-Brahman relates to the Father and Para-Shakti relates to the Mother. Together they form the two Aspects of the Absolute. The Absolute is both impersonal and personal. Para-Brahman finds its personification in Sri Krishna and Para-Shakti finds its personification in Sri Radha. Together they are the divine couple. Mother and Father of all.

Para-Brahman (Sanskrit: परब्रह्मन्) — literally "the Supreme Brahman." The absolute, transcendent ground of all existence — pure Being beyond all qualities, attributes, and predication. Para-Brahman is the ultimate reality in its aspect of radical transcendence, prior to all manifestation, relationship, and differentiation. It is unknowable by the ordinary mind and is sometimes described as the "Absolute Absolute" to distinguish it from lower expressions of Brahman within creation. In Advaita Vedānta it is equivalent to Nirguna Brahman — Brahman without qualities.

Para-Shakti (Sanskrit: परशक्ति) — literally "the Supreme Power" or "Supreme Energy." The ultimate creative, conscious, and dynamic principle of the Absolute — pure awareness and power in its highest aspect, prior to any particular expression or manifestation. Para-Shakti is not a secondary or subordinate principle but is understood in Shakta and Kashmir Shaiva philosophy as co-equal with Para-Brahman — being the self-luminous, self-aware, and self-expressive nature of the Absolute itself. If Para-Brahman is the ground, Para-Shakti is that same ground knowing and expressing itself.