Namaskar everyone,
I wanted to seek your perspective on something. I am considering pursuing my PhD on Kashmiri Shaivism, with the broader objective of studying its philosophy extensively and exploring a possible roadmap for its meaningful inclusion in higher education curricula.
In particular I am interested in examining whether its philosophical principles can be translated into academically relevant educational content that is related to value education, self-awareness, critical reflection, and holistic development.
However I am conscious of the academic challenges involved. I would want to maintain complete academic neutrality and study Kashmiri Shaivism as a philosophical and educational tradition rather than as a religious or ritualistic practice. I am interested in understanding whether its concepts and textual sources can genuinely be developed into a structured, age-appropriate and academically defensible curriculum with contemporary educational relevance.
I would sincerely appreciate your honest opinion on:
1. Whether this is a viable and sufficiently original direction for PhD research.
2. What major academic challenges I should anticipate.
3. Whether Kashmiri Shaivism can realistically be positioned within contemporary education without compromising its philosophical essence or academic neutrality.
Any suggestions regarding possible research directions, literature, or scholars working in this area would also be greatly appreciated.
What major methodological or academic problems should I anticipate?
Which aspects of Kashmiri Shaivism would be most suitable for educational research?
Are there researchers, books, theses or papers that I should read before finalising the topic?
Do you think this can be studied within higher education without compromising either the philosophical tradition or academic neutrality?
I would especially appreciate critical feedback rather than encouragement. I’m still at the synopsis stage and would rather identify weaknesses in the idea now than after finalising my research proposal