Birthday Celebration
of our beloved Gurudev Swami Lakshmanjoo
Join us online to celebrate the birthday of our beloved Gurudev Swami Lakshmanjoo. All are warmly welcomed to this free event regardless of their familiarity with Kashmir Shaivism. Register below.
Details
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 10:30 am Hawaiian Time. Find your time zone here.
Length: approx 4 hours
Location: Online, Live from Kaua'i, Hawaii
Cost: FREE/donations welcome
Sign up to participate
Sign Up for the Birthday Celebration
You will be registered to participate online and will be subscribed to our email list. Be sure you click confirm in our follow-up email and look for another email from us with instructions and a link to participate. If you're already subscribed to our email list, you will receive the email with instructions and a link.You may unsubscribe from our email list at any time.
About the celebration
We're happy to announce the birthday celebration of our beloved Gurudev Swami Lakshmanjoo. On the days after Swamiji’s birthday — May 10-13— the Fellowship will hold its bi-annual four-day study retreat.
Swami Lakshmanjoo was born on the 9th of May, 1907, in Srinagar, Kashmir, India. As a child, he showed clear signs of spirituality, and from the age of three would become easily absorbed in his own inner nature. Too young to find the appropriate yogic expression, the young child described this state as “badhi bhod” which in Kashmiri means “greater than the greatest.” The young boy approached his spiritual practice with burning zeal and had his first glimpse of God Consciousness at the age of nineteen. After that glimpse of the Divine, he took a vow of lifelong celibacy and dedication to the realization of the highest state of God Consciousness.
It is a blessing for us to share this wonderful and holy day so please join us. Swamiji’s birthday celebration and spring retreat are always uplifting and memorable events.
Feel free to contact us with questions here.
Jai Guru Dev,
John Hughes and family,
and the Universal Shaiva Fellowship Team.
The Universal Shaiva Fellowship is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are fully tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law.
We look forward to you joining us!
What is the significance of Swamiji's birthday in Kashmir Shaivism?
Swami Lakshmanjoo, also known as Swami Lakshman Joo Raina, was a prominent spiritual teacher and scholar of Kashmir Shaivism. He was born on May 9, 1907, in Srinagar, Kashmir. His birthday holds significant importance in the context of Kashmir Shaivism for several reasons.
Preservation and Revival: Swami Lakshmanjoo played a crucial role in the preservation and revival of the teachings and practices of Kashmir Shaivism. He dedicated his life to studying and interpreting ancient Kashmir Shaiva texts, many of which were on the verge of being lost or forgotten. His efforts helped revive interest in Kashmir Shaivism and brought it back into the consciousness of scholars and spiritual seekers.
Transmission of Knowledge: Swami Lakshmanjoo was initiated into the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism by his guru, Swami Ram, who was a direct disciple of Swami Ram Tirtha. Swami Lakshmanjoo received a deep understanding of the philosophy, scriptures, and practices of Kashmir Shaivism, and he transmitted this knowledge to his disciples and students. His birthday is an occasion to honor his contributions in disseminating this profound wisdom.
Propagation of Non-dualistic Philosophy: Kashmir Shaivism is a non-dualistic philosophical system that emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (Shiva) and the universal consciousness (Shakti). Swami Lakshmanjoo's teachings elucidated the non-dualistic nature of reality and provided practical methods for individuals to experience their inherent divinity. His birthday serves as a reminder of the non-dualistic principles of Kashmir Shaivism and their relevance to spiritual seekers.
Inspiration and Celebration: Swami Lakshmanjoo's life and teachings continue to inspire and impact spiritual aspirants. His birthday is observed as an occasion to celebrate his contributions, remember his teachings, and draw inspiration from his spiritual journey. It is an opportunity for his followers and disciples to come together, engage in spiritual practices, study his commentaries on Kashmir Shaiva scriptures, and reflect on the profound insights he shared.
Overall, Swami Lakshmanjoo's birthday is significant in Kashmir Shaivism as it commemorates his life, his dedication to the preservation and propagation of the teachings, and his invaluable contributions to the understanding and practice of this ancient spiritual tradition.
