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Online Course: Kashmir Shaivism and the Transformation of Life

This six-part course is designed for students of spirituality from around the world who aspire to learn the basic tenets of the profound philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. Past participants have said that this life-transforming course finally gave them an understanding of Kashmir Shaivism. Your confirmation email will include the link to get back to that page and a download link.

Watch the introduction

Course includes

The course includes video and audio and a 130 page transcript of the original six sessions. It was designed around the original audio recordings of Swami Lakshmanjoo’s revelation of Abhinavagupta’s seminal text, the Bodhapañcadaśikā “Fifteen Verses of Wisdom”. This text is a brief but revealing collection of verses about the nature of reality and our place in it. Swamiji was interested in explaining these verses because they address the fundamental reality of non-dualism as taught by the tradition known as Kashmir Shaivism.

Swami Lakshmanjoo takes us on a journey of discovery and rediscovery. He reveals to us the reality of this world and our place in it. 

We will analyze the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, which has aptly been described as "The Mystical Geography of Awareness." These teachings not only give a straightforward and clear explanation of the nature of reality; they will also outline the means by which any individual can have the direct experience of this reality.

Many participants wrote that this webinar, as the name implies, was life-transforming and finally gave them an insight into Kashmir Shaivism.

This online course is designed for people of all ages, and all levels of understanding.

Participants will discover the following

• This universe, which is filled with infinite diversity, is not different or separate from the supreme light of Consciousness called Lord Shiva.

• You are that Lord Shiva, and your greatest journey, therefore, is a journey of rediscovery filled with joy and excitement.

• “The individual and Lord Shiva are one. To realize this is the essence of Kashmir Shaivism.”

Course leaders

The discussions are led by John Hughes, Denise Hughes, and George Barselaar, all of whom studied directly with Swami Lakshmanjoo.

As a realized master, Swami Lakshmanjoo (1907-1991) both understood and experienced the essence of this universal teaching. Throughout his lifetime he freely invited everyone to explore the means by which they could recognize and experience the reality of their own divinity.

The study series is designed for people of all ages, and all levels of understanding.

The course material is a combination of oral teachings in the form of audio lectures by the highly renowned scholar Saint of Kashmir Shaivism, Swami Lakshmanjoo. Swamiji’s teachings will be elaborated upon and broken down in easy to understand basic principles of Kashmir Shaivism by John, Denise, and George.

Each webinar will be recorded and made available to participants after the class.  

Comments from participants

I am enjoying the classes immensely and would like to thank all concerned in making them available; I am fascinated by Abhinavagupta’s teachings and take great pleasure in hearing Swamiji’s explanations; also those of John, Denise and George. It is my deep regret that I do not live nearer to the United States so as to be able to attend your meetings, this webinar is a lovely way to feel connected. It can be spiritually rather desolate here in France at times; so nice to know that the Academy is there; I am looking forward to the next installment. I really enjoyed reading Swami Ji’s letter it touched me deeply.
Thanks again to all concerned,
Lain

Lovely weaving of the concepts of meditation on the gap, the practice of it, referencing it in the various verses with Swamiji’s commentary followed by all of the discussions. Even the discussion and presentation felt like they “strengthened” the idea as was contained in the idea of Karma Yoga via Kashmir Shaivism. The couple of stories about Swamiji’s life and experiences as a young man were very helpful. I had not heard a few of those ever before. I also appreciated that this particular meditation was initiated in our last retreat and is being continued here. When that was presented in the retreat it felt to me like I had gotten an answer regarding the best approach to meditation. Please keep it coming, it feels delightful. The breathing presented in the first two were also very good. Thanks so much.!
Jai Guru Dev,
Bruce Catalano

Dear John, It is an incredible life achievement that you and your family are undertaking to bring this extraordinary knowledge of Kashmir Shaivism to the world. You are writing a new history of this knowledge assuring that Swamiji’s vision of Kasmir Shaivism meets modern human life and serves its needs. Webinar is in this respect a step further, a historical moment that offers further opportunity to grow individual and collective consciousness. I was lucky to meet you and get immersed in Swami Lakshmanjoo’s infinite Love the embodiment of Creation.
Jai Guru Dev,
Milovan

I would like to thank you for this 1st webinar session which was very well structured and well organized. Congratulations to all of you 🙂 ! As you correctly say, the subject is vast and very interesting so i am looking forward to the next webinar and in the meantime I will read the material and do the pranayama meditation.
Have a very good week 🙂
Thomas

You are doing a really good job with the webinar course. You’ve selected the perfect excerpts from Swamiji’s talks plus your own comments to provide a good foundation for beginners and a solid review for more experienced meditators. For some months now, I’ve been very caught up in taking care of responsibilities and obligations. The course is giving me the opportunity to focus on my spiritual objective and to contemplate the answers to my questions.
Jai Guru Dev
Love, Andrea

You were so wonderful to offer the webinar. It was very well presented and truly gave everyone a flavor of the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Great teachers you all are!!! I can’t wait for your next webinar. Sign me up in advance! Blessings and good wishes to my friends!!
Best wishes,
Ben