Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Kashmir Shaivism?
The tradition now known as Kashmir Shaivism is an ancient tradition that found its roots and flourished in the Valley of Kashmir. This valley, known as sharada peeth (seat of learning), has remained a center of spiritual learning for over two thousand years.
Many seekers made the arduous journey over the rugged Himalayas to the Kashmir Valley to enrich their knowledge. Timeless and with universal appeal the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism encompasses and gives full expression not only to the actual nature of reality but also to the means to be employed to realize this reality.
This teaching lays bare the very secrets of life. Early on the saints and sages of this tradition realized that because of the possibility of the misuse of the powers it revealed, these teachings should be concealed; hidden from that person who might attempt to use them for her or his own personal selfish gain.
For this reason, the texts were encoded so that they would only be accessible to one who had the key, the key of the oral tradition that has passed from master to disciple in an unbroken chain, and this chain continued from ancient times to the present.
It is by the grace of God, that even at times of great threat, Shaiva masters protected these teachings from possible extinction.
Who was Swami Lakshmanjoo?
Swami Lakshmanjoo was the last in an unbroken line of Kashmir Shaiva masters. As a boy, his life was filled with a spiritual thirst to know and realize God. From a very early age, he was filled with spiritual experiences.
In fact these experiences were so intense that his parents thought he was suffering from hysteria. They were very concerned and approached their family guru, Swamiji’s grand master Swami Ram, requesting him to help their son with his hysteria. Swami Ram laughed and said to them, “Don’t worry, I wish I could have such a disorder.”
As Swamiji grew older his desire to completely realize and apprehend the world of spirituality became paramount. To make this a reality he sat at the feet of his guru Swami Mahatabakak and took up the study and practice of Kashmir Shaivism.
He became completely engrossed and enthralled with his spirituality wholeheartedly practicing day and night, ultimately experiencing the fullness of Kashmir Shaiva realization.
It is to his beloved Kashmir Shaivism that he devoted the whole of his life, teaching it to those who asked, and translating and commenting on what he considered to be the most important texts of this system.
He became renowned as a philosopher saint steeped in the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. With the growing interest in Kashmir Shaivism over the last thirty years, hardly any publication has appeared without a mention of his name.
What was Swami Lakshmanjoo's fervent lifelong wish?
It was Swamiji’s fervent lifelong desire that the teachings and knowledge of Kashmir Shaivism be preserved long after his passing from this world.
It was our great fortune that John Hughes journeyed to Kashmir and was able to audio-tape record the profound teachings of this unique oral tradition.
These teachings were given by Swamiji to his students in the form of lectures and oral translations. This tremendous work spanning almost fifteen years resulted in more than 470 hours of recordings.
This included the translations and commentaries of the following texts:
- Bhagavad Gītārthasamgraha
- Bhodapañcadaśikā
- Dehastadevatacakra Stotra
- Janma Marana Vicāra
- Kuṇḍalinī Vijñāna Rahasyam
- Paramarthasāraḥ
- Parāprāveśikā
- Parātrīṁśika Laghuvṛitti
- Parātrīṁśikā Vivāraṇa
- Shiva Sūtra Vimars̄inī
- Shiva Stotrāvalī
- Spanda Kārikā
- Spanda Samdoha
- Stavacintāmaṇi
- Tatrāloka (18 chapters)
- Vātūlanātha Sūtras
- Vijñāna Bhairava
Click here to purchase books, e-books and video study sets.
What is the Universal Shaiva Fellowship?
Under Swamiji’s direct inspiration, the Universal Shaiva Fellowship, a fully accredited nonprofit organization, was established to realize his vision of making Kashmir Shaivism available to the world.
This is to be done without the restriction of caste, creed, or color. It is being accomplished by preserving his teachings and making them available in as many forms as possible.
This teaching is very valuable and uplifting for humankind. It offers humanity a clear and certain vision in a time of uncertainty. It shows us the way home and gives us the means.
As you can see there is a lot of work to be done. It is a tremendous task that is both demanding and exciting and we have dedicated our lives to its accomplishment. Presently the Fellowship is actively engaged in the following four areas;
1. Correcting transcriptions to create perfect records of Swamiji’s lectures/translations.
2. Editing and publishing Swamiji’s lectures and translations. John Hughes is the editor-in-chief of the Universal Shaiva Fellowship and the Lakshmanjoo Academy.
3. Providing for study and worship according to the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. We offer free weekly Sangha, online study courses and annual four-day retreats in Spring and Fall, in person and online. Learn more...
4. Creating social media content with daily updates and weekly new excerpts (Blog/Swamiji says), answering questions, and providing information online and by phone.
5. Organizing Annual Events to celebrate Swami Lakshmanjoo’s Birthday and Mahasamadhi (traditional fire ceremony). These events are open and free to anyone. Learn more...
In 1982, at his Ashram in Srinagar Kashmir, Swami Lakshmanjoo sanctioned the establishment of the Universal Shaiva Trust, later renamed the Universal Shaiva Fellowship.
In that same year the first publication titled “Practice and Discipline in Kashmir Shaivism” was published by the Trust.
The second publication, “Kashmir Shaivism the Secret Supreme”, was presented to Swamiji by John Hughes on the occasion of his Birthday celebration in 1985.
Find all publications to date here...
Learn more about the Universal Shaiva Fellowship here.
How can I be initiated into Swamiji’s lineage?
In 1990, while commenting on Abhinavagupta’s rendering of the Bhagavad Gita, Swami Lakshmanjoo made a statement regarding initiation. At that time he was asked how will people be initiated after he was gone from this world?
"Through viewing this!" he replied, and he pointed at the camera."
Watch the video clip here.
It is well known that the great masters of Kashmir Shaivism were not restricted to their bodies. Like the masters before him, Swamiji was a Universal Being existing everywhere, free from any limitation of space and time. By pointing to the camera Swamiji clearly indicated that anyone can be ‘graced with initiation’ while watching these videos or through any picture of Swamiji's. In this short clip, he laid emphasis on the value of Knowledge, and that is why he was eager to have the knowledge which he had taught on Kashmir Shaivism made available to the world.
Lord Shiva’s grace is everywhere, and therefore, one can be graced with initiation during a dream or just walking down a pathway. There is no prerequisite to receiving grace in Kashmir Shaivism.
Watch Swamiji in the original video clip here.
What books can I buy to further understand these great teachings?
To Purchase Books, E-Books & More visit our bookstore here.
Are there any courses I can buy to understand the foundations of Kashmir Shaivism?
This online course "Tattvas (Elements): The Building Blocks of Creation in Kashmir Shaivism" explains the important concept of the Tattvas.
Another unique concept in Kashmir Shaivism is covered in this online course: Grace on the Spiritual Path in Kashmir Shaivism, revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo.
You can find more courses here.
Are there any free webinars that I can join to study with a group online?
We invite you to join us for our weekly sangha, a place to connect from anywhere in the world and meet online as a community with the goal of uplifting humanity. Sangha recordings are also available. Register here (free).
Can I join any online or in person retreats
The Lakshmanjoo Academy hosts events and retreats to provide opportunities for individuals to delve deeper into this profound philosophy and explore its practical applications for personal growth and spiritual awakening.
All are warmly welcomed regardless of their familiarity with Kashmir Shaivism.
Find out more here.
Is there a newsletter or blog I can subscribe to so I can continue to learn?
To receive weekly excerpts: "Swamiji says", and news from the Lakshmanjoo Academy subscribe to our newsletter by visiting our website and filling out the popup window or by navigating to the bottom of each page to "Stay in the Loop".
You can also visit our Blog and see samples here.
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