Participant Feedback 

Why this one is the best! [available for purchase in our bookstore: Manual for Self Realization: 112 Meditations of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra]. Even though for the last two years I have been slowly teaching myself Sanskrit, it will be years before I am able to translate — therefore I love to have more than one translation of any text that feels key to me. However, what I have learned and experienced with Swami Lakshmanjoo's teachings is that there is an enormous difference in learning from the consciousness of the real enlightened Master. Even a highly intelligent and wonderful Indian teacher who carries the Sanskrit traditions in his or her DNA, or the most brilliant Sanskrit scholar cannot infuse you with the wisdom knowledge in a comparable way. The scholar and teacher will endeavor to give the reader all the facets of a verse, with multiple word definitions, and references to similar ideas in various other related texts. All of this information is useful and helpful, but cannot reach a similar depth of understanding when compared to the simple, direct and potent meaning transmitted by the enlightened master. He is there, where we want to be. In fact due to the deeply veiled nature of the Kashmir Shaivite texts, scholars and other teachers must look to the enlightened master to decipher these texts. For example Jaideva Singh in the introduction to the 'Pratyabhijnahrdayam' says: "No one who has not studied this book with a teacher can work away its translation merely with the assistance of a lexicon and grammar. I had the good fortune of studying it with Swami Lakshmanjoo... who embodies within himself the tradition." I have found this to be true in all the translations of the ancient Sanskrit texts, even the Bhagavad Gita. Each translation reflects the consciousness of the translator. Indeed in all humility I touch the feet of those amazing scholars who have climbed the peaks of Sanskrit grammar and given me so much. Yet I do recognize something else, something that emerges from that elusive state of Being the Oneness that only comes from one who is There - in Parabhairava. The scholar Mark Dyczkowski, an Oxford don, is reported to have said: "Somehow he [Swami Lakshmanjoo] sees much more in them than could ever be grasped through mere bookish knowledge and we could all feel that behind his words lay another dimension beyond them in which he lived and from which he beckoned us to join him" (from the foreword to 'Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism', John Huges). Swami Lakshmanjoo's Vijnana Bhairava, a how to Become manual, is filled with his gems from that other dimension. One in particular that struck me was his explanation of Verse 133. I had on my own developed the theory that myriad other worlds, heavens and hells if you like, were holographic in nature - perhaps projected by us over the cycles of time. So when Swami Lakshmanjoo reveals that "these 118 worlds" have no substance, and even more "it is just a joke" - I had to laugh. The Creators Play! We never were this - we are always That, just as the ancient texts say. Swami Lakshmanjoo is there in that Thatness waiting, as Dyczkowsi says, beckoning you. The "nectar lips" of Swami Lakshmanjoo have the power to reveal that other dimension within you. This is the authentic version of his teachings on this text.
S. Ferguson
New Zealand

I had read Abhinavagupta’s Paramarthasara (B.N. Pandit) many times and was always enriched by its brilliance. In my estimation, the Paramarthasara is right up there with the Bhagavad Gita and Lao Tzu. However, the Paramarthasara revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo [available for purchase in our bookstore: Essence of the Supreme Reality, Abhinavagupta’s Paramarthasara] is on quite another level. Only an authentic enlightened master is the experiential highest consciousness - and thus is able to convey the real essence, the truth of the meaning. This is the point where words do not, and simply will not communicate what happens. I had always heard this tale about the guru being able to impart wisdom to the student by the mere sound of his words, by a kind of psychic osmosis — however I had never experienced it for myself.

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