Lectures on Practice and Discipline in Kashmir Saivism

Swami Lakshmanjoo was born in Srinagar, Kashmir on May 9, 1907. He was the last and the greatest of the saints and masters of the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. Having a deep understanding of the philosophy and practices of Kashmir Shaivism, he was like a splendid and rare jewel. Beginning from childhood he spent his whole life studying and practicing the teachings of this unique sacred tradition. Because of his intellectual power and strength of awareness, he realized both spiritually and intellectually the reality of its thought.

Being born with a photographic memory, learning was always © easy. In addition to complete knowledge of Kashmir Shavisim he had a vast knowledge of the traditional religious and philosophical texts of India. When translating or teaching he would freely draw on other texts to clarify, expand and substantiate his teaching. He could recall an entire text by simply remembering the first few words of the verse.

In time his reputation as a learned philospher and spiritual adept spread. Spiritual leaders and scholars journeyed from all over the world to receive his blessing and to ask him questions about various aspects of Kashmir Shaiva philosophy. He gained renown as a devotee of Lord Shiva and as a master of the nondual tradition of Kashmir Shaivism.

Throughout his life Swami Lakshmanjoo taught his disciples and devotees the ways of devotion and awareness. He shunned fame and recognition and did not seek his own glory. He knew Kashmir Shaivism was a most precious jewel and that by God’s grace, those who desired to learn would be attracted to its teachings. His earnest wish was that Kashmir Shaivism be preserved and made available to all who desired to know it.

On September 27, 1991 Swami Lakshmanjoo attained the great liberation and left his physical body.

In Kashmir Saivism emphasis has always been placed upon the practical application of its philosophy, upon the realization of its truth rather than on the mere intellectual understanding of its concepts. It is a practical system of spirituality, and as such places great importance on its oral tradition to pass on the correct understanding and realization of reality.

The oral tradition is now preserved in Svami Laksmana Joo Raina, strengthened by the fullness of his awareness and his intellectual understanding. The material gathered together here was taken from a series of lectures given by Svami Laksmana Joo in Kashmiri at the Saiva Institute Hall, Gupta Ganga, Kashmir, during the fall of 1980 and deal with the practical aspects of meditation and discipline in Kashmir Saivism. These lectures were transcribed and translated into English and finally edited under Svamiji's guidance, and are presented here for all to read and from them gain understanding and clarification of their own spiritual lives.

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