In this book Swami Lakshmanjoo begins this monumental task by revealing and guiding the reader through the labyrinth of mo- nistic Shaivism's mystical geography. Throughout he emphasiz- es the importance of practically realizing the reality of these teachings. The material is neatly divided into nineteen chapters; the presentation is both systematic and cumulative in a style which is clear, concise, and compact.
In Kashmir Shaivism, The Secret Supreme, Swami Lakshman- joo has given the essence of what he considered to be the most important chapters of Abhinavagupta’s Tantraloka. With chapters on the 36 tattvas, the 50 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, the seven states of consciousness, the difference between Shaivism and Vedanta, and the uniqueness of kundalini in Kashmir Shiva- ism, Swami Lakshmanjoo gives the reader a complete overview of Kashmir Shaiva philosophy.
The book consists of lectures that I delivered in 1971-1972. It began in 1969 when Maharsi Mahesh Yogi came to our Valley. He had heard of me and wanted us to meet so he called on me. When he visited me, he asked if I would speak to his disciples and I agreed. He sent his transport and I was taken to Where he was staying with his Western disciples. When I arrived, there was a huge gathering of Western devotees wait- ing for me. I spoke to them, giving a discourse on important points in Kashmir Saivism.
John and Denise Hughes were also present at that gathering, but at that time I had not yet met them. They must have been impressed with what they heard for, in 1971, they returned to Kashmir and came to see me at my Ashram. I asked them who they were. They said they were Maharsi’s disciples. They explained to me that they had heard my discourse when they first came to Kashmir with Maharsi in 1969. John then told me that he had one problem: he wanted to learn Kashmir Saivism and would I have time to teach him? I replied, "Yes, I have enough time." I instructed him that he should come to the Ashram on the next Tuesday and I would begin teaching him. So on Tuesday he arrived, along with his tape recorder, and I began giving him lectures in the Ashram hall. Denise, his wife, also attended these lectures.
In the beginning, I taught John only the introductory topics of Kashmir Saivism. As time passed, however, I came to know that John had good power of understanding and I became fond of him. I wanted to tell him more and more about Kashmir Saivism, to teach him Saivism’s secrets, so I continued giving lectures and John recorded them. This was the main starting point of his studies. It is these secrets, these major points which J taught him at that time, which comprise this book.
As I appreciated that John was assimilating the lectures very well, after they were completed I started teaching him the the- ory which is found in the Saiva scriptures. In this manner, Kashmir Saivism was taught to him.
I think, when these lectures are printed, it will be a great boon for mankind and will elevate the whole world. Also, I will consider myself blessed by Lord Siva. I hope that John will continue writing on what I have delivered to him in theory and practice — the Secrets Supreme. If he continues to expose it to the world, it will be a great help for everyone.
On the 27th of September 1991, the fully realized saint, Ohbetoved teacher and spiritual guide Swami Lakshmanjoo departed from this mortal world. As I mentioned in my earlier introduction to the present volume, it was Swamiji’s fervent desire that the teachings and knowledge of Kashmir Saivism be preserved long after his passing from this world. It was my great fortune to be able to audio tape record the profound teachings of this unique oral tradition as these teachings were given by Swamiji to his students in the form of lectures and oral translations. It is the essence of these teachings that is con- tained in the present volume, Kashmir Saivism: The Secret Supreme.
By the time Kashmir Saivism: The Secret Supreme was pub- lished in 1985, Swamiji had already translated and illuminated, and I had recorded, what he felt were the most important texts of Kashmir Saivism. This tremendous work spanning almost fifteen years resulted in more than 450 hours of recordings. This included the translations and commentaries of the following texts.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
Vedas (1164)
Upanishads (494)
Puranas (621)
Ramayana (741)
Mahabharata (359)
Dharmasastras (164)
Goddess (491)
Bhakti (243)
Saints (1509)
Gods (1274)
Shiva (373)
Journal (184)
Fiction (66)
Vedanta (358)
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