Swami Lakshmanjoo - Light on Tantra in Kashmir Shaivism: Chapter One of Abhinavaguptas Tantraloka

Published by:

Lakshmanjoo Academy

Copyright 2017 Hughes Family Trust

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First printing 2017

Printed in the United States of America

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ISBN

ISBN 978-1-947241-01-5 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-947241-00-8 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-947241-02-2 (ebook)

This sacred text is dedicated to Swami Lakshmanjoo,

our beloved teacher and spiritual father

who has given us everything.

Glory be to Thee!

The following English words exemplify the pronunciation of selected Sanskrit vowels and consonants. The Romanized Sanskrit vowel or consonant is first listed and then an English word is given to aid you in its proper pronunciation.

In the winter of 1971, I traveled with my wife and daughter to Kashmir, India, with the sole purpose of asking Swami Lakshmanjoo to teach me the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. At that time, I was in the process of writing my PhD thesis on this ancient philosophy. I wanted to study with Swami Lakshmanjoo as he was recognized worldwide as the foremost authority in Kashmir Shaivism. I met him personally for the first time at his ashram in November of that year. I must say that at that first meeting I was awestruck by his presence. I couldnt put my finger on it but I knew I was meeting a man who was special in ways that I couldnt quite comprehend. At that first meeting, I asked him if he would teach me Kashmir Shaivism and he said yes and that I should come the following Tuesday. Swami Lakshmanjoo began to reveal to my wife, Denise, and I this wondrous philosophy of reality that is Kashmir Shaivism. Swamiji told us that his lectures would be on the introductory topics of Kashmir Shaivism and that they would illumine the essential teachings of his philosophical and spiritual tradition.

It was my good fortune that, prior to traveling to Kashmir to begin my studies, I decided that it was important to record my meetings with Swami Lakshmanjoo. I wanted to make sure that these recordings be of high quality and long lasting. So, I scraped my money together and on the way to Kashmir I stopped in Germany to purchase a high quality portable tape recorder. Why this was so important to me at the time, I wasnt sure. Later, however, it made sense and a big difference.

Throughout the winter, spring, and summer of that first year, Swamiji gave us weekly lectures on the important topics of Kashmir Shaivism. In the preface of that first book Swamiji says:

This book consists of lectures that I delivered in 1971-1972. It began in 1969, when Mahesh Yogi came to our Valley. He had heard of me and wanted us to meet so he called on me. When he visited 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. John and Denise Hughes were also present at that gathering, but at the 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 there were Maharishis disciples. They explained that they had heard my discourse when they first came to Kashmir with Maharishi in 1969. John then told me that he had one problem: he wanted to learn Kashmir Shaivism 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 Shaivism. 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 Shaivism. I wanted to teach him Shaivisms secrets, so I continued giving lectures which John recorded. This was the main starting point of his studies. It is these secrets, these major points which I 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 theory, which is found in the Shaiva scriptures. In this manner, Kashmir Shaivism was taught to John.

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 Shiva. I hope that John will continue writing on what I have delivered to him in theory and practiceThe Secret Supreme. If he continues to expose it to the world, it will be a great help for everyone.

Swami Lakshmanjoo

1984

As time passed and our lectures continued, Swamiji indicated that he would like to continue revealing and commenting upon the most important sacred scriptures of this tradition. Naturally, I was thrilled by this new development. I knew from my previous studies that, due to events of the last eight hundred plus years, the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism had remained hidden. In addition, I also knew the keys necessary for unlocking this treasury of knowledge had, since ancient times, been passed down verbally from master to disciple. This oral transmission was the very life of this tradition and it was Swami Lakshmanjoo who was recognized as the last living exponent and guardian of the secret wealth of this knowledge. From the lessons he had already given, it was clear to me that here was a scholar and saint who possessed the understanding bestowed on him by the oral tradition, which was necessary for unlocking this treasure of knowledge that Kashmir Shaivism embodies.

After these initial lectures, he began translating and explaining the important texts that he had selected. As I was well prepared, I was able to audio record everything. I expressed to Swamiji that it was my intention to preserve his lectures and translations so that they would be available in the future for other students desiring to learn Kashmir Shaivism. He seemed quite pleased with this idea and possibility. He expressed his concern that the reality of this tradition should not be lost after his departure from this world.