Swami Lakshman Joo
Encyclopedia
Mysticism
Mysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
and scholar of Kashmir Shaivism
Kashmir Shaivism
Among the various Hindu philosophies, Kashmir Shaivism is a school of Śaivism consisting of Trika and its philosophical articulation Pratyabhijña...
. He was known as Lal Sahib (friend of God) by followers and considered by them to be a fully realized saint.
Family
Swami Lakshman Joo Raina was born into a Rajanaka Kashmiri Pandit (knowledge based community, not a caste) family, the third son of father Narain Dass Raina (Nao Naran) and mother Srimati Arni Mal. He had three brothers and three sisters, including brothers Pt. Maheshwar Nath Raina, Pt. Sarwanand Raina, and Pt. Neel Kanth Raina. His great grandfather Pandit Bhawani Prasad Razdan (Bhoon Razdan) was an accomplished scholar of Persian language and culture. Cousins include Diwan Anand Kumar (Vice Chancellor of Undivided Punjab University) and also Tapishwar Narain Raina, Chief of Indian Army staff and High Commissioner to Canada. His father pioneered the construction of the first Kashmiri Houseboats to meet the needs of European visitors who could not acquire immovable property.His parents were ardent devotees of priest and scholar Swami Ram. Followers believe he was blessed before birth, when Swami Ram gave a single almond to Swamiji's mother to eat and Lakshman joo was born nine months later. He was named after the Ramayana
Ramayana
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic. It is ascribed to the Hindu sage Valmiki and forms an important part of the Hindu canon , considered to be itihāsa. The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of India and Nepal, the other being the Mahabharata...
epic, a reference to the brothers Ram and Lakshman, by Swami Ram who said at his birth "I am Ram; let the child be called Lakshman joo".
Chronology
Followers believe as a child Lakshman joo showed clear signs of spirituality and would become easily absorbed in his own nature from the age of three. Too young to find the appropriate yogic expression, the child described this state as "badhi bhod" which in Kashmiri means "greater than the greatest."Up to the age of seven his spiritual progress was watched closely by Swami Ram. When Swami Ram died he entrusted the young boy to his disciple, Swami Matabakak. At the age of sixteen Swami Matabakak initiated the young "Lakshman joo" into the practical aspects of Kashmir Shaivism and told him that with regular practice he could experience the reality of consciousness within six months. Followers believe he approached his practice with such zeal that he had his first taste of God Consciousness within a month, at the age of sixteen. After that glimpse of the Divine he took a vow of lifelong celibacy and dedication to the realization of the highest state of God Consciousness.
In 1934, when he was twenty seven, his father built an Ashram at the foot hills of Ishbher/Gupta Ganga (Nishat). He began teaching Shaiva Sutras to his disciples there, the chief amongst them being Sushree Sharika Devi d/o Pt. Jialal Sopory who in later years was considered by followers to also be a saint.
During the next three decades "Lakshman joo" immersed himself in Kashmir Shaiva philosophy. He believed intellectual understanding needed to be tested with personal experience.
By 1965 he had acclaim as a lineage holder of the oral tradition of Kashmir Shaivism and until his Maha Samadhi/death (Param Niwas/Home, Noida-Delhi) he received a regular stream of visitors from India and abroad. He was well known then in Kashmir and India abroad. He gave teachings to people of any race or religion or economic situation and did not require recompense.
The following notable authors came to study with His Holiness "Lakshman joo": Paul Reps, Lillian Silburn, Andre Padoux, Thakur Jaideva Singh, Rameshwara Jha
Acharya Rameshwar Jha
Acharya Rameshwar Jha was a traditional Sanskrit scholar and considered an authority on Nyaya, Vyakarana and Vedanta. He later became an exponent of non dualistic shaivisim and is often credited with establishing and propagating Kashmir Shaivism in Varanasi...
, Prof. Alexis Sanderson, Dr. Mark Dyczkowski, Pandit Jankinath Kaul, John Hughes, Alice Christensen.
Before he died in 1991, at "Param Niwas" (family home) in Noida-Delhi. To continue his teachings he "blessed" in India the Ishwar Ashram Trust at Srinagar, Kashmir and in the United States he "blessed" the Universal Shaiva Fellowship. Ishwar Ashram Trust now governs four ashrams in Kashmir, Jammu, New Delhi, and Mumbai.
Lineage
"Lakshman joo" dedicated his life to Kashmir Shaivism. Followers believe the lineage originates and reached "Lakshman joo" in this way:
In the beginning of the present cycle of sat-yuga Lord Shiva appeared in the form of SvacchandanathSvacchandanathIn the Kashmir Shaivism tradition, Svacchandanath is an Avatar of Ṣiva, said to have revealed the ninety two Tantras, at the beginning of the Sat Yuga...
with five heads and his wonderful eighteen arms. In this form he narrated the various scriptures (Agamas and Tantras) of our Shaivism.
In sat-yuga, treta-yuga, and dvapara-yuga, masters and disciples were so great that they remembered everything instantaneously. There was no need to write anything down or refer to books, hence in those ages they were initiated verbally.
When kali-yuga occurred, these Masters and disciples became disappointed, they hid themselves in unknown places in order to avoid the touch of worldly people. Because of this, the theory of the Bhairava Tantras and Kashmir Shaivism was lost. Lord Shiva, however, always wishes to illuminate the universe, and so He reappeared in this world on Mount KailashMount KailashMount Kailash is a peak in the Gangdisê Mountains, which are part of the Himalayas in Tibet...
in the form of Shrikanthanath. In this form He again taught the theory of the Bhairava Tantras to DurvasaDurvasaIn Hindu mythology, Durvasa , or Durvasas, was an ancient sage, the son of Atri and Anasuya. He is supposed to be an incarnation of Shiva. He is known for his short temper. Maledictions or curses he gave in his rage ruined many lives. Hence, wherever he went, he was received with great reverence ...
Rishi. After telling Durvasa Rishi to expand the thought of Bhairava Tantras in all the universe without restriction of caste, creed, color, or gender, Shrikanthanath disappeared into the ether.
After meditating completely to acquire a real and fit disciple Durvasa Rishi became disappointed. He could not find anyone in this world fit to be initiated, so out of his mental power he created one mind-born son whom he called Tryambakanatha. Durvasa 'initiated him completely in the way of monistic Bhairava Tantras. Afterwards, he created two more mind-born sons, Amardakanatha and Shrinatha whom he initiated into the dualistic Shiva Tantras and the mono-dualistic Rudra Tantras respectively. All of this was done by Durvasa Rishi for the upliftment of humankind.
Durvasa Rishi created one mind-born daughter Ardhatryambaka, whom he initiated completely in the monistic way. Known as the Ardhatryambaka school of the Bhairava Tantras, this teaching manifests itself secretly from one woman to another. Unlike some other spiritual traditions in India, Kashmir Shaivism does not recognize women as inferior. In fact, Swami Lakshmanjoo tells us, "if a woman remains one-pointed in her spiritual practice, she can achieve in twelve days what would normally take one year". There is no history of the Ardhatryambaka school in kali-yuga.
Durvasa Rishi's mind born son Tryambakanatha, also created his own mind-born son and named him Tryambakaditya, which means "the expansion of Tryambakanatha". Tryambakaditya created his own mind-born son, and after initiating him he disappeared into the ether.
In this manner fifteen generations of Siddha's were created by mind. When, however, the fifteenth Siddha attempted to create a mind-born son, he was not successful. It is said he was not fully introverted, as he was also given to worldly pleasures. However, after sitting in long meditation, he found in this world a girl with good qualities, and went to her father and made arrangements to marry.
They had one son named Sangamaditya who came to the valley of Kashmir. Like his father, Sangamaditya married and produced a son named Varshaditya, whom he initiated completely in the thought of the monistic Bhairava Tantras. Varshaditya married and produced a son named Arunaditya, whom he initiated fully. Arunaditya also married and created a son named Ananda, whom he initiated and who was also completely informed in all practical aspects of Shaivism. This sage Ananda was the father of Somananda, the originator of the Pratyabhijna School of Shaivism and author of the 'Shiva Dristi'.
Up to this time (800 C.E.), initiation into the monistic thought of the Bhairava Tantras took place from father to son only. After Somananda this initiation took place from master to disciple. Somananda was the master of UtpaladevaUtpaladevaUtpaladeva was one of the great teachers of the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism.Utpaladeva, an influential philosopher-theologian of the Pratyabhijna school of Shaiva thought composed the Ishvara-pratyabhijna-karika, or 'Verses on the Recognition of the Lord' and the 'Shivastotravali'.-External...
. Utpaladeva was the master of Lakshmanagupta. And Lakshmanagupta was a master of the great Abhinavagupta, (950-1025 C.E.).
Abhinavagupta had many masters of whom he considered Shambunatha, his master in Kaula System, to be the most illustrious. Abhinavagupta was a complete authority on Kashmir Shaivism and although he had many disciples, both men and women, his chief disciple was KshemarajaKshemarajaRajanaka Kshemaraja was a philosopher and a disciple of Abhinavagupta. He wrote original works of Kashmir Shaivism including the set of sutras entitled Pratyabhijna Hridayam.-Further reading:...
and the chief disciple of Kshemaraja was Yogaraja.
Since its beginning the sacred lineage of Kashmir Shaiva masters has remained unbroken, yet due to the rise and fall of Kashmir over the past 700 years, it has been practically hidden from view.
"Lakshman joo" completes that lineage. In 1860, Swami Manakak was recognized in the lineage as a great Master of Kashmir Shaivism. He initiated Swami Raam (1852-1914), who became a lineage holder of the secrets of Trika Shaivism. Swami Raam's chief disciple was Swami Mahatabakak and his disciple was Swami "Lakshman joo" Raina.
Publications
Throughout his adult life His Holiness "Lakshman joo" was involved in teaching Kashmirian Saiva texts. He translated into both Hindi and English what he considered to be the most important texts of his tradition. The following are a list of publications available through the Ishwar Ashram Trust in India and the Universal Shaiva Fellowship in the USA.- 1933 - Sanskrit Gitartha Samgraha (Abhinavgupta's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita)
- 1943 - Hindi translation of Sambpanchashika
- 1958 - Sri Kramanayadipika (Hindi) on the 12 Kali's
- 1964 - Hindi translation of Utpaladeva's Shivastotravali
- 1982 - Lectures on practice and discipline in Kashmir Shaivism
- 1985 - Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supreme, edited by John Hughes (the essence of the first fifteen chapters of Abhinavagupta's Tantraloka)
- 1986 - Hindi commentary by Swami Lakshmanjoo on Abhinavagupta's Bhagavad Gitartha Samgraha
- 1987 - Hindi translation of Panchastavi
- 1994 - Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism, Oral Teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo, edited by John Hughes
- 2002 - English translation of Shiva Sutras of VasuguptaShiva Sutras of VasuguptaShiva Sutras are a collection of seventy seven aphorisms that form the foundation of the tradition of spiritual mysticism known as Kashmir Shaivism. They are attributed to the sage Vasugupta of the 8th century C.E....
edited by John Hughes - 2002 - Shiva Sutras of Vasugupta, along with original audio recordings
- 2005 - Revelations on Grace and Spiritual Practice, original audio and DVD recordings
- 2006 - Trika Rahasya Prakriya, by Swami Lakshmanjoo (Sanskrit verses with Hindi commentary)
- 2007 - Vijnana Bhairava, original audio and transcript, introduction by John Hughes
- 2009 - Bhagavad Gitartha Samgraha of Abhinavagupta (Revisited), Chapters 1-6, translated by Swami Lakshmanjoo, DVD
Kashmir Shaivism – Library
Over a period of nineteen years John Hughes recorded His Holiness Lakshman joo's translations of the following texts. Transcripts of these lectures are maintained in the Universal Shaiva Fellowship library.- Bhagavad Gitartha Samgraha of Abhinavagupta, translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 28 Nov. 1978 to 3 June 80).
- Bodhapancadashika of Abhinavagupta, translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 18 to 22 Oct 1980).
- Dehastadevatacakra of Abhinavagupta, translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 25 Oct to 12 Nov 1980).
- Interviews with Swami Lakshman joo: Questions by John Hughes, Alexis Sanderson, Alice Christenson, original audio recordings (July 1974).
- Janma Marana Vicara: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, May 1975).
- Kashmir Shaivism, The Secret Supreme, (Special Lectures in English), Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 1972).
- Kashmiri Lectures on Practice and Discipline, Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 1980).
- Paramarthasara (Abhinavagupta’s commentary): Swami Lakshman joo’s comments on John Hughes’ reading, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 26 April to 6 Sept 1972).
- Parapraveshika of Kshemaraja: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 12 to 15 Nov 1980).
- Pratyabhijna Hridayam of Kshemaraja: Swami Lakshman joo’s answers John Hughes questions: original audio recordings (Kashmir, 26 April 1972).
- Paratrishika Laghuvritti of Abhinavagupta: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshmanjoo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 25 May 1974 to 6 July 1974)
- Paratrishika Vivarana of Abhinavagupta, translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 26 May1982 to 24 Aug 1985).
- Revelations on Grace and Practice: A collection of Swami Lakshman joo’s original audio recordings plus Transcript, ed. John Hughes (USA, May 9, 2005).
- Shivastotravali of Utpaladeva: translation by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, June 1976 to Sept 1978).
- Shiva Sutra Vimarshini of Vasugupta: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 7 June 1975).
- Spanda Karika of Vasugupta: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 5 Aug to 26 Aug 1981).
- Spanda Samdoha of Kshemaraja: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 29 Aug to 9 Oct 1981).
- Special Verses on Practice Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Nepal, 1988).
- Stavacintamani of Bhatta Narayana: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 26 Nov 1980 to 17 July 1981).
- Tantraloka of Abhinavagupta (Chapters 1-18): translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 1976 to 1981).
- Vatulanath Sutras of Kshemaraja: Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 19).
- Vijnana Bhairava: translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, 1975).
- Vijnana Bhairava Questions: Swami Lakshman joo, original audio recordings (Kashmir, July 1985).
Audio (Kashmiri language)
- Kalika Stotra of Shivanandanatha, Recitation by Swami Lakshman joo and devotees, (Kashmir, 1977).
- Maharthamanjari of Maheshvarananda, translated by Swami Lakshman joo, (Kashmir, 1977).
- Paratrishika Vivarana, translated by Swami Lakshman joo, (Kashmir, 1982-83).
- Shiva Sutras Vimarshini of Vasugupta, translated by Swami Lakshman joo, (Kashmir, 1978).
- Shiva Stotravali of Utpaladeva with Kshemaraja’s commentary, translated by Swami Lakshman joo, (Kashmir, 1975-85).
- Stuti Kushmanjail, translated by Swami Lakshman joo, (Kashmir, 1977).
- Tantraloka of Abhinavagupta, (Selected chapters) translated by Swami Lakshman joo, (Kashmir, 1975-85).
DVD library (English)
- Bhagavadgitarthasamgraha of Abhinavagupta, translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original video recordings (Nepal, 1990)
- Paramarthasara of Abhinavagupta, translation and commentary by Swami Lakshman joo, original video recording (Nepal, 1990)
- Revelations on Grace and Spiritual Practice, Selections from translations and commentaries on Bhagavadgitarthasamgrah (video), Paramarthasara (video), and Tantraloka (audio). (Los Angeles, 2006)
- Special Verses on Practice Swami Lakshman joo, original video recordings (Nepal, 1988).