Kashmir Shaivism: The Secret Supremef

by Lakshmanjoo, John Hughes

Kashmir Secret Supreme• Includes free downloadable audio of the original lectures.• This is a definitive scholarly work on the philosophy and practice of Kashmir Shaivism by the self-realized master Swami Lakshmanjoo.This book, Kashmir the Secret Supreme, by the twentieth century's great philosopher saint Swami Lakshmanjoo, presents a systematic unfolding of the Tantric teachings of the ancient tradition known as Kashmir Shaivism. This profound tradition, long enshrouded in secrecy, is so rich and detailed in its descriptions of what it reveals as the ascent of individual consciousness to universal God Consciousness that it has been characterized as a ‘mystical geography of awareness’. Within the pages of this book is found the key of the oral tradition which unlocks its secrets and provides the reader with the tools necessary to venture into this wondrous landscape.

Genres: Hinduism, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology

174 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

Reviews

[Prajit Khatiwada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those interested about the ideology of Shaivism and that too in the cosmic and spiritual sense and not the puranic views will be attracted to the ancient and spiritual principles and techniques of Kashmiri Shaivism. Although it is an oral teaching the world is at such state that the oral tradition is in the road to be extinct and hence it has started to appear in literary forms. Swami Lakshmanjoo is the pinnacle of Kashmiri Shaivism and those interested in it or are drawn towards it are suggested to read this book which is an introduction into the world of Shaivism in Kashmir. It is quite simple and applicable. A must read.

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summary and primer covering the overall teachings and philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. Written by one of the few previously remaining original teachers of the school from Kashmir. Also includes some practical descriptions of the methods of attainment (upayas) and typical exercises found in these. Good launching point for other directions such as further research into the Shaivism scriptures and historical figures involved in the movement. Highly readable.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important book to understand Kashmir Shaivism.

[Maurene Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago and am looking for his commentary on the laws of movement of energy. He said something to the effect that, “first one must go down in order to come up”.
Can anyone shed more light on this for me? Thanks, Maurene

[Saade Daoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Precious introduction to Swamiji

[sauris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to Kashmir Shaivism was through Swami Sarvapriyananda in a discussion with a Shaivism scholar about its differences from Advaita Vedanta. I picked this up because, while I understand that both traditions are similar and effective in their paths toward realization and their metaphysics differ only slightly, I wanted to see if one tradition could be considered superior to the other. I think there's nothing more counterproductive than getting caught up in these distinctions because all paths lead to the same Truth and are just different ways of saying the same thing. So it's really just a preference at the end of the day. Advaita focuses more on jnana and negation, while I found Kashmir Shaivism to be more life-affirming (though I believe the logical conclusion of Advaita is also life-affirming, not renunciatory at all) and focuses more on kriya, tantra, along with jnana, making it more experiential and potentially more appealing.

Most of my understanding of Advaita comes from metaphors and parables like the Ashtavakra Gita, which I found easier to grasp. However, this proved to be very helpful in understanding both traditions. It builds its metaphysical framework systematically, with each chapter logically leading to the next in a straightforward way. It's an excellent starting point.

[Allen O'Dell Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chatterji gives a better overview. But Lakshmanjoo offers some valuable insights. And his personal knowledge and spirituality are unequalled.

[Kunal Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Kashmir Shaivism but some parts were a bit esoteric and would require more reading to comprehend better.

[Neal Javia]

Kashmir Shaivism is the pinnacle of pre-modern Indian philosophy and spiritual practices. It is the culmination of debates between various older thoughts and traditions such as Buddhism, Samkhya, Yoga, Advaita, Bhakti, and Tantra.

Abhinavagupta is the most underrated philosopher/yogi, and this book is perhaps the best starting point to jump into the world of Abhinavagupta.