Weekly Sangha

Every Saturday morning

Join us for our free online weekly sangha, a place to connect from anywhere in the world and meet online as a community with the goal of uplifting humanity. All are warmly welcomed to this free event regardless of their familiarity with Kashmir Shaivism. Sangha recordings are also available. Watch the example video and sign up below.

 We are excited to study with you the Shiva Sutras: The Supreme Awakening, as revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo.

This spiritual treasure, gifted by God to the Sage Vasugupta, for the upliftment of humankind, is considered to be one of Kashmir Shaivism's most important scriptures.

Please register below...

Jai Guru Dev 🙏

Details

Date: Every Saturday
Time: 8:00 am PT (Check your timezone here.)
Length: One hour
Location: Online live webinar
Cost: FREE/donations welcome

Sign up to participate in our weekly sangha

In his revelation of the Shiva Sutras, Swami Lakshman Joo gives us a penetrating vision of the glorious journey of the supreme awakening; the traveling from limited individuality to absolute oneness with God. In our new series during Weekly Sangha we will explore the aspect of means (upāyas) of the so called "mystical geography of awareness", the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism.

Although Swamiji's was well-versed in all aspects of Indian and Shaiva philosophy, Swamiji never approached any teaching from a detached scholarly point of view. Sitting at his feet and hearing him translate and explain the Shiva Sutras, John and Denise Hughes realized that these Sutras and their true understanding were not at all foreign to Swamiji's own experience.

In fact, they understood that in explaining the Shiva Sutras, Swamiji was revealing his own experience. He was not like a scholar describing the ocean while standing on the shore. He was the ocean. This makes the translation presented here even more real and personal. John, Denise Hughes and George Barselaar, long term devotees of Swamiji, will answer your questions either during the sangha or in email afterward.

Watch sangha intro

Course leaders:

Discussions will be led by John and Denise Hughes and George Barselaar, all of whom studied directly with Swami Lakshmanjoo. The emcee is Shanna Hughes. Claudia Dose works in the background.

The Shiva Sutras are divided into three parts, which correspond to the three means for the attainment of liberation as explained by Kashmir Shaivism.

The three upāyas (means) for traveling from individual limited consciousness to Universal consciousness are śāmbhavopāya, śāktopāya, and āṇavopāya.

The Shiva Sutras are divided into three parts, which correspond to the three means for the attainment of liberation as explained by Kashmir Shaivism. The three upāyas (means) for traveling from individual limited consciousness to Universal consciousness are śāmbhavopāya, śāktopāya, and āṇavopāya.

What is a sangha in Kashmir Shaivism?

In Kashmir Shaivism, the term "sangha" refers to a community or gathering of spiritual practitioners who come together to engage in various practices and rituals. The sangha plays an important role in Kashmir Shaivism as it provides a supportive environment for individuals on the path of spiritual realization.

The sangha in Kashmir Shaivism typically consists of individuals who are dedicated to the study and practice of this particular philosophical and spiritual tradition. They may include spiritual teachers, scholars, practitioners, and students who come together to explore and deepen their understanding of Kashmir Shaivism.

Within the sangha, various practices are undertaken to facilitate spiritual growth and transformation. These practices may include meditation, chanting of sacred mantras, recitation of scriptures, and discussions on philosophical concepts. The sangha serves as a forum for sharing insights, experiences, and knowledge related to Kashmir Shaivism.

In addition to facilitating individual spiritual growth, the sangha also serves a broader purpose of promoting the teachings and principles of Kashmir Shaivism. Members of the sangha may organize public events, workshops, and retreats to disseminate the teachings and practices of this ancient tradition.

Overall, the sangha in Kashmir Shaivism acts as a supportive community where individuals can deepen their understanding of the philosophy, engage in transformative practices, and find guidance on their spiritual journey.