Shaivism

Teachings from the Bhairava Tantras

In India there were a collection of texts on various streams of knowledge, they were compiled in palm-leaf books bound by a thread, known as Tantram. For those esoteric and spiritual texts, they guided the lay, known as that which expands the mind and gives refuge. In a Tantra you are verily reading about yourself. It is your inner poetry – Agama. They are direct and intense. Very rarely ascribed to any one writer, and rather has come down through divine intervention and revelations. More poetically Tantram signifies the cosmic web of all living and non-living existence. Like most things in India, it is unclear as to the true roots and history of these sacred scriptures. Whether they stemmed from the North or the South it does not matter. What matters is the content which takes you to the source of all life, the eternal being.

These are living and oral traditions. Imparted from Guru to Shishya, that goes well beyond the black and white writings on a piece of paper. Swami Lakshmanjoo symbolised all these fundamentals in his teachings and truly embodied the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. It is through his words, practicality and his presence that we all are still benefiting. The ways of Kashmir Shaivism are of a mystical nature and the acceptance of mysticism would be a good start. The cosmologies, rituals, forms and observances of perception does require a different frame of mind work. For one, more expansive and all encompassing. There is nothing mysterious about mysticism per say. It is a universe to be lived and learnt in itself. Which makes life more beautiful and alive. The mystic is never restricted to one culture and thus you have poetry written across the globe by various inspired beings. We remember the famous line in Rig Veda:

“There was neither non-existence nor existence then;
Neither the realm of space, nor the sky which is beyond;
What stirred? Where? In whose protection?”

We find ourselves in this everyday life grappling for meaning led by an uncontrollable feeling. What is required of us? What is the right path to tread? What is the true way? are some of the questions asked, to which the reply comes:

“Where ever the mind may choose to wander, stop right there”

Mysticism is a hidden secret that lives within every person. And if one is aspiring for it then look within. The moment we tap into that world it is filled with magic, with many ‘mysteries’. In can never be quantified as it is just the cosmic energy flowing. Mystics all over the world who have lived this life, become an example for today’s generation, to take a step into the world of mysticism. If we look at our lives, it is the poetry and stories which are playing with sound, creating our very reality. We all are mystics who are performing a role play by dancing on the tunes of The One (Nartaka Atma). These teachings are Tantrik, they are for free and thus the oral tradition continues. Please refer to our book section to deepen your understanding on the matter.

The Living Tradition of Kashmir Shaivism

Pratyabhijñā – Self recognition is one of the main teachings and essence in Kashmir Shaivism helps a person to understand his/her limited & unlimited layers of personalities, while contemplating and transforming it & therefore seeing the world as ones own reflection (pratibimba). In this process consciousness starts to expand and one realizes that God is within us by enabling oneself to rise from individuality to universality.

Mantra & Chanting

Learning the basics – Syllables, Notes, Sound, Scales and Sacred Word – leading to Meditation

Mantra is that which protects the mind. Transcends the mind from negativity by giving it protection. When you are nervous, disoriented or emotionally fragile, chanting or reciting a mantra inspiringly can change the state of your mind by completely transforming its energy and atmosphere.

Mantra is the essence of sound, and the embodiment of the truth in the form of sound as each syllable is impregnated with spiritual power, condenses a spiritual truth and vibrates with the blessing of the speech. So when you chant a mantra, you are charging your breath and energy with the energy of the mantra and so working directly on your mind and subtle body.

Meditation

Pranayama – Breath and it’s Practice

Equal Breathing

Bhastrika

Anulom Vilom – Nadi Shodana

Jal Neti (Kriya)

Sadhana and Cognitive Yoga

A simple conversation between a subject and object can bring the awareness forth with clarity, that may help to change and accept different views of perceptions or thoughts which are exchanged between two parties or individuals. No one is deprived from this known fact. As communication is a key to understanding oneself internally or externally from ones own inner depth and truth. So, these on going classes will help and benefit you to see your world and life from an expansive point of view. To shape and make you ready to accept reality in its core essence. Living life with full awareness is the key to living life fully. So come and join us by embarking on this beautiful journey of known to unknown and unknown to known. As all the answers lie within oneself. An effort to reach to stillness by riding the waves of divine consciousness to enjoy true freedom, true happiness and true peace in its whole spectrum.

Techniques to follow daily:

Meditations

Mantra chanting

Reading tantras or shastras

Contemplation 

Initiations & Rituals

A Way of Life, Initiation for Liberation (and general well-being).

Kaula and Kali Kula Rituals.

Real Freedom, Real Peace and Real Happiness

Satsang

Guided Meditations

Puja, Homa, Yajña

Talk, Gather, Chant

Get in touch : svatantrya.bhairava.shamanism@gmail.com