Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism : The Oral Teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo

I was truly looking forward to reading this book, and it was with great delight that I spent a whole day reading it. Swami has an enourmous amount of information about so many topics. It is quite clear that he was indeed a master of his cult.But as I came closer and closer to the last chapter, fundamentalism seem to have overcome the loving yogi. So in 90% of the book he is a peace loving, solve it all with care kinda' guy. But in the last chapter he goes mental over meat eating. Throwing curses here and there.It truly shocked me. That this man so full of love could suddenly change into an "angry pastor" so to speak. No calm solution to help people realize the error of their ways, no, plain old catholic chock-treatment.Final verdict?He is a master of his line, and hands out a ton of information. There is a lot to learn from him - in more ways than one. But for my taste, I did not like the sudden change of personality towards the end.That said, this is sometimes a tactic used by the mystery schools to frighten people away from their books (just check out the old testament). But it would be too risky to poll that trick with only one man left in the world that holds the secrets.He was no doubt a very good man. But the time has come to drop the threats and the invisible walls of the mystery schools - so I can not tollerate threats and give a high score.

A very interesting book for the super serious mediator and seeker. There is a secret revealed - you must be attentive to find it - I did and it was supernatural.

I am grateful to Swami-ji for revealing the teachings mentioned in this book and to the Author for bringing the teachings out as a book.The chapter 'Talks on Practice' says 'If you undergo these practices for 1000 centuries without full awareness/concentration, you will have wasted all those 1000 centuries'. I feel this is a great mantra to remember that it's the quality of meditation that matters the most.In my opinion, a must read.

Some real gems here to appreciate in this somewhat rare publication.

Swamiji explores Reality and how we all fit into it. Commentary on the path with brilliant personal insights. A meaningful read.

Wonderful!!!

FANTASTIC BOOK

The information on Kashmir Shaivism is absolutely superb and that too from a Master. At times, his views against some common food habits such as meat-eating seem too critical. They are likely to deter people from studying the Tantras. I feel that too hard a line against meat-eating is at odds with the opinions of great Masters who walked the earth such as Jesus and Sri Ramakrishna. They never forbade meat-eating. Sri Ramakrishna Himself ate fish. So if it is fine by Masters who are considered Avatars (the incarnation of God in a human form), why would Swami Lakshmanjoo find it so objectionable? Perhaps Swamiji is talking about self-realization while Jesus and Sri Ramakrishna are talking about how to lead a good life, not necessarily self-realization. It is hard to reconcile the differing recommendations.

Nice