What is Kashmiri Shaivism?

This ancient tantric system is technically called the "non-dualistic school of Kashmir Shaivism," because there are many tantric traditions as well as many Shaivite lineages. Abhinavagupta consolidated three strains of teaching into Trika Shaivism around 800 CE, documenting his teachings in a number of important texts. However the tradition predated his work by uncountable years, describing itself as the most ancient of all teachings, traditions or religions, and basing itself in the worship of divine Mother.

Swami Muktananda introduced Kashmiri Shaivism into his teachings when he found that they described what his Guru had initiated him into. Baba's prior training in Vedanta was foundational to his sadhana (spiritual process), but his ultimate state was described only by Kashmiri Shaivism.

Swami Lakshman Joo oversaw the translation of many key texts into English by Jaidev Singh, and was an important Guru for Dr. Mark Dyczkowski, another important translator, as well as many other western yogis.

Swami Shankarananda is one of several important teachers who now lead the western current of Kashmiri Shaivism teachings, which is rapidly becoming a tsunami. Swami Nirmalananda (Rama) shares in this work as well.

Svaroopa^® yoga is based in Kashmiri Shaivism, which recognizes your physical body as a condensation of divine energy - literally a form of the formless. Both your body and mind are to be revered as divine, though they are currently in need of some maintenance and repair. The Svaroopa^® yoga practices rapidly transform your body and mind, propelling the traditional yogic process of purification rapidly along, so you can experience the greater dimensions of your own being - accessible within the expansive inner realms of your own existence.

The foundational text of Kashmiri Shaivism is the Shiva Sutras. Swami Nirmalananda (Rama) teaches primarily from the Pratyabhijnahrdayam while incorporating many of the teachings of the Spanda Karikas. In addition, she often teaches from the Vijnana Bhairava, especially to help deepen our meditative practices.

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