Kashmir Shaivism is one of the most elevated and least known esoteric teachings of Tantra. It is one of the most perfect metaphysical systems of India and, coming as it did fairly recently in history, it is quite sophisticated, taking the best from Indian and Tibetan philosophy. These unsurpassed teachings are regarded with great awe due to their clandestine and inaccessible nature; the first texts to be printed became available only in the mid-20th century, and then in limited number and only in Sanskrit.

The texts are enormously intellectual, and just a reading (svadhyaya) of them creates an incredible spiritual resonance, a meditation opening sahasrara, the crown chakra. This is a totally non-dualistic philosophy that proposes a very quick spiritual evolution for the aspirant, and differentiates many states of higher consciousness and samadhi, void.

Kashmir Shaivism is considered the highest, most demanding, and most transcendent Yoga, wherein the first steps are already advanced. Thus beginners may face challenges in their scope of understanding, due to the complexity of the material. For this reason, our fourth month course is prerequisite for Kashmir Shaivism 1, since the participant will benefit quite a bit more from the seminar by familiarity with the general principles of Yoga and this lineage of teachings. Thereafter, the prior level of study is prerequisite for the next level (e.g., level 2 is required to study level 3). The First Month Intensive Course is recommended as prerequisite for Introduction to Kashmir Shaivism.

The Kashmir Shaivism teachings are exclusive, and involve a great deal of spiritual transmission and initiation. Agama is very fortunate to have in Swami Vivekananda not only a minor Sanskritologist who has done many of his own translations and thoroughly understands these teachings, but also one of the few remaining experts in this field.

Here are some comments from past participants:

"Kashmir Shaivism is very different from the usual Yoga teachings we have because it's very, very high - it's the cream of the Yoga practices. This course was mind-blowing, the best thing that ever happened to me in my life." - Udi Maimon, Israel

"Kashmir Shaivism is profound because it gives a lucid understanding of the metaphysics of the descent from infinite to finite, and therefore shows methodology for reversing this process; it has taken the best and distilled it into one of the highest systems there is. This understanding gives me a great joy, a tremendous aspiration, and a huge optimism. I feel as though I am on the edge of a vast world which has many secrets to reveal." - Michael Wilder, Canada

"The teachings were the deepest and most profound I have ever experienced." - Irit Rabin, Israel

"The Kashmir Shaivism course was absolutely amazing for me. I feel the Shaivism gives a new perspective on the daily life; everywhere you can practice it." - Anita Breuer, Switzerland

"I am very excited about practicing these techniques. I feel that this is such a perfect spiritual practice and it is what the world desperately needs." - James Baird, England