Spring Four-Day Online Study Retreat
Date: 10-13 May 2026
Join us online for four full days of dedicated study rooted in the teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo.
Drawing directly from his original audio and video recordings, we engage the texts carefully and thoroughly, allowing time for listening, reflection, discussion, and meditation. This retreat is designed for sustained attention and serious inquiry into the living tradition of Kashmir Shaivism.
While no prior knowledge is required, the study is contemplative and immersive in nature.
Details
Date: 10-13 May 2026
Location: Online (Live on Zoom)
Cost: $500 (one-time payment or two automatic monthly installments of $250).
Scholarships are available. Scholarship requests close April 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm Pacific Time. Contact us here.
Register here
Registration and payment are required in advance.
If you choose the installment option, your card will be automatically charged $250 today and $250 one month later.
Why Join the Retreat
Before leaving this world, Swami Lakshmanjoo expressed a heartfelt wish that a small group of sincere spiritual aspirants continue to gather regularly to study his teachings.
For more than thirty years, we have gathered to study Swamiji’s teachings directly from his original audio and video recordings—first in person, and now also online—reaching students around the world.
This four-day online retreat continues that tradition.
Drawing from Swamiji’s original recorded teachings, we will study important texts central to the philosophy and lived practice of Kashmir Shaivism. Sessions include guided listening, discussion, and dedicated time for questions, supporting both understanding and integration into daily life.
A Glimpse of Your Daily Rhythm:
Each day begins at 8:00 am Pacific Time and concludes around 6:45 pm Pacific Time, with scheduled breaks throughout the day.
The daily rhythm includes:
• Morning yoga and pranayama
• Group meditation
• Puja (recitation of Sanskrit verses selected by Swamiji)
• Text study and guided discussion
• Stories of Swamiji’s life
• Study of Swamiji’s recorded teachings
• Vijnana Bhairava meditation practice
• Time for questions and dialogue
Short breaks are provided throughout the day, including time for lunch and rest.
All sessions are held live on Zoom. Replays and daily recordings will be available to registered participants.
To participate, you will need a computer (preferred for reading along with the text) or a smartphone with Zoom installed, a stable internet connection, and optionally headphones.
Course leaders:
Teachings and discussions will be led by John Hughes, Denise Hughes, and George Barselaar, all of whom studied directly with Swami Lakshmanjoo and have continued this tradition of study for many years.
Shanna Hughes will lead the daily meditation and gentle yoga sessions.
Claudia Dose supports the retreat behind the scenes.
Swami Lakshmanjoo:
Born in 1907, Swami Lakshmanjoo was the last in an unbroken line of Kashmir Shaiva masters. From an early age, he was immersed in spiritual realization and dedicated his life to teaching Kashmir Shaivism and translating and commenting on its most important texts.
He became widely recognized as a philosopher-saint steeped in this tradition. He left his body in 1991.
We will be listening to recordings of his teachings and studying alongside the transcripts.
Reserve Your Place
Feedback from past participants
The absolute joy of having this sangha in my life. Being with everyone was inspiring. I know without a shred of doubt that I have landed on the right path: Swami Lakshmanjoo, Kashmir Shaivism.
~Nan Goldstein
Being there in person is always special; all the learning, small conversations with others, getting to know new participants, as well as reconnecting with our old friends. The learning from the sacred text is always a treat, even though much of it isn't fully absorbed. But I love hearing it, and it's one of my favorites of all the retreats. Hearing from John, Denise, and George, as well as Shanna and Claudia, along with others' questions or comments, is such an enjoyable part of it all. Just a great event, and so glad we have this opportunity.
~ Bruce Catalano
Feeling your devotion to Kashmir Shaivism and experiencing first-hand teachings by Swami Lakshmanjoo.
~Willem van Poelje
