Alexander David Conroy
अलक्षेन्द्र प्रिय वृकराज
Book Review
Shiva Yogini Lalleshvari
Under Sharda Granth Mala 7
Author: Dr. Chaman lal Raina
Publisher: Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, Anand Nagar, Bohri, Jammu, 2007.
Pages: 46 Pages
Vakhs Examined: 30
Lalleshvari, also known as Lall Ded and Lall Arifa, was an Indian woman who was born in Pandrenthan, near Srinagar, India, during the 14th century CE. She was a poet and a mystic, who was able to harness the elegant beauty of Vakh's(poems) to express the power of the mystical experience. Dr. Chaman lal Raina writes a brief history of the life and teachings of Lall Ded, using examples from her Vakh's to illustrate her understanding of the divine. He writes passionately about her life, her vakhs, her teachings, and her realizations.
Lall Ded was born a Shaivaite, and hence, recognized Shiva as the transcendent principle of the universe, more commonly known as Brahman. Dr. Raina blesses us with a short introduction to the basic principles of Kashmir Shaivism, clarifying concepts and terms as we proceed through the text. Lall Ded became a great Yogini suprisingly quickly. Through life experience she came to realize that spirituality was the true core of religion, not dogma, doctrine and rituals. She endured many trials throughout her life, at times not being recognized for the great soul she was. She used Vakh to express her feelings during this period, until she ultimately realized that the practice of morality would allow the world to live in harmony. Neighbors, family members and even strangers could be considered the closest of kin. She taught this concept through Shaivistic Dharma, with a focus on meditation upon the powerful syllable AUM. Devotion to Shiva led her to realize that the divine is closest in prayer, where one can realize Shiva in the recesses of the heart. She had a guru, and this guru taught her many things that she kept dear to her heart. She listened, loved and respected her guru as is to be done in Indian tradition.
In this piece of literature Dr. Raina's background and research into Sanksrit and Shaivism, shine like the gentle gleam of the moon. Being both a traditional scholar as well as a practitioner with an impressive lineage give him an understanding of Shaivite mysticism and Vedic poetry that allow him to interpret and understand the Vakh's of Lall Ded from both an insider and outsider perspective. This understanding of Indian traditions, in general, is critical for work such as this because it allows for flexibility in the analysis of material from multiple perspectives.
Gregory Olson writes about Shiva Yogini Lalleshvari: “I am delighted to be able to convey my deep respect for Dr. Raina’s scholarly ability to his reading audience. Dr. Raina’s linguistic acumen, his breadth of knowledge, and his foundation in philosophical scholarship makes his interpretation of the Shiva Yogini Lalleshvari most poignant. What all thinking men are seeking is the “Why” and “What for” of our existence.” Truly Dr. Raina is worthy of this praise for this concise analysis of the Vakh's and life of Lalleshvari. Dr. Raina went so far as to trace the Vedic source of Lall Ded's Vakh's. He applies Vedanta philosophy and other means of Sanskritic linguistic patterns to clarify the Vakh's into a coherent and relevant system of thought. Truly this is a masterpiece of compassion and understanding from the heart and mind of Lall Ded, to that of Dr. Raina's. It was most definitely a pleasurable introduction to the basic tenets of Kashmir Shaivism through the heart and mind of Lalleshvari.
