Rameshwar Jha is a rarity among scholars as he did not let his traditional learning become impediment in spiritual realization. He helped propagate and systematize learning of non dualistic kashmir shaivisim by clarifying mystical concepts through his experiential learning.
In his youth Rameshwar had studied Panini’s grammar, Advaita Vedenta and practiced yoga under competent gurus. He was an exceptional student from an early age and completed his higher education in Sanskrit with merit and distinction.
His reputation as a scholar grew and he was sought to teach vyakaran (grammar), Vedanta and Nyaya (logic) in Sanskrit colleges of Varanasi. His influence spread with time and he was recognized as leading intellect in the learned world.
In his mid forties the works of Abhinavgupta caught his attention. He soon came to realize a higher more developed form of monism was expounded by
Abhinavagupta and
Utpaladeva in their works. He made the three day journey to Kashmir to meet
Swami Lakshaman Joo in Kashmir for deeper understanding of the tenets of Kashmir Shaiva Mysticism.
He considered Lakshaman Joo as his guru and was ever grateful for Swamijee's compassion (Shaktipat) through which he had attained spiritual realization. He expressed his gratitude towards Swami Lakshaman Joo's in hymn “
Guru stuti”, which to date is recited by Swamijee's disciples. Lakshman Joo has supposedly said this about Rameshwar Jha "Who know, whether I liberate you or you liberate me!"
Rameshwar jha lived as a realized master and traveled extensively. He had spent his earlier life laboriously learning traditional texts, now he was showering his grace by making accessible Kashmir Shaivism, Advaita, Pratyabhijna, Aagam, trika and associate philosophy in
Varanasi.
With his extraordinary creativity, innate familiarity with the ancient texts and personal experiences he was able to provide access to abstruse concepts of non dualistic Kashmir Shaivism to the layman and scholars alike. This led to a steady stream of seekers from all parts of the world to his door steps. He was a living "
Guru Factory" and referred to as "Guru ji" in fondness.
In his own words:
न मया क्रियते शिष्यः कृतः शिष्यो न कश्चन।
शिष्यतामिच्छते सद्यो दीयते गुरूता मया।।
मैंने शिष्य नहीं बनाए, मैं कभी शिष्य नहीं बनाता।
जो मेरा शिष्य बनने की इच्छा करता है उसे मैं तुरंत गुरूता प्रदान कर देता हूँ ।
I do not make any followers, Those who desire to be my disciples I instantly make them masters.
Guru ji was free of dogmatic teaching style and did not see any distinction in the seekers of different faith, cast or creed. He embraced one and all and only tested the seeker's true intent. Guru ji's close associates have experienced many instances of his occult powers littered throughout his life but he was against its display. And warned that these often let the seekers astray.
Rameshwar Jha was awareded "
Mahamahopadhyaya" in the year 1980 by Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalay and in 1981 he received "Rastrapati Award" by Government of India.
" I am returning to my essence" (मैं स्वरूपस्थ हो रहा हूँ) were his last words in Dec 12, 1981.
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