Acharya Rameshwar Jha
Encyclopedia
Acharya Rameshwar Jha was a traditional Sanskrit scholar and considered an authority on Nyaya
, Vyakarana
and Vedanta
. He later became an exponent of non dualistic shaivisim and is often credited with establishing and propagating Kashmir Shaivism
in Varanasi. His spiritual experiences and deep understanding of ancient texts were spontaneously expressed in numerous Sanskrit verses. These were published as book Purnta Pratyabhijna and SamitSwatantram, as articles in Shiv Tatva Vimsash and Tantra Agam Vishank of Sanmarg and are preserved in personal diaries and correspondences.
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 shaivisim by clarifying mystical concepts through his experiential learning.
In his youth Rameshwar had studied and memorized Panini’s grammar, learned yoga
practices and vedant from competent gurus. He was recognized as an exceptional student from an early age. Rameshwar completed his higher education in Sanskrit with merit and distinction.
His reputation as a scholar grew and he was sought to teach Vyakarana, Vedant and Nyaya 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 Abhinavagupta
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 Laksman Joo
. Rameshwar Jha credited his spiritual realization to this meeting with Swamiji. He praised Swami Lakshaman Joo's compassion as a hymn “Guru stuti” http://www.ishwarashramtrust.com/pub.php, which to date is recited by Swamijee's disciples.
Rameshwar Jha visited Swamiji in Kashmir for deeper understanding of the tenets of Kashmir Shaiva Mysticism. In later part of his life, he was showering his grace as a realized master by making accessible Kashmir Shaivism, Advait, 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:
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.
More Shlok by Guruji - Sanskrit with Hindi and English translation
Guruji 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.
Rameshwar Jha was awarded "Mahamahopadhyaya" in the year 1980 by Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalay
and was conferred with Rashtrapati Award
in 1981 by then president Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
.
" I am returning to my essence" (मैं स्वरूपस्थ हो रहा हूँ) were his last words on Dec 12, 1981.
Nyaya
' is the name given to one of the six orthodox or astika schools of Hindu philosophy—specifically the school of logic...
, Vyakarana
Vyakarana
The Sanskrit grammatical tradition of ' is one of the six Vedanga disciplines. It has its roots in late Vedic India, and includes the famous work, The Sanskrit grammatical tradition of ' is one of the six Vedanga disciplines. It has its roots in late Vedic India, and includes the famous work, ...
and Vedanta
Vedanta
Vedānta was originally a word used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for that part of the Veda texts known also as the Upanishads. The name is a morphophonological form of Veda-anta = "Veda-end" = "the appendix to the Vedic hymns." It is also speculated that "Vedānta" means "the purpose or goal...
. He later became an exponent of non dualistic shaivisim and is often credited with establishing and propagating Kashmir Shaivism
Kashmir Shaivism
Among the various Hindu philosophies, Kashmir Shaivism is a school of Śaivism consisting of Trika and its philosophical articulation Pratyabhijña...
in Varanasi. His spiritual experiences and deep understanding of ancient texts were spontaneously expressed in numerous Sanskrit verses. These were published as book Purnta Pratyabhijna and SamitSwatantram, as articles in Shiv Tatva Vimsash and Tantra Agam Vishank of Sanmarg and are preserved in personal diaries and correspondences.
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 shaivisim by clarifying mystical concepts through his experiential learning.
In his youth Rameshwar had studied and memorized Panini’s grammar, learned yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
practices and vedant from competent gurus. He was recognized as an exceptional student from an early age. Rameshwar completed his higher education in Sanskrit with merit and distinction.
His reputation as a scholar grew and he was sought to teach Vyakarana, Vedant and Nyaya 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 Abhinavagupta
Abhinavagupta
Abhinavagupta was one of India's greatest philosophers, mystics and aestheticians. He was also considered an important musician, poet, dramatist, exegete, theologian, and logician - a polymathic personality who exercised strong influences on Indian culture.He was born in the Valley of Kashmir in...
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 Laksman Joo
Swami Lakshman Joo
Swami Lakshman Joo Raina was a famed mystic and scholar of Kashmir Shaivism. He was known as Lal Sahib by followers and considered by them to be a fully realized saint.- Family :...
. Rameshwar Jha credited his spiritual realization to this meeting with Swamiji. He praised Swami Lakshaman Joo's compassion as a hymn “Guru stuti” http://www.ishwarashramtrust.com/pub.php, which to date is recited by Swamijee's disciples.
Rameshwar Jha visited Swamiji in Kashmir for deeper understanding of the tenets of Kashmir Shaiva Mysticism. In later part of his life, he was showering his grace as a realized master by making accessible Kashmir Shaivism, Advait, 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.
More Shlok by Guruji - Sanskrit with Hindi and English translation
Guruji 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.
Rameshwar Jha was awarded "Mahamahopadhyaya" in the year 1980 by Kashi Hindu Vishwavidyalay
Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University is a public university located in Varanasi, India and is one of the Central Universities of India. It is the largest residential university in Asia, with over 24,000 students in its campus. BHU was founded in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya under the Parliamentary...
and was conferred with Rashtrapati Award
Rashtrapati Award
Rashtrapati Awards are given by the President of India, in some cases the prime Minister of India, for achievements in the field of Sports, Art, Military, Literature, Cinema, Culture, Science & Technology etc. The award-giving ceremony is conducted in the Rashtrapati Bhavan - the President's...
in 1981 by then president Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was the sixth President of India, serving from 1977 to 1982 and was the only person to be elected President of India unopposed....
.
" I am returning to my essence" (मैं स्वरूपस्थ हो रहा हूँ) were his last words on Dec 12, 1981.