The Tantric Body

In the non-dual Tantric traditions, the body is a VEHICLE for the DIVINE. It is at once the limited locus of the individual body-mind (the microcosm), the entirety of the cosmos (the macrocosm), and the mediating device through which spiritual realization becomes possible (the mesocosm).

Tantric yoga practice is a practice by means of which divinity becomes embodied in this very lifetime. The popular images of the chakras, the energetic channels (or nādīs), gestures (mūdrās), and the geometrical visualization devices (or yantras) all famously derive from different Tantric traditions for the purposes of yogic practice. But to speak of the body in this way is still conceptual. The point, of course, is to experience, or embody it.

In this learning pathway, discover the transformative techniques and non-dual philosophies of the Tantric traditions, and how they can transform our experiences of embodiment through contemplative study and esoteric meditation practice.

8 HOURS: In this 4-part course, we will systematically explore the fundamental principles of non-dual Tantra, a tradition that can be overwhelming in its scope, philosophy, texts, and practice. This course is designed for anyone interested in gaining a fundamental understanding of the non-dual Tāntrik traditions. While pertaining to the non-dual Śaiva path (popularly known as Kashmir Shaivism), the principles examined in this course are also relevant to the Śakta tradition of Śrīvidyā.We will begin with a brief history of non-dual Tantra and its developed view, which will become the basis for understanding all the other concepts of the path. In subsequent modules, we will gain an overview of the various aspects of the view and the importance of language in the tradition before settling into an understanding of its various practices.

6 HOURS: In this 4-part course, we will systematically explore the fundamental principles of non-dual Tantra, a tradition that can be overwhelming in its scope, philosophy, texts, and practice. This course is designed for anyone interested in gaining a fundamental understanding of the non-dual Tāntrik traditions. While pertaining to the non-dual Śaiva path (popularly known as Kashmir Shaivism), the principles examined in this course are also relevant to the Śakta tradition of Śrīvidyā.We will begin with a brief history of non-dual Tantra and its developed view, which will become the basis for understanding all the other concepts of the path. In subsequent modules, we will gain an overview of the various aspects of the view and the importance of language in the tradition before settling into an understanding of its various practices.

8 HOURS: The theological vision of the Divine as Mother, the Universal Goddess, once common, has almost disappeared from the world of religion. However, it has continued to flourish through the textual, liturgical, ethical, and theological traditions of God as Mother, as Creator, as Creation, over a span of 2,500 years in the world of Hindu spirituality. The tradition of Shakti/Mahādevī offers a multidimensional theological ethos that integrates transcendence and immanence, the masculine and feminine, life and liberation, dynamic creativity and contemplative tranquility, and the intuitive and empirical dimensions of experience. The course will explore the mystical narratives, sacred texts, theology, contemplative praxis, ritual art, and theories of consciousness and subtle energy associated with the theology of the Divine Feminine. We will explore the traditions, texts, and teachings of this rare theological path of the Divine Feminine, which still remains globally extant as a major branch of Hindu spiritual life.

In the Non-Dual Tantric Traditions, Śiva represents Consciousness, and Śakti represents Energy. Together, they constitute the Integrated Field of All Experience.

Embodying Consciousness-Energy is the ultimate goal of Tantric practice, and the various Tantric traditions accomplish this goal through harnessing meditational practices of mantra, mūdrā, chakra, yantra, and modes of devotional practice.

Deities in Tantric traditions are not seen as distant entities apart from human life, but as images of our enlightened Self.

In this LEARNING JOURNEY, you will expand your understanding of how Tantric philosophy, iconography, symbolism and gesture can deepen our experience of life in this very body.

Become proficient in the non-dual philosophy of the Śaiva-Śākta Tantric traditions and discover ways Tantric practitioners have activated this philosophy in their everyday lives.
Enliven their yoga practice, teaching or personal somatic practice with the wisdom of an ancient esoteric technology comprised of chakras, mūdrās, yantras, and the energy of kundalini.
Weave together the various courses through an embodied, practical understanding of the course content through two integration sessions.