This is a question I am asked quite often, and I thought I start to share more insight into the wonderful world that is Tantrik.
Tantrik Yoga is part of the spiritual movement called Tantra which originated in India around 1500 years ago. Tantrik Yoga was one of the first ever yoga styles that embraced “Householders”~ people with jobs, family, sex lives and money.
The word "tantra" comes from the Sanskrit root word "tan," which means expansion or liberation, and "tra," which means instrument or tool. Therefore, Tantrik Yoga can be understood as a tool or instrument for expanding one's consciousness and achieving spiritual liberation.
One of the key principles of Tantrik Yoga is the recognition and acceptance of the divine nature present in all aspects of life, including the body, mind, and emotions. Unlike the popular misconception that Tantra is solely focused on sexual practices, Tantrik Yoga acknowledges and embraces all aspects of human experience as a means to spiritual growth and self-realization.
In Tantrik Yoga, the body is seen as a sacred vessel for divine energy. Through various practices, practitioners seek to awaken and channel this energy, often referred to as Kundalini, up the spine and towards the crown of the head. This process is believed to lead to a state of higher consciousness and union with the divine.
Tantrik Yoga’s goal is non-transcendentalist ( but it can & does happen!). Tantrik Yoga’s goal is embodied liberation, leading to total intimacy with the whole of reality. It allows us to embrace our whole human experience, as there is no aspect of our human nature which needs to be diminished.
You may have heard me say in class something along the lines of “take a moment to feel how it feels to be in your body, know all feelings are welcome and valid, there is no good or bad”. This is because Tantra teaches us there is no “ right or wrong” emotions or experiences, there is nothing that needs to be removed, other than our minds misunderstanding about ourselves & reality. No rose coloured glasses required.
Mantra chanting is an integral part of Tantrik Yoga, as it helps to purify the mind and connect with higher realms of consciousness. Different mantras are used to invoke specific energies or deities, depending on the individual's intention and spiritual path.
Visualization practices in Tantrik Yoga involve mentally creating and experiencing specific images or symbols, which are believed to have spiritual significance and transformative power. These visualizations can help to enhance concentration, cultivate inner peace, and manifest desired outcomes.
Ritualistic practices are another aspect of Tantrik Yoga, where practitioners engage in ceremonies or offerings to deities or cosmic forces. These rituals are performed with reverence and devotion, aiming to establish a deeper connection with the divine and to align oneself with universal energies.
It is important to note that Tantrik Yoga is a vast and diverse tradition, with different schools and lineages offering their own unique practices and teachings. The ultimate goal, however, remains the same – to transcend the limitations of the ego and merge with the infinite consciousness.
While Tantrik Yoga may seem esoteric or complex to some, its underlying philosophy emphasizes the inherent divinity within each individual and encourages the integration of spirituality into all aspects of life. It offers a path of self-discovery, transformation, and ultimately, liberation.
How is it different from other yoga paths?
~ Designed for Householders
~ Embraces the whole of the human experience
~ Recognises the divine consciousness in the whole of reality
I look forward to sharing this divine & sacred practice with you soon.
Much love,
PJ xx
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