Yoga

Yoga is a term well adopted by our culture. Being of Ancient Eastern origin' Yoga (Hatha-Yoga in particular - a practice of physical stretching) has gained great popularity in a contemporary western world. The benefits of yoga asanas (physical postures to remove energy blocks in the body so the mind can return to stillness) are multitude and support our physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. There are different styles, different schools of yoga, all aiming (explicitly or not) at the same goal: oneness with God/dess, universe, all that is.  But do you know that the philosophy underlying this practice may be actually taken into two different directions? Do you know that there's profound difference between the right handed (sutric) and left handed (tantric) approach?

YOGA: The meaning of this Sanskrit word is 'union'. Union of the mind (Shiva - the male principle), with body (Shakti - the female principle), so the magnificence of spirit can be fully experienced.

There are many ways to practice this union, the Tantric way (sexual union) being the most direct.  However, Tantra, being often called 'The Path of the Hero' (for it's dedication and bravery to dive deep down into our dark places and fill them with light, for the strength to embrace our demons with love and willingness to find blissful comfort in discomfort) may not be a path everybody's redy to embrace. Hence other yoga options emerged. Many yoga practices would resonate with the philosophy of Raja Yoga (classical), as in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Sutric).

There's many techniques that are common to both Tantra and Classical yoga. It is the context in which are used, that distinguishes them.

Let's look at some differences between the classical yogic (sutric) and Tantric approach.     

Classical yoga (CY) views the physical world as Maya (and illusion), something that needs to be transcended in order to reach union with God. The individual self (jiva) is to reunite with the absolute (Brahma).

Tantra views the world as an expression of creative cosmic energy (Shakti), that needs to be totally embodied in order to experience union with cosmic consciousness (Shiva).

Classical yoga views the body as an obstacle, Tantra views the body as an asset.

Hours of precise physical exercises (asanas) are aimed in CY to release energetic blocks (discomfort) from the body, so consciousness is free to leave the body during seated meditation.

Tantra views the body as a vehicle of enlightenment. The yogic asanas are used to magnify flow of energy (prana), as a preparation for expanding consciousness.

While classical yoga strives to escape the confines of the body, Tantra enters the physical dimension totally (being fully present in the body).

Classical yoga uses sensual withdraval to leave the body, Tantra uses sensual overload to expand beyond the body.

Classical yoga uses willpower, discipline and control (over mind, body) and suppression (sexual energy, emotions), Tantra uses surrender, full expression and transformation

Classical yoga views sexual energy as a distraction to a spiritual progress that needs to be sublimated into a spiritual energy

Tantra views sexual energy as spiritual energy, that upon cultivation leads to illumination

Classical yoga is mind-focused, Tantra is heart-centered

Yogic enlightenment (samadhi) happens in an abstract space: The consciousness has to leave the body to reach union with Shiva.

Tantric enlightenment (tantric marriage) happens here in the physical dimension. We use Shakti (sexual energy) to bring Shiva down from the abstract plane into the body.

You might notice that classical yoga is Shiva oriented, Tantra celebrates Shakti. The blissful peace you'll get from classical yoga is expanded in Tantra into dynamic bliss.

Many hatha yoga practices today tend to over-identify with the physical body. Focusing on the alignment to the latest anatomical detail, getting the 'perfect' form, breath comes secondary, perhaps gets even forgotten... Yoga has became another form of exercise, leaving little space for the spirit. We must loosen this constriction in order to allow Shiva to enter. When we soften our body just a little bit, we can perceive beyond it, feel our more subtle layers crying for attention.

Tantric Hatha yoga is an earth centered, shakti-honoring practice, that brings attention to the body, sensations, feelings and perceptions beyond. It is a dynamic, yet 'soft' form of yoga, using mother Earth's gravity and pleasure in expansion as allies. Riding the wave of breath and slow, sensual movement you will open up to heavenly stillness. Do not let the word 'soft' mislead you - if you like a challenge, it will be there for you!

Tantric Partner Yoga

Tantric Partner Yoga is an unique modality of Tantric Hatha Yoga, nurturing both the needs of the physical body/energetic body (allowing the body to stretch and open up in a way not quite possible in a single practice), and the intimate connection of partners, embodied as Shiva and Shakti.  Just like in many tantric practices, the external  sexual polarity of partners accelerates their inner polarities coming into balance,  leading to expanded states of consciousness. 

Whether fun and playful, or dreamy and meditative, always highly enjoyable.

Taught either  in classes  (go to events for more info) or privately in the context of Dakini's Guidance session.