Tantra Yoga

Tantra Yoga: The Yoga of Union and Energy

Tantra Yoga is a profound and often misunderstood spiritual path that originated in India thousands of years ago. The word Tantra means "to weave" or "to expand," and its core principle is the use of the material world and the body's subtle energies as tools for spiritual liberation.

Core Philosophy

Unlike some paths that advocate for renunciation of the world, Tantra is world-affirming. It teaches that the divine (Shiva, pure consciousness) is not separate from the material world (Shakti, divine energy and form). Therefore, everything in existence can be a doorway to experiencing the divine.

The goal of Tantra is the union of Shiva and Shakti within the individual practitioner. This is often described as the awakening of the feminine Kundalini-Shakti energy at the base of the spine and its ascent through the central energy channel (Sushumna) to unite with the masculine Shiva consciousness at the crown of the head.

Key Practices

Tantra is a vast and complex system that includes a wide array of techniques:

• Mantra: Use of sacred sounds.
• Yantra: Use of sacred geometric diagrams.
• Mudra: Energy seals and hand gestures.
• Pranayama: Advanced breathing techniques.
• Visualization: Detailed mental images of deities and energies.
• Asana: Physical postures are used with a strong emphasis on their energetic and chakra-related effects.

Key Poses

• Poses are chosen for their effect on the chakras and nadis (energy channels).
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) for awakening energy.
• Seated poses like Lotus Pose (Padmasana) for meditation.
• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) and Plow Pose (Halasana) to affect the throat and thyroid.