IN-DEPTH IMMERSION: The Mandala of Wholeness
IN-DEPTH IMMERSION: The Mandala of Wholeness
For more than two decades, I have practiced, studied and been immersed in various aspects of yoga: asana (movement), pranayama (breath-work), meditation and philosophy. These explorations were separated into specific disciplines, leaving it up to me to integrate the various aspects into a unified modality. I longed for a tradition that held all components within one comprehensive view. As my study and practice deepened, I moved away from classical yoga philosophy to non-dual Tantra where I found an understanding that aligned with my core beliefs and sensibility. As I landed in non-dual Tantra, I realized this was not just a philosophy but a way of life that integrates all yogic disciplines in a seamless, meaningful approach to modern life. For me, the richness of this tradition is as powerful, as unique, as transformative now as it was in its golden age.
I wish to offer what I have learned in a program that creates a spiritual foundation for the one who is wanting to replace disconnection and isolation with meaning and integration.
Through this program of study, I will offer a spiritual view, from Kashmir non-dual Tantra, articulated through practices, textual study and application of the understandings in daily life. With the program organized as a mandala, the teachings build upon each other, each one being dependent on an understanding of the previous. Over a series of three five-month courses, interested students move from the outer circle to the inner circle to the centre, a progressive deepening into the tradition over time. Initially, in the first course, the focus is in understanding and integrating non-duality, a concept deceptively challenging to anchor into as a default mode of being. Continuing, students develop an appreciation of the texts and practices of Kaula - Trika Shaivism. The final segment explores Kashmir Shaivism through the Krama teachings that are recognized as the core elements that have been guiding the process all along.
PART 1 - The Outer Circle
This course offers an in-depth investigation of the philosophical belief that there is one single awareness which forms all that is seen and unseen. This outlook is called non-duality and in various lineages of Tantra this single awareness is personified as Shakti. Over the course of five months, we will explore this view and develop a relationship to that one awareness. We will use this lens to delve into the practices of asana, pranayama, meditation and contemplation in a meaningful new way and, in turn, the practices will bring the view to life.
The Outer Circle includes these components:
weekly 1.5h (approx) zoom sessions
monthly zoom practice days to integrate the teachings and practices (4-5hr sessions)
monthly Q&A / sharing circle sessions (optional)
access to regular weekly asana & pranayama classes (optional)
end of session 5-day in-person retreat (transportation, accommodation and meals non-included)
manual of practices and teachings
audio / video recordings of practices
regular 1:1 check-ins (as needed)
October 15, 2023 - (approximately) April 25, 2024
Orientation on Friday, October 13 / First session on Sunday, October 15
(exact day and time for ongoing sessions to be determined based on cohort availability)
Investment: Tiered payment options are below. Sincere desire trumps financial circumstances so, without hestitation, please contact me for other options if needed.
Tier 1 - $1500 or 6 payments of $250
Tier 2 - $1800 or 6 payments of $300
Tier 3 - $2100 or 6 payments of $350
(Tiers are based on personal evaluation of what makes sense within your current financial circumstances. Choice what make this accessible for you.)
PART 2 - The Inner Circle
This course is for the practitioner who is drawn to more deeply explore the streams of Kashmir Shaivism presented here in the lineages of the Kaula Trika and Krama. The student will receive teachings and practices specific to this current of thought, explore yoga psychology, further their understanding of mantra science and contemplate their inner workings and personal patterning to build access to greater personal wisdom and insight. The course will refine the yogic practices (asana, pranayama and meditation) introduced in the Outer Circle.
PART 3 - The Centre
In the centre of the mandala is the least well-known form of Kashmir Tantra known as the Krama. It is a complex and rarefied philosophical view that aimed to take the practitioner to the full and complete realization of their essence in this lifetime. Here, while building on elements of the previous courses, the central components will include the use of ritual, the development of embodied devotion and study of specific Krama texts.