Description
Tuesday, December 5, 12, 19
6-8pm ET
$25 | In Person
Of all the contributions of the Indic contemplative tradition, its precise and pragmatic teachings on breath awareness may be the most potent. In these three sessions, we survey classic texts of Tantric Shaivism to reveal their enlightening insights on the use of simple breath technique for reaching higher states of consciousness.
Session One: Ordinary and Miraculous: Prana, Breath and the Mind
The Tantras tell us that a key to fulfillment, ease and equanimity in life is under our nose. In session one we will discard imaginary obstructions to “doing it right” and dive in to calming and joy-producing basic breathing practices for an immediate taste of natural bliss. With a grounding in the underlying physiologic mechanisms, we will sample a variety of breath modifications and learn to recognize and extend their physical, psychological and spiritual benefits.
Session Two: Spaciousness and Fullness: From Breath to Source
In Tantric Shaivism the richness of void or emptiness is extolled and personified as the deity “Bhairava,” who holds a dialogue with his Shakti counterpart. In session two we will try out a selection of the breath-based 112 “dharanas” – thought experiments – from the Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra – as well as investigate and apply some helpful insights from The Shiva Sutras and Pratyabhijñā hṛdayam for a revitalizing direct encounter with the formless Absolute.
Session Three: Weaving the Fabric of Non-Dual Awareness.
In session three we will implement the Ham Sah mantra using the profound teachings of the Kulārṇava Tantra.
