Tantra Illuminated with Dr. Christopher Wallis

Effective Method & Pure Motive: The Keys to Tantrik Practice

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:49:15 GMT

What truly makes a spiritual practice effective—and what quietly undermines it?

In this teaching episode, we look at two essential foundations of the Tantric path: upāya (effective method) and śuddha-bhāva (pure motive). The conversation clarifies how genuine transformation depends not only on the techniques we use, but on the intention and orientation behind them. What is the difference between practicing for control, attainment, or escape—and practicing from clarity, devotion, or recognition? With practical insight and grounded examples, this episode points to a more honest and sustainable approach to practice, where method and motive align in service of awakening itself.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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The Real Vijñāna-Bhairava-Tantra (Revisited)

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

What makes the Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra one of the most radical and influential texts of the nondual Śaiva tradition?

In this episode, we return to this remarkable scripture and the vision of practice it offers. Rather than turning away from the body or the senses, the Vijñāna-bhairava presents more than a hundred contemplative gateways into direct awareness—through breath, sound, perception, and even moments of emotional intensity. We reflect on the historical context of the text, how its approach differs from earlier yogic traditions such as Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras, and why its teachings remain so alive for modern practitioners. The conversation also touches on the challenges of translating this subtle work and the intention behind the newly released Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra app, created to make these teachings accessible in a clear and practical way.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

Find out more about the new VBT app at https://tantra112.app/.

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A Life of Learning with Alexis Sanderson

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:24:29 GMT

What does it take to devote a lifetime to the careful study of a spiritual tradition?

In this wide-ranging conversation, Hareesh sits down with the renowned scholar Alexis Sanderson to reflect on the path that led him to become one of the foremost authorities on the Tantric traditions of India. From an early fascination with classical languages to his encounter with the works of Abhinavagupta, Sanderson recounts the moments that shaped his scholarly vocation and his decision to dedicate his life to the study of Sanskrit texts and Shaiva Tantra

The dialogue touches on his years studying in India, his apprenticeship with Swami Lakshmanjoo, and the painstaking work of reading manuscripts across multiple scripts and traditions. A thoughtful glimpse into the curiosity, discipline, and intellectual humility that sustain a true life of learning.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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The Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra: audiobook, chapter 1

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:35:57 GMT

In this episode, Hareesh reads the first chapter of the Vijñāna-Bhairava-Tantra audiobook, published in the Tantra112 app. He introduces the text and guides us through its opening verses, where Bhairavī turns to her beloved Bhairava and asks: what is the true nature of reality? Despite having heard and studied the teachings in depth, she remains unsatisfied and longs for the essential truth. This chapter sets the tone for the entire scripture—an intimate dialogue on consciousness itself, and a model of devoted listening paired with fearless inquiry.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

Find out more about the app at https://tantra112.app/

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New Horizons: AI, Neuroscience & Awakening with Ruben Laukkonen

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:39:08 GMT

What can emerging technologies reveal about the nature of mind, consciousness, and awakening—and where do their limits lie?

In this forward-looking conversation, Hareesh is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Ruben Laukkonen to explore the meeting points of classical Tantra, neuroscience, and artificial general intelligence. Drawing on both scientific models and contemplative insight, they reflect on how perception is constructed, how awareness recognizes itself, and what developments in AI can—and cannot—tell us about consciousness. The dialogue also touches on the “alignment problem”: how increasingly powerful intelligences might be guided toward care and human flourishing, rather than harm. Rather than offering definitive answers, the conversation opens a space for careful inquiry, humility, and wonder, inviting listeners to consider how ancient wisdom and modern science might inform one another without reductionism or hype.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

Find more about Ruben at https://rubenlaukkonen.com/.

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Finding Freedom in Troubled Times with Tina Rasmussen

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 03:45:30 GMT

In this grounded and compassionate conversation, Dr. Tina Rasmussen reflects on the nature of awakening in the midst of difficulty — personal, collective, and existential. Speaking from decades of lived inquiry and realization, she points toward a freedom that does not depend on circumstances being resolved, but emerges through honesty, deep presence, and allowing in relation to one’s own experience.

Additionally, Tina and Hareesh clarify 'purification' on the spiritual path as a process of clearing obstacles - not moral judgment or an antidote for supposed impurity. They focus on the four key categories of heart, mind, view, and identity, framing purification of these as liberation into presence. Heart practices soften resistance to suffering, while mind purification quiets compulsive thoughts, revealing deeper insight. Precision in this practice is key, like proper form in exercise.

The dialogue touches on fear, grief, resilience, and the quiet strength of resting as awareness itself. This episode invites a slower listening, revealing how freedom can be discovered wherever we are, even in troubled times.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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The Real Story on Kundalinī

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:36:29 GMT

What is Kundalinī—really—and how did its meaning become so widely misunderstood?

In this episode, Hareesh offers a careful historical and philosophical inquiry into one of the most charged and confusing terms in modern spirituality. Tracing the word Kundalinī back to its earliest appearances in classical Tantric sources, he reveals how its original meaning differs radically from popular contemporary interpretations. Rather than a dormant serpent-energy waiting to be awakened, Kundalinī is presented here as a dynamic process—an expression of Śakti arising through specific yogic conditions. A grounded and illuminating reorientation for anyone seeking clarity beyond myth and sensationalism.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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The Mystical Positivist With Stuart Goodnick and Dr. Robert Schmidt 2

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:04:46 GMT

In this second part of the archival conversation, Hareesh continues his dialogue with hosts Stuart Goodnick and Dr. Robert Schmidt, turning toward the dynamics of the energy body, emotional digestion, and the long arc of integration. They explore how unresolved impressions (saṁskāras) shape our sense of self, why true digestion requires presence rather than suppression, and how imaginal practices in Tantra awaken a more fluid and responsive relationship to experience. The conversation also touches on ego structures, relational practice, and the pitfalls of spiritual dogma, offering a grounded look at what it means to mature both energetically and as a human.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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Resting into Pure Being

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:41:25 GMT

Today's episode is a short 15-minute guided meditation invites you to return to your most essential presence—the natural, uncreated awareness that has no beginning or end. Through gentle instruction, you are guided to let go of effort and rest in the still, open, intimate ground of being itself. A foundational and centering practice for anyone seeking simplicity, clarity, and natural presence.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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Tantra Meets Dzogchen with Ācārya Malcolm Smith

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 07:59:39 GMT

In this illuminating conversation, Hareesh and Ācārya Malcolm Smith trace the philosophical and experiential meeting points between Tantra and Dzogchen, while honoring their distinct lineages. The discussion touches on the origins of Dzogchen, the role of direct recognition in awakening, the tension between conceptual purification and non-conceptual realization, and how both traditions articulate the play of emptiness and manifestation. Moving beyond comparison, the dialogue reveals a shared spirit of inquiry that transcends dogma—where luminous awareness recognizes itself through diverse expressions of wisdom.

Discover more of Ācārya Malcolm Smith's work at https://www.zangthal.com/.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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Rewiring your Reality with Shamil Chandaria

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT

What happens when the rigor of neuroscience meets the depth of nondual philosophy?

In this wide-ranging conversation, Hareesh and Dr. Shamil Chandaria explore the meeting point between consciousness studies, neuroscience, and the Tantric vision of reality. They discuss Shamil’s new course Rewiring Your Reality—a 21st-century synthesis of meditation, philosophy, and cognitive science—and examine perennial questions about awakening, liberation, and the nature of experience itself. The dialogue unfolds through reflections on AI, the limits of scientific explanation, and the timeless dance of Śiva and Śakti as consciousness exploring its own patterns. Together they inquire into whether the universe is moving toward greater self-knowledge or already complete in its perfection.

Discover Shamil's new course at https://dandelion.events/e/m9nea .

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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The Mystical Positivist With Stuart Goodnick and Dr. Robert Schmidt 1

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:06:25 GMT

In this archival conversation originally recorded in 2016 for The Mystical Positivist radio show, Hareesh joins hosts Stuart Goodnick and Dr. Robert Schmidt to reflect on the meeting point between spiritual experience and critical inquiry. The dialogue traces Hareesh’s early encounters with meditation and grace, the unfolding of his path through the Shaiva Tantra tradition, and the pitfalls of constructing a “spiritual ego.” Together, they explore how genuine awakening requires both love and discernment—the courage to look beyond comforting beliefs into the deeper reality that transcends them.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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The Pulsing Heart of Infinite Stillness

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:03:42 GMT

This guided meditation invites you to rest in the vast silence that underlies all experience, a stillness untouched by thought or sound. Within this infinite quiet, a subtle pulsation arises—the gentle rhythm that gives birth to life itself. By attuning to both the stillness and its living pulse, we discover a presence that is at once serene and dynamic, grounding and liberating. A simple yet profound practice of returning to the ground of being.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Mandala of Relationality with Josh Schrei from The Emerald

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:00:28 GMT

What if awakening is not only an inward journey, but also a maṇḍala woven of our relationships with others and the world?

This episode turns to the animist and tantric vision of relationality, where every connection—whether with people, nature, or the subtle dimensions of being—forms part of a greater sacred whole. Through the lens of classical teachings, animism and myth we are invited to reimagine relationships not as distractions from reality but as vital expressions of it, mirrors in which the Self recognizes itself. The conversation opens into how intimacy, conflict, and community can all become doorways into deeper awareness, and how the maṇḍala of relationality reveals the inseparability of self and other.

Find out more about The Emerald and The Mythic Body HERE.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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Scriptural Reading: The Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:00:00 GMT

What lies at the heart of one of the most revered scriptures of non-dual Tantra?

In this episode, we hear a direct reading of the opening and closing verses of the Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra, a text composed over a thousand years ago that frames 112 transformative meditation practices. These verses are far more than an introduction or conclusion—they carry profound insights into the nature of reality, the relationship of Śiva and Śakti, and the ultimate context in which Tantric practice becomes effective. Rendered here in a fresh translation, the words of the Goddess and Bhairava point us beyond ritual and form into the essence of awareness itself. Listeners are invited into the contemplative power of scripture, allowing the poetry of these ancient teachings to speak directly to the heart.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar.

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Discovering the Authentic Self with Kiran Trace

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:06:33 GMT

What does it mean to live from the deepest truth of who we are?

This episode turns toward the question of authenticity—not as a fixed identity, but as a living presence that shines through when we release the layers of conditioning and self-concept. The episode unpacks how the authentic self is discovered not by constructing a new persona, but by attuning to the spacious, luminous awareness that underlies every moment. Listeners are invited to reflect on the difference between social roles and essential being, and to consider how daily life can become a practice of remembering what is already whole and real within.

Take Kiran’s free course here.

Send an email to team@kirantrace.com with the subject ‘Ready for FYM!’ to receive 50% off the course Free Your Mind.

Free tools for Sanity ebook HERE. Use coupon code tapwxmc at checkout.

Kiran’s Website: https://kirantrace.com/

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Heart - Lotus Meditation

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This episode offers a gentle, evocative meditation that invites you to attune to the lotus of light at the center of the chest—a sacred center of feeling and awareness. Guided through breath, imagery, and felt sense, you’ll be led to experience the heart not just as a metaphor, but as a living site of inner unfolding. Whether you're lying down or sitting upright, this short meditation is an accessible and profound way to return to the ground of being.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar .

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“Tantric Sex vs. Tantrik Yoga” with Ashton Szabo

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This episode offers a clear, grounded conversation on one of the most misunderstood aspects of Tantra: the role of sexuality. In dialogue with Ashton Szabo, we trace the origins of this confusion, distinguishing between classical Tantra and modern neo-Tantra, and examining how the term itself was co-opted in the West. Listeners are introduced to the true context of sexual practice in the original Tantric tradition—not as a means of enhancing pleasure, but as a rare and advanced form of spiritual realization. The conversation concludes with reflections from the Tantrāloka on how the most intimate experiences can, under the right conditions, dissolve separation and reveal the undivided nature of reality.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

Find out more about the upcoming retreats and pilgrimages at https://www.tantrailluminated.org/calendar .

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The Three Effective Methods

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 10:27:44 GMT

How can spiritual practice truly encompass the whole of our being—body, mind, and spirit?

This episode unpacks the teaching of the Three Upāyas—or “effective methods”—a foundational framework in non-dual Śaiva Tantra articulated by the great master Abhinavagupta. These methods are known as the Divine Method (śāmbhava-upāya, nonconceptual direct awareness), the Empowered Method (śākta-upāya, contemplation and working with the beliefs or thought-constructs), and the Embodied Method (āṇava-upāya, yogic practices involving breath, energy, and imagination). Far from abstract theory, this teaching helps illuminate how different kinds of spiritual practice function and why they matter. Listeners are guided through examples drawn from classic texts and everyday life, with reflections on how these methods interrelate and support a truly holistic path of awakening.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Attuning to Fundamental Consciousness with Judith Blackstone

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:17:15 GMT

What if our most subtle awareness could be both deeply personal and seamlessly connected to all of life?

In this rich and nuanced conversation, Judith Blackstone shares insights from her decades of teaching the Realization Process—a nonsectarian path to embodying nondual awareness. Touching on themes of individuality, resonance, psychological healing, and the tactile texture of consciousness, the dialogue gently challenges assumptions about separation and unity. Judith speaks from lived experience, offering a grounded and precise way to attune to what she calls "fundamental consciousness"—a still, luminous field that both contains and liberates the contents of our being. The conversation also explores how awareness can inhabit the body fully, how spiritual bypassing can undermine growth, and how love may underlie even our most complex emotions.

Learn more about Judith and the Realization Process: https://realizationprocess.org

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The Real Vijñāna-bhairava

Fri, 30 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This episode offers a clear introduction to one of the most influential yet widely misunderstood texts in the nondual Shaiva Tantra tradition: The Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra. We talk about the text's historical significance, its radical approach to practice, and how it diverges from earlier yogic traditions like Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras. Rather than rejecting the senses or the body, the Vijñāna-bhairava presents over a hundred contemplative techniques that lead the practitioner into direct awareness—through breath, sound, sensory experience, and even moments of emotional intensity. This scripture reveals a vision of spirituality grounded not in asceticism, but in intimate contact with the fullness of life. We also explore the challenges of translating this nuanced work, offering insights into why most English versions fall short, and how the upcoming Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra app that’s going to be published soon, aims to make the text’s teachings clearly accessible for the first time.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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On Teachers, Truth, and Tantra, interview by Christine Marie Mason

Fri, 16 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This week’s episode is an archival conversation with Christine Marie Mason, originally recorded in September 2024 for The Rose Woman podcast. Together, they explore the evolution of Christopher’s teaching path, the enduring relevance of Classical Tantra, and the deeper practices that support spiritual liberation. The episode touches on the historical roots of Neo-Tantra and its divergence from Classical Tantra, highlighting how the latter emphasizes radical freedom, embodiment, the primacy of direct experience over conceptual understanding, and the essential role of trustworthy teachers on the path. We reflect on the growth of the Tantra Illuminated community and the inspiration behind his latest book, Near Enemies of the Truth, emphasizing the importance of clarity, discernment, and lived understanding in spiritual life.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Yoga Nidra: Body of Joy

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:02:13 GMT

This week’s episode offers a deeply restorative yoga nidra practice titled Body of Joy. Unlike other guided meditations previously shared on the podcast, this one invites you to lie in stillness - awake, aware, and fully relaxed out of the impulse to move. While yoga nidra is often used as a tool for rest, this practice is not for sleep but for remaining conscious in the liminal space of deep relaxation. It offers an exploration of the subtle body, guiding awareness through physical sensations, energetic qualities, and emotional tones to evoke a felt experience of joy and well-being.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The End of Suffering with Artur Appazov

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:57:18 GMT

This week’s episode is a deep and moving conversation with Artur Appazov, returning to the podcast for a second time. Artur shares his perspective on the nature of suffering, how it arises from mistaken identity and resistance to pain, and how it can dissolve through the recognition of our true nature as openness itself. Through inquiry and reflection, he offers a powerful invitation and tools to soften into internal stories and meet experience directly. The conversation explores identity, embodiment, nonduality, and the subtle ways suffering perpetuates, often in the name of healing. With clarity, compassion, and presence, Artur points toward the radical freedom available when we stop trying to fix ourselves and simply rest as what we already are - allowing the change to arise naturally. The episode offers a glimpse into how this unfolds in what could resemble a client session from Artur’s coaching practice. More of his reflections can be found on his blog.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Shaivism in Kashmir by Alexis Sanderson

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

This week’s episode features a reading of six foundational articles on Shaivism, originally written for the Encyclopedia of Religion in the late 1980s. These are: Kashmir Shaivism, Krama Shaivism, Trika Shaivism, and Abhinavagupta by Alexis Sanderson, Pratyabhijñā by André Padoux, and Pāśupata by David Lorenzen.

Together, they offer a concise yet profound overview of several key lineages within the Shaiva tradition. These short but potent articles explore the evolution of Shaiva metaphysics, ritual practice, the dynamics of tantric initiation, goddess worship, and the philosophical doctrines of recognition and liberation.

The reading also highlights the role of Abhinavagupta as a pivotal figure who synthesized and transmitted these teachings in Kashmir and beyond.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Tantra Illuminated interview by J. Brown

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 05:15:48 GMT

This week’s episode is an archival interview by J. Brown, originally aired on the Yoga Talks Podcast in 2016. In this conversation, we explore the art and science of translating Sanskrit, the influence of Tantra on modern yoga, the legacy of Abhinavagupta, and the subtle difference between speaking about nonduality and directly experiencing it. The episode touches on key themes such as the integration of awakening, the balance between intellectual understanding and embodied realization, and the importance of cultural context in spiritual transmission. We also reflect on how removing conceptual overlay and integrating transcendence reveals the inherent wonder and awe in life.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Bhūta-shuddhi: Five Elemental Energies Meditation

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 22:50:37 GMT

This week’s episode is the guided meditation Bhūta-shuddhi, the purification or recalibration of the five great elemental energies in the body. This ancient practice, central to classical Tantric yoga, harmonizes the five great elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—through visualization and mantra, restoring balance to both body and mind. In this practice, you will be introduced to the esoteric bīja mantras for each element, distinct from those commonly used in mainstream tradition. To fully receive the benefits of this meditation, set aside undisturbed time and space.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Trika Maṇḍala Prakāśa with Christian de Vietri

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 02:30:00 GMT

This week’s episode is a conversation with accomplished artist and scholar-practitioner Christian de Vietri about his journey from the contemporary art world to the study and practice of Tantric sacred art. Christian, known for his large-scale public installations and fine art, shares how he came to know and practice non-dual Shaiva Tantra, how this transformed his approach to artistic expression, and how it led to the publication of his groundbreaking book, Trika Maṇḍala Prakāśa: Illuminating the Mandalas of Abhinavagupta's Tantrāloka—the first detailed and comprehensive study of all the mandalas presented and taught in Abhinavagupta’s Tantrāloka. The conversation explores the process of reconstructing these mandalas, including the challenges of decoding encoded texts, the significance of mandalas in Tantric initiation, and the precise methodologies required to ensure their correct construction. Christian describes the artistic and spiritual insights that emerged through this work and reflects on the broader role of sacred art in preserving and transmitting the wisdom of the tradition.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Mandala and Āgamic Identity by Alexis Sanderson (Part Two)

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:34:16 GMT

This week, we continue the abridged reading of Alexis Sanderson's 1986 article, Mandala and Āgamic Identity in the Trika of Kashmir. Here Sanderson unveils the role of Kāīi-based practices within the Trika tradition, exploring how Abhinavagupta infused the tradition with the transformative energy of Kāīi worship, elevating the Goddess to a central role in tantric initiation and ritual. His analysis touches on cycles of deities, the interplay of purity and impurity, and the process by which practitioners dissolve into the ‘egoless ground’ of consciousness.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Shifting Paradigms and Near Enemies: interview by J. Brown

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:55:42 GMT

This week’s episode features an archival conversation from about four years ago during the pandemic with J. Brown, host of the Yoga Talks podcast. J. Brown has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and is widely known as a writer and industry-leading podcaster. His signature offering is a deeply breath-centered, therapeutic yoga practice inspired by the TKV Desikachar tradition, aimed at fostering well-being and reducing pain. J. Brown's journey into yoga began as a way to process his mother’s death, seeking freedom from the grief and disillusionment that accompanied it. Starting with Ashtanga and Iyengar styles, J. eventually found his way to a therapeutic approach through the teachings of Swami P. Saraswati and the Krishnamacharya tradition. He teaches that yoga is not a linear progression but a practice of learning how to care for oneself. In this conversation, we explore the evolving dynamics of yoga practice and the teacher-student relationship. The discussion covers themes such as balancing devotion and discernment, the challenges of navigating modern spirituality, and common misconceptions about awakening. It highlights the importance of aligning one’s practice, goals, and philosophical view to bring clarity to the spiritual path, offering valuable insights into the role of teachers and the transformative power of yoga.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Mandala and Āgamic Identity by Alexis Sanderson (Part One)

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:30:00 GMT

This episode features a reading of Alexis Sanderson's second article, first published in 1986, entitled Mandala and Āgamic Identity in the Trika of Kashmir. Here Sanderson focuses on the esoteric and ritualistic dimensions of the Trika tradition in medieval Kashmir. In this article, we explore the themes of tantric initiation, the mandala as a tool for self-realization, and the concept of āgamic identity, which Sanderson describes as the aspirant's union with the deity self. These practices are shown to dissolve the boundaries of individual identity, replacing them with an all-encompassing awareness of the cosmos as Shiva consciousness.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Spiritual Practice and the Dimensions of Nonduality with Tina Rasmussen

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:00:09 GMT

In this episode, we talk to Tina Rasmussen, Ph.D., meditation teacher, Buddhist practitioner, and author of Practising the Jhānas. Tina shares her remarkable path of awakening, which began at the age of 13 and unfolded through profound solo retreats, including a transformative year-long retreat in 2003. She discusses her experiences as the first Western woman to complete the detailed jhāna path in the Burmese lineage under the guidance of meditation master Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw, who later authorized her to teach. Tina also shares her journey of taking refuge with Tsoknyi Rinpoche, a Tibetan Dzogchen teacher, and her initiation into the Nyingma lineage. This conversation explores Tina’s work integrating spiritual awakening into everyday life, her transition from being drawn to monasticism to embracing the dynamism of modern life, and the challenges of weaving awakening into daily relationships. Topics include non-attachment, the transformative potential of practices like jhāna and somatic inquiry, and the embodiment of spiritual realizations.

There some audio quality imperfections in this episode, but we hope the insights shared more than make up for it.

Tina Rasmussen’s Luminous Mind Sangha fosters awakening and its embodiment in worldly life through the application of authentic, rigorous Buddhist and modern practices.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Purity and Power by Alexis Sanderson

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 08:00:17 GMT

This episode offers a special reading of Alexis Sanderson's groundbreaking academic article, Purity and Power among the Brāhmans of Kashmir. Professor Emeritus of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, Sanderson is widely regarded as the greatest living scholar of Tantric studies in the Western world. His illustrious 40-year career began with this article, written after 14 years of meticulous research, and it remains one of the most impressive first publications by a scholar in the field. The reading explores the interplay of purity and power within Indian religious traditions, examining the dynamic relationships between the orthodoxy of Brahmanic purity, the transformative practices of Tantric traditions, and the visionary radicalism of heterodox movements in medieval Kashmir (8th–12th centuries). While the reading is substantial, the second half contains some truly remarkable passages that are well worth the journey.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Bridging Scholarship and Practice: Interview by Jacob Kyle

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:07:26 GMT

This week’s episode features an archival interview with Jacob Kyle, yoga and meditation teacher, writer, philosophy educator, and founder of Embodied Philosophy, an online educational platform for wisdom studies and contemplative practices, as well as host of the Chitheads podcast. The conversation explores the role of the scholar-practitioner in bridging the gap between rigorous academic scholarship and lived spiritual practice. The discussion delves into the distinction between awakening and liberation, emphasizing that while awakening involves recognizing one’s true nature, liberation requires the integration of that awakening into daily life. They also examine the challenges of bringing spiritual realizations into relationships and daily conduct, highlighting the importance of integration to avoid spiritual bypassing. Additionally, the conversation contrasts non-dual Shaiva Tantra with other traditions, offering insights into the philosophical and practical relevance of these teachings in everyday life.

Get 25% off Embodied Philosophy’s Wisdom School for life with the coupon code ILLUMINATED25.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Listening with the Whole Body

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:12:58 GMT

This week's episode is a guided meditation centered on a simple yet profound somatic inquiry: What might it feel like to listen with the whole body? We are invited to listen to the whole of experience, cultivating presence by tuning into the vibrancy of awareness. Through gentle attention, we explore what it means to listen, not just with the ears, but with the entirety of our body. The meditation concludes with a beautiful Sanskrit verse from the Upanishads, reminding us of the wholeness at the heart of all existence. Take this time to settle into stillness and embrace the experience of simply being.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Unraveling into the Infinite with Kiran Trace

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:51:07 GMT

This episode features a conversation with Kiran Trace, a renowned teacher, speaker, and author who has helped thousands of people worldwide on their path to awakening. Kiran has developed a powerful set of tools to support people in freeing themselves from suffering and integrating their spiritual awakening into daily life. Her own journey began with a radical, spontaneous awakening—with no prior spiritual training or context. In a transformative moment, she died and instantly became the vastness of pure presence and being, and then had to find her way back into form and normality. Through this experience, she gained insights that she shares in her book Tools for Sanity. In this conversation, Kiran shares her story of self-discovery and healing, providing insights into releasing trauma and reconnecting with the innate vibrancy of awareness. Topics include the challenges of integrating deep spiritual experiences, the journey from suffering to freedom, and the creation of tools that empower others to transform what Eckhart Tolle might call their "pain bodies." With her fresh and candid perspective, Kiran offers a unique view of how awakening can unfold and deepen in unexpected ways.

Take Kiran’s free course here.

Send an email to team@kirantrace.com with the subject ‘Ready for FYM!’ to receive 50% off the course Free Your Mind.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part Three)

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:26:32 GMT

This episode concludes our reading of Chapter Five of Abhinavagupta's Tantrasāra. Here, we learn about The Rite of the Phonemes, or varṇa-uccāra (also known as varṇa-vidhi) in Sanskrit, exploring teachings on two of the most significant bīja mantras of the Trika lineage, the seed syllables of dissolution and creation. These mantras are uniquely powerful by virtue of their inherent vibrational potency which doesn’t require their conceptual understanding. They are divinely revealed vibrations, the innate vibrancy of awareness itself, that transcend the need for conceptual representation by the mind.

You can read the text in the related blog post here.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Tantrik Sādhanā in the Modern World with Ben Joffe and Katherine Bennett

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 08:32:32 GMT

This week’s episode features an archival conversation with Ben Joffe and Katherine Bennett, exploring what it means to practice tantrik sādhanā in today’s world. We share personal stories about our journey as scholar-practitioners, discussing how to balance academic rigor with spiritual practice, and how to integrate philosophical study with lived experience. The conversation touches on the critical role of initiation in tantrik traditions, the importance of having a guru, and how these practices have evolved in contemporary contexts. We draw parallels between the historically guarded nature of tantric teachings and the more accessible forms available today, addressing the challenges faced by modern practitioners who want to engage with these spiritual systems in an authentic way.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The View and the Goal of Practice

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 08:06:06 GMT

In this solo episode, we talk about one of the most fundamental aspects of tantric practice which is the alignment of view, practice, and goal in the non-dual Shaiva Tantra tradition. Our practice must be empowered by a view of reality that aligns with our ultimate goal, because without this alignment, even the most diligent practice may not lead to the desired outcome. Traditionally, the threefold goal of tantric practic is awakening (bodha), liberation (mokṣa or mukti), and enjoyment (bhōga). What we call awakening (bodha) is just really a form of clarified and intensified awareness of the nature of reality which begins with awakening to our true nature - to our own fundamental being. This process liberates ourselves from mental constructs, and egoic conditionings and limitations, and ultimately from suffering. The view of reality, as expressed and explained here, serves as a foundation that nurtures and sustains this transformative process. Only then, awakening can open the door to liberation, which means to freedom, and to the full enjoyment of life.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Nature of Reality with Shamil Chandaria

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:45:36 GMT

In this week's episode, we welcome Dr. Shamil Chandaria, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, technologist, and academic with interdisciplinary research interests spanning computational neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the philosophy and science of human wellbeing. His PhD from the London School of Economics focused on the mathematical modeling of economic systems, and he later earned an MA in philosophy from University College London. Here, he developed an interest in the philosophy of science and explored philosophical issues in biology, neuroscience, and ethics. In 2018, Shamil contributed to founding the Global Priorities Institute at Oxford University—an interdisciplinary research center addressing humanity's most pressing issues. The following year, he co-founded the Centre for Psychedelic Research in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London, which investigates psychedelic therapies for conditions like treatment-resistant depression. He has also supported research on the neuroscience of meditation at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley. Shamil is not only a brilliant mind but also a person with a great, open heart, whose smile and enthusiasm are infectious. In our conversation, we discuss the intersections between spirituality, meditative practices, and neuroscience—how the latest brain science connects spiritual experiences with emerging understanding in the field. Shamil introduces the ‘free energy’ approach—a paradigm developed over the last 15 years in neuroscience, also known as predictive processing or active inference. We look into questions such as: Why does conscious experience exist at all? What is the brain's goal in experiencing? How do neurotransmitters function? What role does the self play? Why do we get to act as we do? How does this model interact with the tantric view of reality? And many more topics.

Read Ruben Laukkonen & Shamil Chandaria’s latest paper: A beautiful loop: An active inference theory of consciousness

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Near Enemies of the Truth: Interview by Ralph Cree

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:28:48 GMT

In this episode, I was interviewed by Ralph Cree for his "Evolving Spiritual Practice” podcast. Ralph, a seasoned traveler with extensive studies in Central Asian and ancient Indian religions as well as the world’s shamanic traditions, also has a profound interest in psychedelics and entheogens. Our conversation explores the core themes of my latest book, "Near Enemies of the Truth," addressing spiritual misconceptions in contemporary culture and the nuanced truths they often obscure. This dialogue was recorded shortly after the book’s release last year.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part Two)

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 05:00:44 GMT

In this episode, we continue with the scriptural reading from Abhinavagupta's "Tantrasāra," specifically with the second part of Chapter Five, titled "Illumination of the Individual/Embodied Method (ānava-upāya)." Here the focus is on the practice of prāṇa-uccāra, the elevation of the life-force.

In this chapter, Abhinavagupta presents some esoteric teachings in the form of homologies, associations, between the five prāṇa-vāyus, the five cakras, the five (or six) stages of bliss, and the five mystical experiences that one can experience in these yogic processes. These associations are elucidated with clarity in this blogpost. The episode includes a guided meditation to illustrate how to engage with these teachings, offering a practical application.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Unbounded Freedom with Ruben Laukkonen

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 13:09:47 GMT

This week's episode features Dr. Ruben Laukkonen, an accomplished researcher in meditation and altered states of consciousness. With a PhD on insight experiences from the University of Queensland and postdoctoral work on the neuroscience of meditation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Ruben now serves as an assistant professor at Southern Cross University. His research investigates some of the rarest states of consciousness available to human beings, utilizing methods like neuroimaging and phenomenology. A recipient of multiple awards, Ruben combines an eclectic contemplative background from traditions such as Zen, Advaita, and Theravada with a deep experiential understanding of altered states of consciousness, meditation, and awakening. In our discussion, Ruben shares insights from his personal journey and his experience of reality throughout it.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Path of Tantra: Interview by Adam Keen

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 07:00:48 GMT

This week's episode revisits a conversation with Adam Keen from the Keen on Yoga podcast. Originally recorded in mid-2023, this discussion offers a personal glimpse into my journey, complemented by rapid-fire questions about Classical Tantra, neo-tantra, and hatha yoga, among other topics. We delve into the nuances of the Yoga Sutras, reincarnation, the process of digesting experiences for resolution, and connecting to the subtle body during yoga asana practice. It’s a comprehensive chat that blends personal insights with spirituality.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Tantra & Animism: a Double-barrel Interview with Josh Schrei

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 07:00:09 GMT

This week's episode features a conversation with Josh Schrei, a writer, teacher, and lifelong student of cosmologies and mythologies, particularly those from the Indian subcontinent. Throughout his life, Josh has explored the animate spaces of the imagination through teaching, meditation, yogic practice, wilderness immersion, art, music, and public speaking. He is the founder of The Emerald podcast, which hosts interviews with award-winning authors and luminaries, exploring human experiences through the lenses of myth, story, and imagination. The podcast challenges conventional narratives on topics ranging from politics to literature. In this double-barreled conversation, Josh first interviews me about the role of guardianship and protector deities in Tantra, and the complex dynamics of spiritual protection in a non-dual interconnected universe. Then, I interview Josh about his personal journey and the experiences that have significantly shaped him.

Support Josh on Patreon.

You can find a traditional daily space-clearing practice here (create a free account to access).

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Exploring the Subtle Body

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 21:36:39 GMT

This week's episode is a meditation practice in which we focus on fully feeling all the subtle sensations in our body, from the pelvic floor to the crown of the head. Beginning from a place of grounded awareness in the body, we are invited to explore the physical and energetic realms of our being. The practice gradually moves through our energy centers emphasizing direct experience over visualization, with the aim to be fully present with emotions and their associated sensations.

This 40-minute meditation is divided into three stages. If you have 18 minutes, you can complete the first part (01:20 - 19:17). For 24 minutes, continue through the second part (01:20 - 25:20). With 40 minutes, you can experience the entire meditation.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Yoga of Being with What Is: Interview by Amisha Ghadiali

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 19:34:20 GMT

This week’s episode features an archival interview with Amisha Ghadiali, founder of a conscious jewelry brand, speaker, author, and facilitator. Her podcast, All That We Are (formerly known as The Future is Beautiful), explores the intersections of activism, the sacred, creativity, and regeneration—spaces where our inner and outer worlds dance. From healing trauma to connecting with nature, embracing new technologies, and rediscovering ancient wisdom, the aim is to move beyond silos into an integrated way of being. Here Amisha and Christopher delve into the true meaning of being a yogi, exploring the inner dimensions of yoga and tantra beyond common interpretations. They discuss how authentic yogic practices involve deep internal cultivation rather than merely physical postures, aiming for a state of unified awareness and self-mastery. The conversation also touches on how yoga and tantra intersect with everyday life, including politics and activism.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Stanzas on Divine Pulsation (Spanda-kārikā)

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:50:44 GMT

This week’s episode is a scriptural reading from the Spanda-kārikā, or the Stanzas on Divine Pulsation, by the great 9th-century tantrik master Kallaṭa from Kashmir. The Spanda-kārikā is a foundational text of Kashmir Shaivism or nondual Shaiva Tantra, and it explores the dynamic nature of consciousness and how we can access it to live an awakened and liberated life. This episode presents a straightforward translation of the scripture, allowing the teachings to simmer in you on a deeper level beyond the mental or intellectual. For further insight, commentary on the text is available across three blog posts: 'First Flow,' 'Second Flow,' and 'Third Flow.'

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org. For those keen to delve even deeper into the Spanda-kārikā, subscribers to the portal also gain access to an online retreat and a scriptural study course, both dedicated to this foundational text.

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The Play of Infinity with Artur Appazov

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:54:24 GMT

This week's episode features a conversation with Artur Appazov, a Stanford graduate international criminal lawyer who experienced a really profound shift during one of our immersion programs. The shift led to a year and a half of intensive integration practice to stabilize, ground, and fully integrate his realization. Artur shares his journey, detailing how the awakening process initially unfolded within him and his current perception of self and reality. He discusses how nondual inquiry, the continuous recognition of truth, and psychological work are interconnected, and explores the apparent paradoxes the mind must navigate to arrive at clarity. This episode provides a clear, vivid first-person account of a deep transformative awakening and how reality appears from this perspective.

Artur runs a transformative coaching practice and one that focuses specifically on nondual realization.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part One)

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:01:02 GMT

This episode features a scriptural reading from Chapter Five of Abhinavagupta's "Tantrasāra," The Essence of Tantra. In this chapter, titled “Illumination of the Individual/Embodied Method (ānava-upāya),” we receive specific practices that you can incorporate into your daily practice sessions. These practices engage the body-mind through imagination (buddhi) with powerful meditative visualization (dhyāna), movement of vital energy (prāṇa) in both subtle and less subtle forms, specific bodily poses (karaṇa), and ritual practices (pūjā). Each practice is designed to enable awakening to the true nature of reality. Notably, the first practice we share in this episode is a meditative visualization that, to our knowledge, is not publicly available elsewhere. We hope it enriches your practice.

You can read Chapter Five (Part One) here.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Heart of Recognition: Interview by Ashton Szabo

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 08:07:09 GMT

This week’s episode features an archival interview by Ashton Szabo, dedicated yogi and co-founder of The Alchemy Yoga Center in Bali. The interview was recorded just before the release of The Recognition Sutras. It centers around this 11th-century tantric text, the Pratyabhijñāhṛdaya, which means “The Essence of the Recognition Philosophy”—recognition, that is, of oneself as a direct expression of the universal divine Consciousness. Recognition also that this Consciousness is, in truth, all that exists, and that its five fundamental powers of awareness, enjoyment, willing, knowing, and acting are the sacred endowments of every sentient being. Our conversation highlights how the text illuminates the non-dual nature of existence—where divine Consciousness is not merely transcendent but intimately woven into the fabric of everyday life and the practical applications of this recognition.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Energy Body

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:07:57 GMT

This week's solo episode clearly and precisely explains the energy body, or subtle body (sūkṣma-śarīra), as understood in Classical Tantra—the tradition that originated these terms. I share precise definitions of terms such as nādī (energy channels), chakra (energy centers), and bindu (essence point), while addressing some of the most widely held myths and misunderstandings related to these concepts. We explore the notion that the energy body is synonymous with the psyche or mental-emotional body, highlighting how it interpenetrates the entire physical body rather than residing solely in the brain. This understanding profoundly impacts both our practice and our experience.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Deity Yoga and the 21 Tārās with Chandra Easton

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 21:43:00 GMT

This week's episode features a conversation with Chandra Easton, also known as Lopön Yeshe Dawa Zangmo, a Dharma teacher, author, and translator of Tibetan Buddhist texts. Since 2001, she has taught Buddhism and Hatha Yoga. In 2015, she was awarded the title of Vajra Teacher, Dorje Lopön (Vajrāchārya), signifying a tantric master in Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, by Lama Tsultrim Allione and H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche. She regularly leads retreats and teaches Dharma both nationally and internationally. Chandra's new book, Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom, explores the 21 manifestations of Tārā in Tibetan Buddhism as she seeks to bring forth the voice of the empowered feminine in Buddhism. Our discussion touches on her personal journey through Buddhism, on the essence of the 21 Tārās as a gateway to look past our mental constructs of selfhood and discover our deeper nature, and the power of deity yoga.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Four (Part Two)

Fri, 31 May 2024 12:04:32 GMT

This episode concludes our reading of Chapter Four of Abhinavagupta's "Tantrasāra," which we started reading in Episode 16. This part of the śākta-upāya or “Illumination of the Empowered Method” is particularly esoteric, presenting some of the most significant and traditionally secretive teachings of the non-dual Shaiva Tantra tradition. Abhinavagupta explores the various names and aspects of the ultimate principle of reality, described as both transcendent and immanent. He also introduces the three Goddesses of the Trika system, describing how all these aspects are unified under one encompassing Goddess. Listen to this episode as a direct transmission, engaging with the text on a deeper level beyond intellectual explanation.

You can read Chapter Fours (Part Two) in these two blogposts one, two.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Exploring Nondual Shaiva Tantra: Interview by Michael Taft

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:31:59 GMT

In this episode, recorded in March 2023 for the Deconstructing Yourself podcast hosted by Michael Taft, we look at the similarities and differences between Tantrik Shaivism, Tantrik Buddhism, and Vedanta. Alongside Michael - spiritual teacher, bestselling author of "The Mindful Geek" and co-founder of The Alembic in Berkeley - we debunk a few myths and misconceptions about these spiritual paths. The discussion then leads us to some of the most unique and key teachings of non-dual tantra, such as the concepts of 'fullness of emptiness' and beneficial possession, comparing them to other prevalent spiritual philosophies from India.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Sacred Cave of the Heart

Sat, 18 May 2024 18:00:34 GMT

This episode offers another guided meditation foundational to the Tantrik path, inviting us to explore the sacred cave of the heart. In this traditional meditation, we guide the center of consciousness or selfhood—often felt in the head or between the eyes—to descend to the mysterious and quiet region at the heart's base. Here, we can immerse ourselves in the stillness and silence within, experiencing a subtle, radiant presence felt as a point of pure, sparkling light deep within, our ultimate reality.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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In Conversation with A.H. Almaas (Hameed Ali)

Fri, 10 May 2024 19:10:16 GMT

This episode is a conversation with Hameed Ali, who publishes under the name of A.H. Almaas. Hameed is founder of The Diamond Approach to Self-Realization, a contemporary teaching that developed within the context of both ancient spiritual teachings and modern depth psychology theories. He has authored 18 books about spirituality and realization, including the Diamond Heart series, The Pearl Beyond Price, and his new book NonDual Love. Almaas discusses his journey from physics to psychology, his discovery of his unique approach to spirituality, and the evolution of his teachings. The conversation also explores his Theory of Holes, which posits that our feelings of emptiness, where we feel there’s something missing in our lives, can lead to profound spiritual revelations and become a portal to recognising essence nature.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Four (Part One)

Fri, 03 May 2024 06:00:46 GMT

This episode is a scriptural reading and continues our exploration of Abhinavagupta's "Tantrasāra," focusing on Chapter Four, entitled “Illumination of the Empowered Method (śākta-upāya)”. The text is a magnificent description of the śākta-upāyas, the contemplative process that can refine one’s understanding of reality, ultimately leading to the experiential realization of one's true nature. The ‘empowered’ methods through which ignorance is dissolved are discernment (sat-tarka), teachings from an authentic tradition (sad-āgama), and guidance from a teacher (sad-guru).

You can read Chapter Fours (Part One) in three distinct blogposts: blogpost one, two, and three.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Abhinavagupta’s argument here must be read in its wider context lest we misunderstand him. Clearly, he does believe that yogic practices can indeed support and foster the discerning insight that leads to liberation, for he teaches yogic practices in the very next chapter. But he suggests that those yogic practices must be conjoined with at least a provisional understanding of how they illustrate the nature of Reality.

Additionally, in the Tantrāloka, he allows that even when yogic practice does not foster sat-tarka (accurate discernment), it still might be helpful to remove impediments on the path, such as doubt and fear. In Tantrāloka verse 4.98, he writes: “On the other hand, in our view, since [Consciousness] clearly consists of everything, including prāṇa, mind, and body, even practice which remains on those levels can successfully remove impediments [to liberation], just as one who wishes to leap must first overcome fear of falling.”

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Classical Tantra & Abhinavagupta with Ben Williams

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 22:40:16 GMT

In this episode, we speak with Dr Ben Williams, an intellectual historian specializing in Indian religions and Shaiva Tantra. His academic focus has primarily been on Abhinavagupta. He holds extensive training in Indian philosophy, literature, and aesthetics, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Hinduism at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where he also leads the newly launched MA in Yoga Studies. His doctoral thesis is on revelation and the figure of the tantric guru in Abhinavagupta's writings. Ben discusses his journey into this field, the distinction between a scholar-practitioner and a traditional scholar, and shares incredible insights into Kashmir Shaivism and Abhinavagupta’s teachings and texts.

Ben Williams' Patreon Close Readings.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Three Stages of Awakening

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:00:37 GMT

This week's solo episode explores the teaching of the three stages of awakening, or three samāveśas, rooted in the 7th-century Mālinīvijayottaratantra and further elaborated by Abhinavagupta in Tantrasāra. This teaching, preserved both in the scriptures and through oral transmission, clarifies the multifaceted nature of spiritual awakening. Each of three samāveśas, which literally means 'immersion,' represents an immersion into a fundamental aspect of ultimate reality. This episode unpacks these stages to provide a clearer understanding of the spiritual awakening process, which, while not always linear, shares commonalities across different traditions and ways people experience it.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Idealist View with Bernardo Kastrup

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 17:13:16 GMT

This week's episode features a conversation with philosopher and scientist Dr. Bernardo Kastrup, a prominent figure in the renaissance of metaphysical idealism—the view that reality is fundamentally mental, meaning to say that everything that exists is consciousness or Mind. Bernardo Kastrup is also the Executive Director at the Essentia Foundation, a new foundation dedicated to exploring the nature of reality, and is renowned for his extensive publications, including his upcoming book 'Analytical Idealism in a Nutshell.'

Our conversation reveals the deep parallels between Tantrik Shaivism and metaphysical idealism, both of which conceptualize reality as fundamentally mental or conscious. We discuss how these perspectives, although expressed in different languages, converge on the same understanding. The episode includes an afterword (at the 2hr14min) and for those unfamiliar with Dr. Kastrup's work, we recommend starting there to better appreciate the insights shared in our dialogue.

Take Bernardo Kastrup’s free online introductory course Analytic Idealism with Bernardo Kastrup.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Three (abridged)

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:11:30 GMT

This week, we continue our journey through Abhinavagupta's "Tantrasāra," focusing on Chapter Three, entitled "Illumination of The Divine Method," or śāmbhava-upāya. This chapter wonderfully explains how spiritual realization—whether referred to as enlightenment, awakening, or liberation—can unfold through intuitive, non-conceptual insights, without reliance on conceptual understanding. Presented here is an abridged version of the scripture that excludes Abhinavagupta’s detailed exploration of the fundamental structure and nature of reality through the phonemes of Sanskrit alphabet.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Tantrik Shaivism and Buddhism: Interview by Andrew Holecek

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 20:36:38 GMT

This week’s episode features a conversation with Andrew Holecek for his podcast ‘Edge of Mind’, recorded a few years ago. Andrew is an acclaimed author, spiritual teacher, and long-time practitioner of Buddhism. He's also an expert on lucid dreaming, and the author of Dream Yoga: Illuminating Your Life Through Lucid Dreaming and the Tibetan Yogas of Sleep and Reverse Meditation: How to Use Your Pain and Most Difficult Emotions as the Doorway to Inner Freedom. In this interview, we explore themes from The Recognition Sutras, and discuss the simplicity and immediacy of the awakened state, how to access it and how to stabilize it, as well as what makes it so extraordinary. Together, we draw the similarities between Tantrik Shaivism and other traditions like Dzogchen. We explore the role of contraction and relaxation on the spiritual path and get into its nature looking into questions like: do we really need a path? How does striving along the path actually get in the way? Why do some people have awakenings that are blissful, while others experience fear upon opening? What is the importance of cultural translation, and how does language trap us? What is the nature of consciousness? This is a wide ranging conversation that I hope will stretch your mind and open your heart.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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What You Need to Know to Actualize The Goal of the Spiritual Path, in a Nutshell

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:00:08 GMT

This week's episode is a solo episode about the understanding and practices necessary to actualize the goal of spiritual path, specifically focusing on the path that we call Nondual Shaiva Tantra. Recorded live during a satsang, this candid, off-the-cuff talk draws upon Abhinavagupta's teachings. My aim is to present the most coherent understanding of how spiritual practices function and their limitations, both universally and within the tantric tradition. Despite its raw and unrefined recording, this episode contains valuable insights. It wants to clarify the essence of the spiritual journey and address common misconceptions about its process.

The original live satsang this excerpt is from is part of our library items available with a free membership. You can find it here.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Path of Transformation with Kavithā Chinnaiyan

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:35:45 GMT

In this episode, Hareesh welcomes Dr. Kavithā Chinnaiyan, a practicing cardiologist, Professor of Medicine, and an international educator in cardiac imaging, preventive cardiology, and women's heart disease. She is the acclaimed author of several books, including The Heart of Wellness, Shakti Rising, and Fractals of Reality: Living the Śrīcakra, a Tantric initiate and adept. As the founder of Svatantra Institute and The Renegade Method™, Kavithā integrates spirituality with science, offering guidance in self-development, wellness, and burnout by blending modern medicine with Yoga, Tantra, Ayurveda, and Vedanta. An accomplished retreat leader, artist, and musician, she invites others into the transformative journey toward holistic well-being.

Kavithā shares her journey from a question-filled childhood within a Shaivaite family to transformative encounters with Vedantic teachings and Advanced Yoga Practices, culminating in her profound engagement with non-dual Shaiva Tantra. The conversation explores her immersion into the teachings of Śrī Vidyā, guided by revered teachers, and how these experiences harmonize with her medical expertise and personal life. Kavithā’s story is a testament to the integration of spiritual practice with the rhythms of daily life, reflecting on the roles of mantra, ritual, and The Direct Path in the journey for self-realization. This episode brings light to the complementary nature of the progressive and Direct Paths in the revealing of one's true nature and the unique ways they can enrich a dedicated spiritual practice.

Some of the references mentioned:

Greg Goode ‘Standing as Awareness’

Michael M. Bowden, Sri Chaitanyananda, The Goddess and The Guru

Corinne G. Dempsey, The Goddess Lives in Upstate New York

Atmananda Krishna Menon

More references and a complete glossary of the Sanskrit terms and definitions can be found on the episode at Tantra Illuminated Online. Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Two

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:10:07 GMT

In this episode, we delve into Chapter Two of 'Tantrasāra' by Abhinavagupta, titled 'Illumination of Spontaneous Realization.' The chapter explores the concept of spontaneous modes of realization without methods or practices, a rare but profound occurrence. Such immediate insight into the nature of reality can lead to permanent immersion in divinity, independent of formal spiritual practices.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Near Enemies of The Truth: Interview by Adam Keen

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:26:43 GMT

In this week’s episode, recorded in late 2023, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Ashtanga yoga teacher Adam Keen from the Keen on Yoga podcast. Adam and I delve into my latest book, 'Near Enemies of the Truth,' examining spiritual clichés such as 'You create your own reality,' 'Be your best self,' and 'Follow your bliss,' and unpack their deceptive nature. The conversation offers insights into navigating truths and spiritual narratives, emphasizing the role of critical thinking and effective communication in fostering genuine connections and making sense of our daily lives and relationships.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Reposing in the Silent Ground

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:38:29 GMT

This episode features one of the foundational meditations of Tantrik yoga. 'Reposing in the Silent Ground' invites you to relax into a posture of wakeful serenity, encouraging deeper, slower breaths that ease you into comfort. In this practice we allow the perceived center of consciousness to descend from the head to the heart's base, fostering a sense of self anchored in the heart space. This technique aids in cultivating a more profound connection with our innermost being.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Stumbling Upon Awakening with Eshwar Segobind

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:50:13 GMT

This episode is a conversation with Eshwar Segobind. Eshwar shares his unexpected and rapid spiritual awakening journey, which unfolded over less than a year without him being steeped in any religious or spiritual background. He relates pivotal moments during his stay at a recovery house that led to a shift in perspective and deep personal insights. Eshwar's story is one of the spontaneous emergence of profound spiritual understanding and an intuitive grasp of nondual awareness.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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The Essence of Tantra, Chapter One

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 13:29:27 GMT

This episode features a scriptural reading from Abhinavagupta's "Tantrasāra" ("The Essence of the Tantras" or “The Essence of Tantra”), titled "Illumination of the Modes of Realization." It is considered one of the most impactful works of tantrik philosophy and practice. Abhinavagupta distills his insights into the nature of consciousness, the inherent divinity within all beings, and the journey toward recognizing one's fundamental nature as the light of consciousness. These passages, carefully and precisely chosen by the great master, can be listened to again and again. I offer my translation, honed over almost two decades, sharing these incredible pointers to the nature of reality that can be used for contemplation and meditation.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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Near Enemies of The Truth, Tantra, and Embodied Awakening: Interview with Michael Taft

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 00:02:26 GMT

This episode is an interview recorded in late 2023 for the Deconstructing Yourself podcast, founded and hosted by Michael Taft. Michael, a seasoned meditator, meditation teacher, and author of the bestseller "The Mindful Geek," as well as co-founder of The Alembic in Berkeley, engages in an in-depth conversation about my latest book, "Near Enemies of the Truth," which addresses the complexities and misconceptions around spiritual clichés and platitudes. Together, we explore the nuances of the term 'enlightenment,' its meanings in both English and Sanskrit, the differences between awakening and liberation, and what embodied liberation truly entails, alongside the implications of karma and samskara.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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What is Tantra, Really? Setting the Record Straight

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:10:52 GMT

In this short solo episode, we take a look at some of the common misconceptions related to the modern use of the word of ‘tantra' and explore how the teachings of Classical Tantra differ from the popularized neo-tantra or Western sexual tantra. I then offer a precise definition of nondual Shaiva Tantra, going on to discuss how classical Tantra contrasts with other forms of yoga, and how much it overlaps with Tibetan Buddhism.

Discover a treasure trove of guided meditations, teachings, and courses at tantrailluminated.org.

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A Conversation with Rupert Spira

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:09:52 GMT

Today’s episode is a conversation, and I’m speaking with the renowned teacher Rupert Spira. Rupert has been a spiritual practitioner since the age of 15. He began with Advaita Vedānta, as well as Sufi teachings, but the pivotal turning point in his spiritual life was meeting Francis Lucille, who introduced him to the Direct Path teachings of Ātmānanda Krishna Menon and the teachings of Tantric Shaivism, which Francis had received from his teacher, Jean Klein. Rupert is the author of You Are the Happiness You Seek and many other short books. He lives in Oxford, where I was fortunate to meet with him face to face, although the conversation you’ll hear today was recorded remotely. Rupert holds regular meetings in the UK, US and Italy, as well as online webinars and Retreats at Home. I personally find his long-form guided meditations to be amongst the most powerful and well-crafted guided meditations available anywhere, especially those in his audio download called Transparent Body, Luminous World, which is inspired (in part) by the Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra.

(During the recording of this episode we experienced some audio issues. Kindly bear with us as we learn the art of podcasting. We’ve already made significant improvements for subsequent episodes.)

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Tantra Illuminated with Dr. Christopher Wallis

Effective Method & Pure Motive: The Keys to Tantrik Practice

The Real Vijñāna-Bhairava-Tantra (Revisited)

A Life of Learning with Alexis Sanderson

The Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra: audiobook, chapter 1

New Horizons: AI, Neuroscience & Awakening with Ruben Laukkonen

Finding Freedom in Troubled Times with Tina Rasmussen

The Real Story on Kundalinī

The Mystical Positivist With Stuart Goodnick and Dr. Robert Schmidt 2

Resting into Pure Being

Tantra Meets Dzogchen with Ācārya Malcolm Smith

Rewiring your Reality with Shamil Chandaria

The Mystical Positivist With Stuart Goodnick and Dr. Robert Schmidt 1

The Pulsing Heart of Infinite Stillness

The Mandala of Relationality with Josh Schrei from The Emerald

Scriptural Reading: The Vijñāna-bhairava-tantra

Discovering the Authentic Self with Kiran Trace

Heart - Lotus Meditation

“Tantric Sex vs. Tantrik Yoga” with Ashton Szabo

The Three Effective Methods

Attuning to Fundamental Consciousness with Judith Blackstone

The Real Vijñāna-bhairava

On Teachers, Truth, and Tantra, interview by Christine Marie Mason

Yoga Nidra: Body of Joy

The End of Suffering with Artur Appazov

Shaivism in Kashmir by Alexis Sanderson

Tantra Illuminated interview by J. Brown

Bhūta-shuddhi: Five Elemental Energies Meditation

Trika Maṇḍala Prakāśa with Christian de Vietri

Mandala and Āgamic Identity by Alexis Sanderson (Part Two)

Shifting Paradigms and Near Enemies: interview by J. Brown

Mandala and Āgamic Identity by Alexis Sanderson (Part One)

Spiritual Practice and the Dimensions of Nonduality with Tina Rasmussen

Purity and Power by Alexis Sanderson

Bridging Scholarship and Practice: Interview by Jacob Kyle

Listening with the Whole Body

Unraveling into the Infinite with Kiran Trace

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part Three)

Tantrik Sādhanā in the Modern World with Ben Joffe and Katherine Bennett

The View and the Goal of Practice

The Nature of Reality with Shamil Chandaria

Near Enemies of the Truth: Interview by Ralph Cree

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part Two)

Unbounded Freedom with Ruben Laukkonen

The Path of Tantra: Interview by Adam Keen

Tantra & Animism: a Double-barrel Interview with Josh Schrei

Exploring the Subtle Body

The Yoga of Being with What Is: Interview by Amisha Ghadiali

The Stanzas on Divine Pulsation (Spanda-kārikā)

The Play of Infinity with Artur Appazov

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part One)

The Heart of Recognition: Interview by Ashton Szabo

The Energy Body

Deity Yoga and the 21 Tārās with Chandra Easton

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Four (Part Two)

Exploring Nondual Shaiva Tantra: Interview by Michael Taft

​The Sacred Cave of the Heart

In Conversation with A.H. Almaas (Hameed Ali)

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Four (Part One)

Classical Tantra & Abhinavagupta with Ben Williams

The Three Stages of Awakening

The Idealist View with Bernardo Kastrup

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Three (abridged)

Tantrik Shaivism and Buddhism: Interview by Andrew Holecek

What You Need to Know to Actualize The Goal of the Spiritual Path, in a Nutshell

The Path of Transformation with Kavithā Chinnaiyan

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Two

Near Enemies of The Truth: Interview by Adam Keen

Reposing in the Silent Ground

Stumbling Upon Awakening with Eshwar Segobind

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter One

Near Enemies of The Truth, Tantra, and Embodied Awakening: Interview with Michael Taft

What is Tantra, Really? Setting the Record Straight

A Conversation with Rupert Spira

The Sacred Cave of the Heart