Tantra Illuminated with Dr. Christopher Wallis

The Essence of Tantra, Chapter Five (Part Two)

Sep 6, 2024

Delve into the intriguing concept of 'prāṇa-uccāra,' focusing on how to elevate the life force. Discover the fascinating connections between the five prāṇa-vāyus, chakras, and stages of bliss. Esoteric teachings from Abhinavagupta reveal mystical experiences during yogic practices. The engaging guided meditation offers practical insights for enhancing self-awareness. This exploration of Tantra is both enlightening and transformative.

31:29

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Quick takeaways

The practice of prāṇa-uccāra guides individuals in elevating their life-force through specific breathing techniques leading to ultimate joy and unity.

Abhinavagupta outlines six stages of joy and five mystical states, showcasing the transformative journey of consciousness in tantric practices.

Deep dives

Understanding Prana-Uchara Practice

Prana-ucara, or the elevation of the life force, serves as a central practice within the teachings of Nondhul Shaiva Tantra. This practice involves a series of steps that guide individuals in harnessing their vital energy, beginning with resting in the heart's spaciousness and moving outward to connect with external objects. The process alternates between exhalation and inhalation, which helps internalize experience and dissolves the distinction between the self and the object of focus. Ultimately, participants are encouraged to transcend the limitations of body and mind, moving toward a unified state of awareness and blissful joy.

Elevating the Life Force: The Practice of Prana-Ucara

31min

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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