Tantra Illuminated with Dr. Christopher Wallis

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Kiran Trace, a renowned teacher and author, as she shares her profound journey of awakening after a spontaneous and transformative experience. Kiran discusses the challenges of integrating deep spiritual insights into daily life and the tools she created to alleviate suffering. She delves into personal stories of trauma transformation, the significance of mentorship in spiritual growth, and the delicate balance between individuality and oneness. Her candid perspective illuminates how embracing past traumas can lead to a richer understanding of existence.

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Joffe is a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, specializing in householder teachers and Nagpa rituals, while Katherine Bennett is a non-dual therapist with expertise in transpersonal and Buddhist psychology. They dive into the practice of tantrik sādhanā today, discussing the blend of academic rigour with personal spiritual journeys. They explore the role of initiation, the necessity of a guru, and the evolving nature of tantric practices amid globalization. The conversation emphasizes authentic engagement with traditions and the community's pivotal role in the spiritual journey.

Explore the essence of non-dual Shaiva Tantra, where the alignment of view, practice, and goal shapes a transformative journey. Delve into the threefold objectives of awakening, liberation, and enjoyment, discovering how a clarified awareness fosters true freedom. Gain insights on integrating body, mind, and spirit to enhance practice and avoid common pitfalls. This exploration invites you to uncover reality's nature, emphasizing that true existence is a divine expression waiting to be recognized.

In a captivating discussion, Shamil Chandaria, a visionary philanthropist and academic, dives into the links between meditation, neuroscience, and consciousness. He explores how personal meditation experiences shape our reality and the scientific challenges of understanding consciousness. The concept of the 'avatar' as a survival tool is unpacked, alongside insights into how perception is influenced by internal simulations, particularly through psychedelics. Shamil eloquently connects these ideas to both modern science and ancient philosophies, urging a metaphysically humble view of existence.

Ralph Cree, a seasoned traveler and scholar of Central Asian and ancient Indian religions, delves into spiritual misconceptions in contemporary culture. He and his guest explore the core themes of his book, addressing the nuances lost in modern spirituality. They discuss the distinction between genuine non-dual tantra and its misinterpretations, emphasizing the need for deep engagement with spiritual teachings. The conversation also contrasts meditation and psychedelics in achieving heightened consciousness, advocating for self-awareness and personal growth on the path to enlightenment.

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.

Ruben Laukkonen, an accomplished researcher in meditation and altered states of consciousness, shares his transformative journey from a skeptical childhood to spiritual awakening. He explores the profound impact of intense meditation, emphasizing the illusory nature of suffering and the bliss of awareness. Discussions also touch on the balance between joy and suffering, the significance of impermanence, and collective enlightenment. He advocates for engaging with emotions authentically, revealing how interconnectedness can enhance our understanding of spiritual truths.