Tantra Illuminated with Dr. Christopher Wallis

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

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

Discover the three stages of awakening based on ancient tantric texts, emphasizing the transition from identifying with thoughts to connecting with essence nature. Explore intense manifestations of awakening and unresolved issues as natural phases. Delve into stabilizing the first phase, emphasizing self-acceptance and freedom from attachment. Focus on unity consciousness, dissolution of the self, and merging into absolute potential. Highlight the significance of the initial phase in the awakening process.

In this enlightening discussion, philosopher Bernardo Kastrup, a leading voice in metaphysical idealism, explores the essence of consciousness and its role in shaping reality. He draws fascinating parallels between Tantric Shaivism and modern idealism, revealing how both perspectives see reality as fundamentally mental. Kastrup recounts his journey through philosophy and science, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings. The conversation also dives into the challenges of perception, the nature of empathy, and how our cultural narratives shape our reality.

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

Andrew Holecek, an acclaimed author and spiritual teacher, dives deep into the intersection of Tantrik Shaivism and Buddhism. He explores the transformative potential of hyperlucid dreams and discusses the intricacies of spiritual awakening. The conversation highlights the balance between contraction and relaxation on the spiritual path, the significance of cultural translation, and the nature of consciousness. Holecek also critiques the oversimplification of spiritual concepts and emphasizes the importance of authentic experiences for true awakening.

Exploring the essence of achieving spiritual goals through Nondual Shaiva Tantra, discussing the diversity of tantric teachings, clear seeing and direct pointing in spiritual practices, refining understanding on the spiritual path, cultivating discernment in yoga practices, exploring non-conceptual depths of human relationships, engaging the mind in spiritual practice.

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 GuruCorinne G. Dempsey, The Goddess Lives in Upstate New YorkAYP InternationalŚrīVidyā.orgPaul Muller-OrtegaChinmaya MissionMahāvatāra BābājīAtmananda Krishna MenonMore 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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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