ARTICLES
INTRODUCTION TO TANTRA YOGA
WHAT IS VINYASA—AND WHY DOES IT MATTER
THE MODERN SEPARATION BETWEEN YOGA AND TANTRA
TANTRA & ARTISTIC CREATIVITY
FREEDOM & DESIRE
CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY TANTRA
TANTRA IN INDIA
WHAT IS VINYASA—AND WHY DOES IT MATTER
Since the early twentieth century, the term Vinyasa has been used by both Indian and Western Yoga teachers to describe a dynamic style of Hatha Yoga. Throughout the practice, movement is synchronised with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm of breathing, while each posture flows into the next through smooth transitions.
Among its many benefits, Vinyasa also happens to be an excellent form of physical exercise, which largely explains its growing popularity in yoga studios as well as fitness centres around the world since the 1990s.
That does not mean, however, that Vinyasa is merely a superficial or aesthetically driven practice.
Less widely known is that ‘Vinyasa’ is originally a Tantric term in the proper sense. That is it appears in those ancient Indian scriptures known as the Tantras, from which the whole tradition of Yoga ultimately derives.
In that context, its meaning is actually broader. Vinyasa Krama refers to the correct sequence of ritual actions that supports spiritual evolution—something quite beyond modern Western mentality… Even so, it proves that the integration of movement, posture and breath has been considered fundamental to the success of Yoga practice since its earliest origins.
A little proper practice will indeed shred any doubts:
The serious mobilisation of the spine, the subtle muscular actions known as bandhas, and the hypnotic rhythm of the breath combine to make Vinyasa one of the most effective ways of awakening the legendary Kundalini.
KUNDALINI SHAKTI
Revered for millennia as a mystical energy, Kundalini Shakti, the great Serpent Energy, could be simply described—excuse the understatement—as a sweet tingling along the central axis of the body. When it becomes fully awaken, however, it reveals itself as an intelligent presence—a kind of second mind.
Becoming consciously aware of this hidden dimension of our existence transforms our relationship with reality. We begin to experience ourselves as part of a universal Being that flows through every living creature in exactly the same way—from a jellyfish to a horse to a tree.
Ascetics, shamans, seers and mystics from every culture and every age have spoken of this presence in remarkably similar terms, and in the classical texts of Hatha Yoga it occupies centre stage.
This may lead some people to believe that awakening Kundalini is the ultimate goal of Yoga. In reality, it is something even more fundamental: the beginning.
In short, there’s neither Tantra nor Yoga without Kundalini—just some elaborate mental wanking.
VARIATIONS IN PRACTICE
Vinyasa is also famous for the spectacular feats of its advanced devotees—particularly in schools such as Mysore’s Ashtanga Vinyasa—where the practice may include extreme backbends, arm balances, jumps and inversions.
For naturally athletic people, or those with previous experience in disciplines such as dance, gymnastics or martial arts, this can be a motivation booster.
For others, however, this high performance fame may result nothing but intimidating.
For this reason, Lubhe’s approach is to adjust the intensity of Vinyasa across the five retreat levels.
We start out with a mild, pleasant flow, accessible to anyone in reasonable shape, and reise the challenge as we go.
This does not mean that participants attending higher-level retreats are expected to have an advanced Vinyasa practice. Progress always depends on each individual's commitment, dedication and needs.
What changes over time is the relationship that develops between student and teacher, allowing the practice to be tailored more and more precisely to the individual—following the example of the most recognized Vinyasa Yoga master Sri T. Krishnamacharya.