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AYUR YOGA ECO ASHRAM IN MYSORE
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Shri Kali Ashram was inspired by Shri Ma Kristina. She was impressed with Bhagavan Shanmukha's knowledge of Tantra and the secret traditions (Rahasya Sampradāya), and realized that unless steps were taken to preserve it, the whole traditional outlook on the science and culture of Tantra Yoga would be lost. Thus she supported and actually inspired Bhagavan to start Shri Kali Ashram.
Shri Kali Ashram has produced many excellent teachers with superior understanding and realization of the philosophy, science and culture of Tantricism. It has also put out two unique books explaining the science of Tantra and its unique source, the Veda: Divine Initiation and Third Eye of the Buddhist by Bhagavan Shanmukha & Shri Ma Kristina.
We offer initiation into the Left-hand (Vāma) and Right-hand (Dakṣiṇa) Tantras, Kula, Kaula, Krama, Akula, and Trika. Our initiations are not just empty ceremonies, but actual initiation, based on knowledge and mastery of the tradition. Shri Kali Ashram is one of the last remaining centers that one can visit to understand the differences between these doctrines. Our students master all aspects of Tantric philosophy including meditation, mantra, mudrā, chakra / kuṇḍalinī and Tantric sexuality for couples and interested individuals. To advanced students, we teach the relevance and importance of ritual practice. We teach based on where you are at!
Shaivism is a monistic (advaita) science that teaches integration and oneness with the auspicious Divine known as Shiva. This concept of wholesomeness is reflected in all our teachings. Tantra is not an academic philosophy, but a life practice. Since you can't separate the mind from the body, before you can learn to meditate, one must first achieve harmony within one's body. Tantrics see the body as an expression of the soul, not just a physical shell. Thus we offer a unique traditional system of āsanas, prāṇāyāma and bandhas to train the body, mind and subtle energy system (nāḍis). Through our āsanas, students not only build strength and flexibility, but also energy, grace, fluidity and inner harmony. Our unique teaching style enables our students to master their āsanasand meditation in a short time. In Tantra Yoga, āsanas take you to deeper meditation. We emphasize on meditation (Dhāraṇā / Dhyāna / Bhāvanā / Samādhi) to enable students to attain oneness with the Divine self.
At Shri Kali Ashram, we do not teach from translations or modern studies. We use the original Sanskrit texts, interpreted through the traditional learning handed down by generations of Tantrics (paramparā). We illustrate the accuracy of interpretation with existing Sanskrit Vedic, Śaiva and Tantric texts. This statement itself will startle many who are only familiar with a reading from Orientalism. Many of us are not aware that the various Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava and Tantra teachings are specific expressions of the Veda (cf. Divine Initiation and Third Eye of the Buddhist).
We teach Sanskrit to allow our students direct access to the ancient texts. Modern translations are often faulty—done by scholars with no real understanding of the material. In addition, many of the most important texts of Tantra have yet to be fully translated i.e. Shiras-cheda or Jayadratha-yāmala by Jayadratha, Tantrāloka,Tantrasāra, Tantra-sat-bhāva, Mahārthamañjuri, Svacchanda-tantra, Siddha-yogeśvarī-mata-tantra, Mālinīvijayottara-tantra,Mālinīvijayavārtika with commentary by Kṣemarāja, Rudra-yāmala-tantra, Netra-tantra, Tantrarāja-tantra, Prapañchasāra-tantra,Tripurā-rahasya (the various commentaries by Aṃrtānanda, Śivānanda, Bhāskararāya, and Jayaratha), Śaktisaṇgama-tantra,Prāṇatoshiṇī-tantra, and the Saundarya-laharī. No single text encompasses the whole of the Tantric science. Thus it is important to learn from a traditional ācārya (teacher) who is well read in the entire science. Sanskrit is also a crucial part of mantra and ritual. Singing a mantra out of context and without understanding is like singing ‘E=mc²’. By just singing ‘E=mc²’, you will not understand quantum physics. Similarly, just singing ‘Om’ leads nowhere! Mantras are to be correctly learned and understood.
As students go deeper into the study of Tantra at Shri Kali Ashram, the system unfolds itself to them in ever-increasing insights. As such, a longer course of study is recommended.
We have structured our long-term courses to cater to individual time-frames, as we realize that it is often difficult to get away long periods of time for study. You can join the long-term courses at any time. For those aspiring to be Tantric teachers or adopt the Tantric lifestyle, we recommend a minimum of six months intensive study. This time-frame allows one to truly immerse oneself in the system, allowing time to fully relax, integrate and appreciate the intricacies of the teachings. As the body and mind are brought into harmony, the student is able to move past limitations into a full and meaningful life.
The difference between 6 and 12 months courses is the depth and quality you will reach.
Benefits of Joining for our Long Term Courses:
Overall health: In our school of tantra, through the regular practice of ?sanas, pr???y?ma, and bandhas you will effect changes in you energetic body (prana/chi field) which will bring about health and vitality to physical body, sexuality, emotions, mentality, and spirituality.
Sexuality: Tantra understands sexuality to be a foundational aspect of existence, hence healing any disharmony there will produce benefits throughout all aspects of life. The whole idea is for you to become a complete being (jivanmukti) with no psychological deficits so that you can appreciate a total relationship and life. Tantra teaches you to live this moment in totality. In 6 months practice you can bring about health in your sexuality. With 12 month study you can better understand the inner workings of the energetic (prana) system in order to help others and be more precise with yourself.
Lifestyle: By participating long term in our community, you will be able to experience and adopt a wholistic lifestyle. Live according to timeless principles for health and happiness.
Mental health: When your chi or prana system is imbalanced, it shows that the coordination and interaction between your inner systems are poor and manifests as lack of energy, lack of health, lack of mental health (depression, anxiety, stress, hypertension, insomnia, bipolar etc). Living in this state builds a pattern which convinces many they are have fundamental psychological deficits. However when the energy system (prana/chi) is brought into balance, these symptoms vanish.
Philosophy: There has been a big interest in the Trika system, Advaita, and non-dualism. Bhagavan teaches the full aspect of schools of thought, not from the academic point of view (inherently colonialist), but from a genuine Traditional Tantric perspective. The academics have their own readings but the Traditional Tantrics like Bhagavan Shanmukha and Ma Kristina offer here the wholistic perspective of Advaita as one total ideology not just of India, but present throughout the whole ancient world.
Self-Knowledge: With education and meditation you will come to a deeper understanding of yourself and others and your relationship to the world. This will change your worldview.
Self-Love: Self-care is the fundamental builder of self-love. In tantra we care for the physical, emotional, sexual body, mental, and chi bodies (puryastaka). We do this through our practices and our lifestyle. Tantra understands each being as precious. Studying tantra goes beyond repeating common platitudes and affirmations, and allows you to really understand and appreciate your valuable, unique and interconnected existence. This will transform the way you live your life.
Authentic Action: If you wish to share healthy wholistic practices with others as a teacher or in your personal relationships, it is best to have it deeply integrated for yourself. Long term courses will allow you to do this authentically.
Direct Guidance: You will receive individual guidance from long term teachers, Bhagavan Shanmukha and Ma Kristina.
