The Love Dance of Shiva & Shakti 

The basic premise of Kashmiri Shaivism states that Reality is ultimately one though appearing as two. In the same way that a single coin has two sides yet is one thing, ‘all that is‘ seemingly appears  as two components. These are the manifest and the un-manifest, or otherwise stated; energy and consciousness.

In Tantra, consciousness is known as Shiva and energy is Shakti. Shiva is therefore pure, un-manifested latency without form or shape. A void which is paradoxically pregnant with undivulged life.

This still and silent potentiality can be encountered within the human experience as a state where no thought is present, no sensation is present and no sense of individual self is present; an intuition of pure being where all that remains is a deep, intimate sense of universality with no centre.

Analogously, we could say that consciousness / Shiva is like an unmoving, unchanging observer, a silent witness to his own boundlessness. Shiva is the ultimate ground of all reality whereby all forms of vibration are his expressions. Just as the sun is not separate from its rays, ultimate reality is not separate from its manifestation. Reality is therefore both luminous and self aware.

For this reason Shiva and Shakti are depicted as lovers in eternal sexual union. A beautiful, distinctive emblem that depicts the central Tantrik concept of Prakasha / Vimarsha.

Prakasha relates to Shiva and means the Light of Consciousness and Vimarsha relates to Shakti and is the Power of Self-Awareness. Vimarsha implies that we are reflections or representations of pure consciousness.

It is worth noting that without humans and the myriad other expressions of creation, Shiva is as though lame, inert; without limbs through which he can experience the joy of Being.

According to the Tantrik philosophy, thought, matter and everything we can perceive through the five senses, including the electrical currents that we feel moving through our bodies, is a love-dance of Shiva and Shakti.

Clearly then Tantra is a life embracing, celebratory philosophy that includes all of creation and the Tantrik practices likewise embrace all of life.

Perhaps the most well known of all yoga scriptures are the Yoga Sutras. Here, the sage Patañjali lays out the steps to reach the highest stages of consciousness. When looked at the text from a tantric view, it has hidden messages that help to accelerate the process and make it more accessible to all.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutra is an ancient Sanskrit yogic text that is globally recognized as an infallible guide to discovering the eternal joy and ultimate freedom that is the birthright of every human being. It is believed to have been written about 2000 years ago(though the timeline is disputed). This comprehensive scripture on yoga consists of four sections, exploring the subjects of samadhi (super conscious experience), sadhana (spiritual practice), vibhuti (benefits and yogic powers), and kaivalya (supreme liberation). The aim is to understand how these ancient teachings can be practiced and applied in modern life. 

Essentially, the Yoga Sutras organizes the philosophical ideas of the day into a central structure. Sutra means 'thread', and each sutra represents one thread in the rich and complex tapestry that is yoga. The threads are drawn together through four chapters: Contemplation, Practice, Accomplishments, and Absoluteness. They take the reader through an explanation of the theory of yoga, the practical methods for achieving enlightenment, the development of supernatural powers as a result of practice, and the nature of final liberation and the transcendental self. You may already be reaching for your pinch of salt, but if you allow your mind to remain open, there are some valuable insights to be gained…

“We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing? 136-137” – The Yoga Sutras

A yantra is the visual pattern that embodies the energy of a deity, the visual reverberation of its cosmic power. The mantra and yantra of a deity are the same essence embodied in different forms. Below is the Surya Sun Yantra.

Explore with us the ancient magical meditative revelations of the Yantra! This class will be led by Sharene Shamana Ma.

Yantras are diagrams that are composed of geometrical patterns that are used to visualize mantras, and are claimed to be encapsulations of a deity or power in tantric ritual. Practitioners of yantra believe the diagrams create a religious energy field in which the sacred powers can be invoked. They are typically drawn on paper, metal, or rock surfaces.

Three-dimensional yantras also exist; they can be as small as an object that fits in your hand or may be as large as a building. Because of the complexity of composition, any rearrangement of the shapes or mantras used in the yantra creates a completely new yantra.

The word yantra stems from the word ‘yam,’ meaning to hold or control the energy of an object or element, which is often used in the building of something. The term has been extended into religious tradition as tools of ritual and meditation. Mantras and yantras are used together as tools in tantric ritual to achieve liberation.

Tantra followers believe the symbols composing a yantra diagram hold little meaning by themselves, as the yantra must be understood in its entirety. Through ritual and meditation the cosmos, deity, and mantra are all inseparably joined to one in yantra. Fusion of three principles: form, function, and power, is thought to compose a yantra. The shapes that often compose a yantra (triangle, square, circle, etc.) are the most basic forms that the universe is deduced to.

In the Tantra tradition, ritual is an outer form of spiritual discipline that gives away to inner form of contemplation needed to meditate. Yantra meditation is often combined with classical techniques of classical Yoga meditation by gaining perfect control of one’s mind to control all thought processes. A yantra provides a powerful tool to focus one’s consciousness. It is only after complete control over conscious thought that the yantra meditations lead on to symbolic revelation.

Below: The ten Mahavidyas, or Wisdom Goddesses, represent distinct aspects of divinity intent on guiding the spiritual seeker toward liberation: Kali, Tara, Lalita Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Baghlamukhi, Matangi, Kamala. We added: Durga.

The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Krishna, "the Lord of Yoga," and Arjuna, the reluctant warrior, wherein Krishna explains the nature of the Self, divinity, and the universe. In this explanation, Krishna discusses many critical ideas, some of which are central to his teachings.

Relationship between the Self and the Divine

Almost every chapter discusses in detail the importance of the relationship between the Self and God, or the divine. In the particular teachings Krishna advocates, the Self and the divine are one and the same. This concept is called Advaita, or nondual. Krishna imparts to Arjuna that God permeates all beings in the universe. The "Self" is called atman in Sanskrit and in English loosely means "soul." This Self within each being is ultimately a piece, or spark, of God encased in a body. When the body falls away and all the karma built up from many lifetimes is released, the soul/Self returns to its original form as God. Consequently, Krishna tries to teach Arjuna the importance of deeply understanding the nature of the Self and its relationship with divinity.

Simply believing that the Self and God are one and the same is not quite what Krishna is talking about. People can hold this belief but not change their way of living or interacting with the sensory world. Krishna tells Arjuna about the primary yogic paths to understanding this union so as to transform completely the way a person exists in the world. This kind of understanding can be explained as an epiphany, or a spiritual awakening. It goes beyond simple knowledge and requires total transformation of a person's being. This interpretation and many others of the Bhagavad Gita translate this kind of transformational knowledge as "wisdom." The person who has reached this state of wisdom through yoga is a sage, or a master yogi. The devotee develops a serene mind, treats all beings equally, and experiences daily life without attachment. Someone who has achieved this state is less likely to be reborn when the physical body dies.

One can free oneself from the cycle of suffering and rebirth through several types of yoga, all of which require devoted meditation. Only through disciplining the mind through meditation can a person reach an understanding of the Self and God. Although a devotee may meditate while studying scripture or doing right action, the ability to focus the mind is critical in any yogic path. Krishna stresses the virtue of self-discipline because it is necessary for schooling the mind into the committed meditation that will transform a person. To comprehend the Self, a person must learn to let go of sensory experiences and remain unattached to desire. People who are blown about by their senses, bodily whims, longings, and emotions cannot achieve the required stillness. The Self is ultimately unaffected by all these things and is ever present. Yoga allows one to be anchored in this larger Self that is unchanging and timeless. A person attached to a physical body and trapped by feelings and desires that produce an endless cycle of suffering lacks this joyous freedom. The only way out of this cycle is to realize the true nature of the Self. Krishna leads the way for Arjuna's fulfillment by teaching him how to commit his heart and mind to the yoga of action.

Path of Right Action

One of the yogic paths Krishna introduces in the Bhagavad Gita is the path of "right action," also called karma yoga. Along with the path of devotion called bhakti yoga, karma yoga is the primary path Krishna advocates in this text. He also praises the path of knowledge, or jnana yoga, which encourages the study of scriptures as well as the guidance of a guru, or teacher, in meditation and study. However, knowledge is not Arjuna's path, for he is a warrior and best suited to the action of karma yoga. Additionally, because those yoga students on the path of knowledge must engage in some action as embodied beings, right action is critical in all paths. Krishna places strong emphasis on the path of right action throughout the Gita. He also emphasizes that none of the paths is truly exclusive of the others. No matter which type of yoga is best aligned with a person's nature, the person can benefit from integrating it with the others. This is why Krishna teaches Arjuna in detail about the yoga of devotion and the yoga of knowledge while guiding him toward the yoga of action.

The yoga of right action, or karma yoga, features two elements of primary importance. The first is the concept of doing only what action must be done, in accordance with a person's duty, or dharma. Depending on which incarnation and part of society a person is born into, they have a moral obligation to fulfill in life. Roughly speaking, this obligation is their dharma. Arjuna's dharma is to be a warrior. Arjuna's actions, performed in alignment with his dharma to fight as a warrior, are called right actions. The second element of right action is detachment from the results of one's actions. Detachment, or nonattachment, is critical to all yogic paths. Arjuna must be detached from the outcome of a given action, in this case fighting. Thus, whatever action a person is called to perform must be done with a disciplined mind and detachment from outcomes. Krishna explains a devotee must be acting for the sake of doing one's duty through action. This is the true meaning of service through karma yoga, considered by Krishna as "selfless action" or "right action."

Path of Devotion

Some schools of thought consider the path of devotion, or bhakti yoga, to be separate from karma yoga or jnana yoga. However, in the Bhagavad Gita Krishna insists on devotion, or love for God, as an integral part of any yogic path. He tells Arjuna that some people can achieve enlightenment from meditation on the "unmanifest" God, or universal consciousness. A person dedicated to this abstract route can become a sage, but the path is more difficult than the others. The path of devotion requires the yoga student to meditate lovingly on God/Krishna while studying the scriptures or performing right actions. Basically, the yoga of devotion puts the focus on a personal relationship with a particular manifestation of God, such as Krishna. When someone following bhakti yoga either studies scriptures or does right action, the focus is pure love and devotion to Krishna (or any manifestation of God). In this way, a devotee focuses on love of God to achieve separation from the cycle of suffering. Because Krishna and Arjuna have a close relationship in the Gita, Krishna encourages Arjuna to take the path of loving Krishna and worshipping him through all his actions.

We recommend: (Eknath Easwaran is my favorite)

Bhagavad Gita App: FREE

Unveiling the Many Faces of  SHAKTI:

Emotional. Ecstatic. Embodied. 

Personal. Powerful. Presence.

Sensual. Somatic. Surrender.

Feminine. Flowing. Free.

Embody Temple Dance is spiritual catharsis, a deep unraveling and a profound sacred act of devotion in motion. Empty completely. Fill as you will.

It is an invitation into embracing and embodying what is alive right here inside the temple of our bodies and the deep wisdom and emotions that are ready to be heard, felt, and moved with and through.

Our hope is that you find nourishment and inspiration here, and that we can serve to ignite your true power and purpose, assisting in awakening you to your authentic embodied potential.

May we find beauty in every moment of the agony and ecstasy of this life. May we be well and awake enough to recognize, seek, and FEEL this beauty. May all acts be acts of worship, all words be spells of light, all intentions be prayers of compassion and love.

Embody Temple  Dance is a somatic and spiritual movement language and practice that has emerged through the alchemical combination of Tantric energy healing, shamanism and yoga modalities with trauma-informed somatic education to support people in unraveling patterns of fear and shame and awaken to your birthright of worth, boundless love, and the ever-expansive aliveness inherent in every human being.

Reveal your many selves to your Self. "Calling in all soul parts across space and time to be embodied here now. May all reflected rays of the Divine Sun shine and illuminate back to the Holy ONE."

In this guided movement journey we will unwind, unravel, shake & embrace, rest & surrender. We open to be guided BY HER GRACE, in Holy Love.

"Shakti, reveling in her own bliss, pours herself forth as the Universe. " Maheshwarananda

The feminine intuition is the difference between knowledge and knowing.

Goddess Shakti is the Divine Mother and each of her aspects is expressed with a different name, giving her over a hundred names in Hindu lore, and in other lands so many, many more.

The Tantras affirm that the divine is to be found within each personalized aspect of the individual self, that the visionary process is the most direct way of experiencing the divinity within. By visualization and introspection, the self can be taken out of time limitations and moved into a place of existence in the eternal present.

“Enthrone the great mother goddess in the Center of your heart and let her rule your life with her great love.” - Nubia Teixeira

As BHAKTA SHAKTAS, our embodied devotional offerings are all for the love of "she who is power", for "SHE"/SHAKTI, and the manifest essence of all creation. If Shiva is the fire, Shakti is the power to burn. If Shiva is water, Shakti is the essence of wetness. We know this world though the lens of Shakti. We know this world through her womb and through the MANY FACES OF SHAKTI we assume.

Shakti is the female principle, sacred force, or empowerment.  From mother nurturers to destroyers, from knowledge to wealth, they encompass every aspect of the physical and spiritual realm.

SHAKTI is the Woman and BHAKTI is the Mother.

Bhakti is embodied devotion to the divine deity within. Bhakti is Holy Love(love for love's sake) and devotion that engages emotion, intellect, mantras, singing, dance, mudras, movement, ritual, breath, dharana(concentration) and a complete celebration of surrender to the ishta deva/devata, cherished divinity, of one's favorite deity. Bhakti means the path of loving devotion to a particular god/dess or deity, which, it is believed, leads to salvation or nirvana. From the Sanskrit root word bhaj, meaning "to adore or worship God/dess," bhakti forms one of the paths of yoga: Bhakti yoga.

Shakti is the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe. Shakti is the personification of the energy that is creative, sustaining, as well as destructive, sometimes referred to as auspicious source energy.

As the Shakti or Creatrix, She is known as "Adi Shakti" or "Adi Para Shakti" (i.e., Primordial Inconceivable Energy). On every plane of creation, energy manifests itself into all forms of matter. These are all thought to be infinite forms of the Para Shakti. But Her true form is unknown, and beyond human understanding. She is Anaadi (with no beginning, no ending) and Nitya (forever).

"Shakti is the mystery of Life, she is the lap of mercy and holds the key of liberation." - Nubia

From her, from Shakti, spring The Many Faces of Shakti. She is the Tridevi Shakti, as Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, also known as Creation(MahaSaraswati)-Preserver(MahaLakshmi)-Destroyer(MahaKali).

She is Sati, and from Sati sprang the Dasa Mahavidyas, the ten aspects/wisdom goddesses of Parashakti. Shakti is Durga, she is Annapurna, Amma, Devi, and more. Each Face of Shakti, manifest as distinct cosmic personalities, with different character attributes and different ways of guiding us to liberation.

Our Bhakti Shakti classes are devoted to HER, where we will be honoring, embodying and exploring all of HER, THE MANY FACES OF SHAKTI. We will embrace shadow and light on the Goddess path to wholeness.

I personally go on detoxification cleanses regularly. One of the most important components of these is to cleanse the emotional body. We are what we eat, what we think, what we feel and what we express. Jesus said, "It's not what goes into one's mouth that makes them impure, it's what comes out of it."

Our words create reality. Add strong passions and emotions to these words, and they magnify that which is being created. In this course, we will learn to how to clear out our internal garden from all the weeds and debris, that we may get to grow and smell the roses!