TANTRA 
April-December 2020
Tantra is an ancient branch of Yogic science for awakening to the sacredness of life. Greatly misunderstood in the West, Tantra (“to weave, to expand beyond limitation”) is a vast spiritual system of philosophy and practice intended to help humanity realize greater freedom, empowerment and enjoyment in life. Tantra is rooted in the understanding that there is a singular, all pervading reality which has two primary aspects: Consciousness (Shiva, the transcendent aspect of the divine, eternal, illimitable consciousness that is the ground of Being) Creative Power/Energy (Shakti, the immanent force of the divine, from which the entire universe, in all its diversity and multiplicity manifests)
Tantra sees life as a profound gift and human beings as living temples of shakti, composed of the same creative force from which the universe was born. Our bodies, energies, mind and heart are tremendous tools for awakening and realizing freedom, empowerment and enjoyment in this life. With ancient roots that have continued to grow, Tantra is very much a living tradition. Its inclusive, life-affirming worldview and powerful practices are said to be the best system of yoga for our modern age. Much of what we have come to know as Yoga actually has deep roots in Tantra, including: asana, pranayama, cleansing practices, mudra, mantra, chakras, kundalini, yoga nidra, kriya, many forms of meditation, ritual and more.
This unique nine month program is a deep dive into the living tradition of Tantra – intended for those who have completed yoga studies or comprehensive teacher trainings, study and practice and want to go deeper. The program will include master classes, guided home study and practice, personal guidance and support, weekend residential retreat, opportunity to receive initiation in the Himalayan Tradition, guest teachers and more.
Master Classes will consist of Dharma talk (teaching), discussion and practice.
Weeknight/ Weekend Program: The program will begin in April 2020. It will be a combination of two Tuesday nights / month (6-8:45p) and one weekend day (Sun. 10-5). There will also be a full weekend retreat at at the Himalayan Institue in Honesdale, PA Sept 17-20. Program Dates: April: Sun. 5, Tues, 7, 21 May: Sun. 3, Tues. 5, 19 June: Sun. 7, Tues. 9, 23 July: Sun. 12, Tues. 21 August: Sun. 9, Tues. 11, 18 September: Tues. 1, 15, Sun. 20 October: Sun. 18, Tues. 20 (Possibly 4-7 for retreat in Ely) November: Sun. 1, Tues. 10, 17 December: Sun. 6, Tues. 1, 15
Residential Retreat – Pilgrimage to a Living Tradition Himalayan Institute – Honesdale, PA Sept. 17-20, 2020 Set amidst the rolling hills and mountains of the Pocnoco Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania, The Himalayan Institute (HI) is an international non-profit whose mission is “To inspire, educate, and empower all who seek to experience their full potential.” It does this through transmitting the Wisdom of the Himalayan Tradition (Yoga/ Sri Vidya Tantra) and global humanitarian work. Founded in 1971 by Sri Swami Rama, it is a vibrant yogic community, ashram, publishing, residential and retreat center distinguished by its authentic, living connection to the ancient wisdom tradition of the Himalayan Masters.
The Himalayan Institute’s picturesque 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and peaceful spaces for reflection and contemplation. It also home to the PureRejuv wellness center (Ayurvedic Services and Massage), Sri Vidya Shrine (image below), Sacred Grove Cafe, Himalayan Institute Bookstore + Press, Moka Origins bean to bar speciality Coffee and Chocolate (Yum! Tantra…delighting in the senses :-), and Yoga International.
Our retreat will focus on the Himalayan Tradition / Sri Vidya Tantra, consisting of:
-Daily group practice + teachings -Personal meditation and chanting in the Sri Vidya Shrine -Living and meals in the Himalayan Institute community -Free time for reflection, hiking, Ayurvedic treatments, massage, etc. -The opportunity to receive initiation into the Himalayan Tradition Lineage thru receiving a personal mantra.
Our in-depth study will include:
Essential Teachings + Practices of Tantra:
- What is Tantra? How does it relate to the Yogic tradition?
- History of Tantra: Periods, Types, traditions and its evolution
- Why is Tantra the appropriate practice for modern yogis
- The paths of Tantra: Right and Left Handed, Internal, External and Mixed
- Study of Traditional Tantric texts, philosophies and chants
- Essential Tantric Texts of Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gherand Samhita
- Sun, Moon, Fire: Hatha Yoga for awakening the forces of prana, mind and kundalini
- Training in Essential Tantric Practices Including:
- Asana (posture)
- Ayurvedic diet + lifestyle
- Shatkarma (cleansing practices)
- Pranayama (energetic breathwork)
- Mudra (Sacred gesture)/ Bandha ( Energetic seals)
- Tantric Meditation: Kriya (Active forms of meditation), Laya (The yoga of dissolution), Mantra Japa and more
- Mantra + Chanting (invocation of sacred vibration)
- Yantra (sacred geometry)
- Yoga Nidra (awakening through deep rest)
- Sacred Ritual + pilgrimage
- Diksha: Initiation into the Himalayan Tradition through receiving a personal Mantra
- Teachings and practices for the energetic body
- Chakras: The vortexes of Consciousness and Energy
- The Heart Lotus – the ultimate place of pilgrimage
- Swara Yoga, Nadis and Marma: Energetic rives and confluences in the body
- Kundalini Shakti: Awakening your life to the power of the infinite
- Granthis + Karma: The obstacle is the way
- The Tantric Understanding of Divinity and ultimate reality
- The living mythology of Tantra: Dieties, Gods and Goddesses as Shakti
- Guest teachers (Indu Arora: Vijnana Bhairav, Chanti Tacoronte Perez: Yantra, Rolf Sovik: Initiation and the Himalayan Tradition)
Your Investment: Program Tuition + Payment Option
Full Price – $2850. (Paid in full by the beginning of the program )
Early Registration Discount – $2695. (Paid In full by Feb 15)
***Books, retreat travel and accommodations are additional expenses. If you are interested in participating in the program, but are unable to attend or afford the retreat at the Himalayan Institute, you may attend the Fall Immersion in Ely, MN Oct 4-7, 2020 as an alternative. Space is in this program is limited and will be allotted in the order which deposit ($300) is received. Once accepted, your deposit is non-refundable, and will be applied toward the cost of the program.
Payment plans are available through Paypal Credit. This option is the cost of tuition + a 4% credit card fee. You would then have 6 months to pay paypal without interest. Please email [email protected] or visit paypal credit for more information about payment plans.
To register, please submit a $300 deposit via:
Venmo (@ben-vincent-9) Check or cash in person or via mail to:
Ben Vincent 5354 40th Ave S. Mpls., Mn 55417
Please note there will be a 4% fee for all credit card payments to cover the additional cost of credit card fees.
