Tantra
The Tantra philosophy that I try to live by,
and encourage others to live by,
is that of Surrender.
This extends naturally to the practise of Yoga.
Some say that at the top level of Yogic philosophy, there starts Tantra.
And yet, the Avadhutta Gita exquisitely expresses the beautiful way of Non-Duality..."The Song of the Ever-Free".
This Classical Yoga text is absolutely in tune with Tantric philosophy,
especially that taught by Osho.
So in Yoga Classes I always try to encourage people to LET GO.
Let Go...of their need to achieve.
Let Go...of their need for Perfection.
Let Go...of their muscles, and even their Mind.
Let go...of Expectation.
Let Go...of Fear.
Even...Let Go...of Yoga.
It needs to be acknowledged that not all Tantra relates to Surrender.
There are many schools of Tantric thought.
I am simply expressing my own version of it.
One Tantric practice I love to do is the manipulation of the flows of energy
during a Yoga Class. I like to build energies and pressures up,
and then let them drop down. This rhythm can be repeated
in so many ways, with so many variations,
yet the concept is always the same.
Building up, Dropping down.
This leads to an incredibly deep Meditative State,
very dreamy, and deep relaxation.
If you ever have the desire to specifically try this during my classes,
then please just ask. It is great to talk about these things
during the session too, and I encourage people to open up to ideas.
Particularly with Yoga for Children, the Tantra philosophy flows beautifully.
I really try not to control the kids, rather, to let them do whatever they want.
Hopefully they will remain interested in the practices,
but it is best for me not to have a fixed idea of how the class should go.
If they suddenly want to do a particular pose, then it is best to do that.
By not seeking to control them, and just play with them,
I can perhaps create a trust with them that I will not just be another adult,
like their teachers at school or their parents,
so often telling them what to do and what to think.
Naturally, they will test me! It is not easy!!
So when I teach adults, the philosophy runs the same.
I like to challenge expectations and pre-conceived ideas,
not just about Yoga, but about health, communication, and the Mind.
I like to expose my own flaws, narrow-mindedness, presumptions,
inappropriate behaviour too. Because it seems to me that
the Yoga teacher is an equal also, imperfect, still learning,
not some ideal model for people.
Then I feel we are getting closer to YOGA.
Anyway, these are all just ideas. Things change.
I would describe my Yogic expression as Tantric.
Others may describe it differently!!
For greater Insight into what I mean, I have written a small book:
Ideas about Yoga.
This best explains the Philosophy of Land of Yoga!
Namaste.
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