If you have done even a little bit of exploration of an authentic Tantrik tradition, you know that the Guru-disciple relationship is the central practice.

Yes, we work with mantra and yantra. We practice kriya yoga and ayurvedic self-care. We do dream practice, mind training and nonconceptual meditation. But the heart of everything is Guru Yoga.

Guru Yoga means working with the teacher to awaken within yourself a memory of the natural state. Then you use your practices to develop your connection to that transmission and make it your own home.

Most of us need a teacher who has walked the path before us and can guide us. Otherwise, we may take long detours, or fall into a ditch of fixation masquerading as real understanding.

But how can we find a good teacher? This is a question I get more than any other. (more…)

Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati

Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati took Mahasamadhi on December 5th, 2009 in Rikhia, India.  He was a great disciple of Swami Sivanananda of Rishikesh, a Guru to thousands and the founder of the Bihar School of Yoga among other prominent and beneficial institutions.

Update: Worldwide sadhana for Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati described in full at The Atma Center.

(more…)

Paramahamsas and Simon Eugene

In November 2007, song writer and  filmmaker Simon Eugene went off to India in search of Paramahamsa Swami Satyananda. He wanted to  interview Paramahamsaji for a documentary on the subject of love.  Simon was assured by most people that his task was an impossible one. But by the grace of the Guru, he met and filmed Paramahamsaji and was then invited  to stay longer and film the ancient Tantrik festival that was about to take place in the ashram -the Sat Chandi Mahayajna. The result is a new film: “Love and the Art of Giving.”

This trailer was made specially for all of the devotees who have gathered here to express their prayers, talk of their experiences and pay homage to Guru. Please visit www.satchandi2007.com to view a longer trailer, read about the making of the film and order a copy. Thanks Simon!!

I was reading something I wrote years ago. “Sri Anandamayi Ma plucked elaborate rituals, whole scriptures and languages from the wisdom-laden air. All teachings of the one wisdom teacher, the Guru tattva, were hers. I know it’s insane, but I want to be like Ma.”

Ok, that was a bit over the top. But my point is this: Ma manifested, as she put it, because of our aspirations. (more…)