Traditional Kaula Tantra Yoga

Monday&Thursday 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Saturday 4:00 - 5:30 pm

A timeless system for building humanity.

Kaula Yoga is a Tantric yoga system. Tantra is precisely translated as the essence of the essence, which refers to those systems of knowledge which illuminate the essential understandings of life. As part of the Kaula Tantra Vijnana (system), āsana, pranayama and bandhas are integral for practitioners to culture their inner health systems which leads to an experience of tranquility and balance. The experience of tranquility and balance gives one a point of reference from which to build life... a tranquil, balanced life.

In traditional Kaula Yoga, āsanas (postures) are taught from a timeless Tantric formula based on the subtle energy system, the Prana or Chi system. Āsanas are performed gently and firmly, with a focus on optimizing the whole self. Thus, all the systems of the body are subtly optimized. The Kaula āsana system, also referred to as the Tri-Dosha balancing series and the Health series, balances the different aspects of your prana, or your vital energy. The five elements (ether, wind, fire, water, earth) are divided into three groups called tri doshas. By balancing the five elements or tri doshas you balance your mental and physical health.

Due to the richness of the tradition, Kaula Tantra Yoga practitioners achieve balance in a very short time. This balance includes mastery of the postures, increased strength and balanced health. This balance allows for practitioners to quickly flourish in all aspects of their life. Traditional Tantra understands that when you are physically and mentally healthy you are able to build a healthy, optimized life.

By incorporating and integrating the practices and knowledge of Tantra we achieve internal balance so we can relax and flow harmoniously through life. The various traditional Tantra practices (puja [rituals], asana, pranayama, bandha, etc.) culture and optimize all aspects of the self so we can actualize our full potential.

At the Beginning

After 18 months

Before you watch the advanced asana video below...

It is important to understand Yoga is not about being flexible. It is about culturing your health. Flexibility of your joints and muscles reduces body discomfort and improves circulation, balance, muscle quality and general health. The video below is an example of what is possible when you relax, let go and flow.

As you can see in the photos to the left, it is not important to start flexible. Yoga first optimize your health and then maintains it so you can be a truly efficient, happy human being. By relaxing while you practice, yoga can balance all aspects of your health in a relatively short time.

Some notes about practicing the Kaula Yoga System

During the Health Series it is most important to relax. As the body relaxes it is able to internally, intuitively balance itself. We are subconscious beings, most of our life (breathing, walking, digesting, even talking with friends) is actually accomplished subconsciously,. These are all activities we do without conscious thought. Because of this the teacher’s main role is to facilitate a deep relaxation/meditation, to provide the student the environment (internally and external) in which to intuitively relax and then balance. Therefore the teacher does not interfere unless necessary. Only when you relax do all the benefits of yoga come, flexibility, health, strength, etc. In the video above, all the practitioners are relaxed, allowing them to perform the asasas in a short time.

The space is free of clutter, there is no music, adjustments are rare, all so that practitioners are not interfered with and are able to culture their own intuitive awareness, instead of a reliance on externalities. The teacher maintains awareness of each student and will adjust in case of potential injury and after the practitioner is comfortable and able to relax even if adjusted. If you have questions or would like advice please talk to the teacher before or after class.

In order to optimize your experience and the experience of others please…

Enter and exit the yoga space quietly so not to interfere with others who may be in a subconscious state of relaxation. You are welcome and encouraged to stay in your meditation after the end of class, even if you fall asleep. If you need to go at a certain time, let us know and we will wake you if you sleep. This way you don't have to watch the clock
Bring as few items into the yoga space as possible. A clutter-free space is important to create a conducive environment for relaxation. Fewer items such as water bottles also means less chance of knocking something over during class.
Be gentle, be gentle, be gentle. Bhagavan Natha always encourages students to be “gentle but firm.” You can stretch and explore your physical realities gently, without the potential for injury. The practice becomes a gentle but firm massage. A celebration of yourself. Allow yourself to enjoy, to express, to let go (mentally and physically). Usually we do not ask about injuries because you should be aware of your own limitations and rest when you need to. You are never expected to complete an asana at the expense of your health. You are always encouraged to be gentle and flow to or stay in Shavasana or Makrasana (the resting postures) whenever necessary.
Remember there is no accomplishment or productivity in yoga. Yoga is for you to optimize yourself, that comes by relaxing, not competing with others, an idea of yourself or even the illusion of perfection. (But here is a secret, when you relax, you will finally get all the accomplishment you were trying for...even though that is not the point.)