<\/p>\n
Over the millennia many enlightened teachers have descended to our world and revealed teachings suitable to various levels of spiritual maturity.\u00a0 From the most basic teachings given to young souls regarding moral & ethical living, all the way to the teachings given to advanced spiritual seekers that are initiated into secret techniques to awaken\u00a0kundalini<\/em>, the enlightened ones bless all with wisdom<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ use_border_color=”off”] <\/p>\n There are thousands of lineages in modern-day India \u2013 some followed by only a handful of yogis, while others are so widespread they are followed by millions.<\/p>\n As your yoga practices deepen and your spiritual energy begins to awaken the law of resonance will begin to attract the proper teachings (dharma<\/em>), soul sisters & brothers (sangha<\/em>) and teachers (gurus<\/em>) to you, based on your\u00a0samskaras<\/em>\u00a0(previous life impressions).<\/p>\n For those of you, like ourselves, who have had many births in India, had been born into\u00a0Brahmin<\/em>\u00a0families, participated in\u00a0Vedic<\/em>\u00a0rituals and temple culture, as well as developed deep devotion to Spirit in the form of Divine Mother, your soul\u2019s trajectory towards enlightenment may lead you to the yogic practices of the lineage known as\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0comes from the two\u00a0Sanskrit<\/em>\u00a0words \u201cShri<\/em>\u201d (The Supreme) and\u00a0Vidya<\/em>\u00a0(Knowledge) \u2013 and can be translated as \u201cSupreme Knowledge\u201d. In the ancient\u00a0Vedic<\/em>\u00a0texts\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0is also known as\u00a0Brahma Vidya<\/em>\u00a0(Knowledge of the Supreme Reality) and\u00a0Atma Vidya\u00a0<\/em>(Knowledge of the Self).<\/p>\n The\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0was first revealed to the great\u00a0Rishis<\/em>\u00a0of the\u00a0Satya Yuga<\/em>\u00a0and some of the first mentions of it occur in encoded form in the Devi Atharva Shirsha Upanishad<\/em>. \u00a0Great\u00a0Maharshis<\/em>\u00a0like\u00a0Vasishta<\/em>\u00a0(one of the original\u00a0sapta rishis<\/em>) and\u00a0Agastya<\/em>\u00a0taught this path of Self-realization. Its historical origins are hard to trace, as it is so ancient, however, there is evidence that it was revealed to the great sages in the times of Lemuria \u2013 a micro-continent<\/a>, now underwater in the south of India, called\u00a0Kumari\u00a0<\/em>by the Tamil people of India and recently renamed\u00a0Mauritia<\/a> by scientists.<\/p>\n Over time, as the\u00a0yugas<\/em>\u00a0descended into darkness, this pure\u00a0Vedic<\/em>\u00a0lineage of\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0spread from the South-Indian\u00a0Brahmin\u00a0<\/em>culture to other lands. As these teachings came into contact with non-Vedic<\/em>\u00a0tribal and indigenous cultures, they assimilated their more\u00a0Tantric<\/em>\u00a0practices. These\u00a0Tantric<\/em>\u00a0elements, infused with magical rites, invocation of spirits, and the use of\u00a0rajasic\/tamasic<\/em>\u00a0substances were integrated with the\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0and are now known as\u00a0Kaula Marga<\/em>\u00a0(the tribal path \u2013 i.e. the integration of Vedic spirituality with indigenous beliefs). This is also known as the left-hand path (Vama Marga<\/em>).<\/p>\n The purely\u00a0Vedic<\/em>\u00a0version of\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0is known as the right-hand path (Dakshina Marga<\/em>), while combining elements of both, which is the most common form of practice today, is called the mixed path (Mishra Marga<\/em>).<\/p>\n In the modern world, many of us, out of necessity practice this\u00a0Mishra Marga<\/em>, as we were not born into Indian families, nor have a\u00a0gotra\u00a0<\/em>(Vedic<\/em>\u00a0bloodline) and, as foreigners, are basically of another tribe.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subheading 2″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]Two of our main teachers,\u00a0Ramana Maharshi<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Shri Karunamayi<\/em><\/a>, predominately teach the\u00a0Vedic<\/em>\u00a0version of\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>, with only a slight touch of\u00a0Tantric<\/em>\u00a0elements<\/a>. As such, we teach and practice the same.<\/p>\n Within the right-hand path, there is also a set of teachings known as\u00a0Samaya Shri Vidya<\/em>, which are the non-dual (advaita<\/em>) teachings of our lineage<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0This\u00a0Samaya Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0is the highest form of\u00a0Jnana Yoga<\/em>\u00a0propounded by\u00a0Shankaracharya<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and found in the\u00a0Upanishads<\/em>,\u00a0Bhagavad Gita<\/em>,\u00a0Yoga Vasistha<\/em>\u00a0and other sacred texts dealing with the non-dual Reality.<\/p>\n This same\u00a0Samaya Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0is also known as\u00a0Shri Vidya Maha Yoga<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 the Supreme Knowledge of the Great Union. This set of teachings is what we share in all our courses and retreats, in an easy to understand manner to beginner students. We strip away many of the traditional forms of\u00a0Shri Vidya Upasana<\/em>\u00a0(practice), which are deeply embedded in Indian mysticism and devotional practices, and instead emphasize its formless elements, which are easier to communicate to a global audience.<\/p>\n If you resonate with the fundamental message of BLISS! Magazine and the Blooming Lotus Yoga retreats and trainings<\/a> it is helpful for you to understand the deeper dimensions of our teachings and develop a greater awareness of\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>, which is one of the greatest secrets of both the\u00a0Tantras<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Vedas<\/em>.\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0is so secret that we rarely even mention it in public and before we speak about it in depth we chant certain\u00a0mantras<\/em>\u00a0to protect the teachings, and ourselves, from the repercussions of communicating this sacred knowledge with inaccuracy. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n In essence,\u00a0Shri Vidya<\/em>\u00a0offers a holistic model of spiritual evolution capable of taking a complete beginner to even the most advanced\u00a0yogini<\/em>\u00a0to the heights of spiritual realization. It offers an integrated approach of utilizing classical\u00a0karma<\/em>,\u00a0bhakti<\/em>,\u00a0raja<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0jnana yoga\u00a0<\/em>disciplines while integrating special\u00a0Tantric<\/em>\u00a0practices to realize the Great Union (Maha Yoga.<\/em>)<\/p>\n For the general public,\u00a0 we simplify this and say that the \u201cmotto\u201d of Blooming Lotus Yoga is \u201cLove | Serve | Meditate | Realize.\u201d However, these words are impregnated with deep transcendental meaning.\u00a0 \u201cLove\u201d refers to\u00a0Bhakti<\/em>\u00a0or deep devotion, \u201cServe\u201d to\u00a0Nishkamya Karma Yoga<\/em>\u00a0or desireless action, \u201cMeditate\u201d implies the path of self-discipline which is the essence of\u00a0Raja Yoga<\/em>, while \u201cRealize\u201d suggests the path of non-dual wisdom, the\u00a0Advaita Vedanta<\/em>, which is our particular approach to\u00a0Jnana Yoga<\/em>.<\/p>\n Behind the scenes, each of these 4 paths has an entire science of spiritual disciplines that we can integrate into our lives. Once their intended outcome has manifested in our personalities, through the direct application of the teachings, we can share them with others.<\/p>\n It is our deep and heartfelt wish to share these inner treasures with you as we spend more time in\u00a0satsang<\/em><\/a>, as the training courses<\/a> only allow us to dip our toes into the vast sea that is yoga. \u00a0To completely immerse yourself into the ocean of yogic wisdom requires much dedication and patience – qualities that the average modern yoga student simply doesn\u2019t have. <\/span><\/p>\n But YOU must be different. Real yoga is not for the masses. It is now and always has been for the select few that are ready to devote their entire life to the upliftment of humanity through their own Self-realization. Real yoga is not a part-time interest, nor something to pursue for curiosity\u2019s sake. It requires that you abandon everything – most of all, your concepts of what yoga is, how to learn it, how to practice it correctly and how to transmit its essence.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subheading 2″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.23.4″ height=”7px” hide_on_mobile=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\n Wandering from teacher to teacher, studio to studio, yoga center to yoga center, ashram to ashram trying to collect more and more knowledge and\/or experiences is a stage on the path. However, the quicker you can find clarity and commit to one teaching, one practice and one teacher the better. Real yoga involves a trinity: Guru<\/em>, Shisyha<\/em> and Shastra<\/em>. \u00a0The Teacher (<\/span>Guru<\/span><\/i>) teaches the student (<\/span>Shishya<\/span><\/i>) a particular means to liberation, which is often outlined in one or more sacred texts (<\/span>Shastra<\/span><\/i>) in their lineage.<\/span><\/p>\n Making this commitment is a milestone on your journey. Yet, very few people will make it this far. In many traditions, this commitment is often ritualized through an initiation ceremony (Diksha<\/em>) to mark this junction on the path and the impending emergence into the Light.<\/span><\/p>\n Committing to a lineage requires that you limit your desire to experience other practices and can give the fear of missing out on some other greater experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Yet how can you climb up a mountain if you never stay on one path? Only a fool would try to climb Mount Everest by going up all the routes in turn. The ascent is difficult enough just following one path. \u00a0Why exhaust yourself and dissipate your energy going up halfway, descending to base camp and then trying another path because you want to see if the snow is also white on the other side of the mountain? This precious human birth is very short and cannot be wasted in aimless pursuits.<\/span><\/p>\n This lack of commitment is a symptom of the monkey-mind and indicates a lack of focus and fear. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Conquer your fears!\u00a0 Work towards developing faith and focus<\/a> (s<\/em><\/span>h<\/em>raddha<\/span><\/em>) – first in your Self and secondarily in your teachers and the blessings of the sages of the lineage and be free. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n This commitment comes in its own time and cannot be forced –\u00a0 so never fear that we will ever ask you to choose us or our approach if you ever attend our retreats, training or do seva here. \u00a0If it is your way you will know in your heart when the time is right. <\/span><\/p>\n In the meantime, while you are with us, do your best not to wander around too far. Spend your time here trying to understand deeply what Shri Vidya<\/em> is so that you may come to understand if it is your way. If you don\u2019t give it enough time or attention it will simply evade you yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n >>> Continue to Part 2: The Tantric Practices of Shri Vidya<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n C<\/span>lassical Yoga offers a vast field of practices by which one can explore the inner life and ultimately awaken their highest potential. Over the millennia many enlightened teachers have descended to our world and revealed teachings suitable to various levels of spiritual maturity.\u00a0 From the most basic teachings given to young souls regarding moral […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,10],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Orange Bar text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_css_main_element=”border-left: thick solid #fcaf44;||padding-left: 13px !important;||” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\nSome of these sacred teachings have been passed down over the generations and have become organized into formal schools of yogic training known as\u00a0sampradaya<\/em>, or lineages.<\/h4>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subheading” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\nWhat is Shri Vidya?<\/h1>\n
Our Teachers & Lineage<\/h1>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Subheading 2″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”]<\/p>\nClassical Yoga & Shri Vidya Tantra<\/h1>\n
Developing Shraddha<\/h1>\n
![\"Delicious\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/delicious_32.png\" "\\"Delicious\\"")
<\/a>![\"StumbleUpon\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/stumbleupon_32.png\" "\\"StumbleUpon\\"")
<\/a>![\"Digg\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/digg_32.png\" "\\"Digg\\"")
<\/a>![\"Twitter\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/twitter_32.png\" "\\"Twitter\\"")
<\/a><\/a>
<\/a>
![\"Facebook\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/facebook_32.png\" "\\"Facebook\\"")
<\/a><\/a>
![\"Reddit\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/reddit_32.png\" "\\"Reddit\\"")
<\/a>![\"LinkedIn\"](\"https:\/\/www.blooming-lotus-yoga.com\/bliss\/wp-content\/plugins\/pretty-link-pro-1.6.7\/images\/linkedin_32.png\" "\\"LinkedIn\\"")
<\/a><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"