| Tour Schedule
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS FOR SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S |
LECTURES
What Is Tantra Yoga? This classic presentation reflects on the significance of the sexual energy from an evolutionary standpoint; the importance of conservation and cultivation of this energy along the path of personal and spiritual growth, through a process of sublimation. The issue of celibacy in spirituality is raised and the Tantric path is outlined as an alternative. Some esoteric methods applied in Tantra Yoga for conservation of the sexual energy are unveiled. To complete the picture, the Tantric path and Tantric sexuality are outlined and discussed in different aspects such as healing, energizing, sexual therapy, and the cultivation of the sexual energy and the orgasmic state. Additional topics include yin, yang, and their union as a form of spiritual realization, cultivation of higher forms of relationships, and accomplishment through love relationships. This is an excellent introduction to the Tantra Workshop. Love and Relationships from the Tantric Point of View This lecture draws on the fundamentals of Tantra to highlight the beauty of Tantric relationships. Discussion of transfiguration, male/female polarity, transmutation and sublimation of the sexual energy, cosmic states, love vs. possessiveness, etc. Join us for this sublime presentation. Quantum Mechanics and the Link Between Matter and Consciousness This lecture explores the link between modern knowledge and the power of consciousness, between physics and quantum mechanics and the way yogis view the Universe. This presentation is a synthesis of the views of yogis and scientists, which gives a fascinating understanding of the power of consciousness and of the continuity of space and time into the oneness of Consciousness. An Introduction to Kashmir Shaivism In the Tantric tradition, Kashmir Shaivism, which originated in 7th to 10th century A.D. Kashmir, is considered the highest, most exclusive and sublime form of spirituality. An amalgamation of knowledge from Tibet, India, China, and other cultures, this non-dualistic study is known as the most advanced philosophical, intellectual, metaphysical, and spiritual lore in the history of India and Tibet. This lecture presents some of the fundamentals of this vast and fascinating topic, sure to take you to higher dimensions. A Yogic Guide to Health and Healing: Ways for Achieving and Preserving Health An assortment of methods for healing and the preservation of health, as advocated by the Yogic tradition, are introduced. The Yogic view of the origin of disease is elucidated, along with various healing and health-preserving methods. These include dieting, fasting, purification techniques, asana practice, homeopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture, urine therapy, yin/yang balancing, and chiropractic. What Is Yoga? A concise yet deep presentation of Yoga and its practical applications. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the fundamental principles behind Yoga, and to go way beyond the commonly accepted yet superficial view of Yoga as some form of fitness or gymnastics. The Meaning of Life According to Spiritual and Metaphysical Principles This practical presentation systematically approaches the fundamental question of life, the human spirit, the fate of the soul, and the evolution of the human being. It analyzes these fascinating topics from a metaphysical/spiritual standpoint and attempts to shed more light on this intriguing topic. It also serves as an introduction to a more comprehensive treatment of these topics which is offered separately, through the Metaphysical Workshop. A variety of exemplifications such as spiritual exercises and meditations will be given alongside the theoretical expose. Jesus, the Greatest Avatar of All Some great yogis in India, through their spiritual quest, managed to reach a genuine spiritual communion with Jesus, thus perceiving the spirit of Jesus directly. Swami Vivekananda, coming from an environment that enabled him to explore the depths of esoteric Christianity while at the same time training in the Yogic tradition, introduces a fascinating image of Jesus. Light is shed on the teachings of Jesus through a viewpoint of rationalized spiritualism. The Art of Dying, Your Next Great Adventure This is a no-nonsense study of the process of death from a yogic and spiritual standpoint. It synthesizes the pertinent and reliable information that we have from trustworthy sources, great yogis and texts, etc., and at the same time provides a synthesis of the simplest practical methods that address this issue.
MORNING WORKSHOPS The Process of Evolution According to Yoga This short workshop approaches one of the most important aspects of the metaphysical development of the human being, as it is outlined by Swami Vivekananda's larger, vaster teachings in the Metaphysical Workshop. This presentation provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of spiritual evolution, which can provide precisely the "missing link" of proper motivation for spiritual practice - key to a seeker's success and continued aspiration. Yoga in Daily Life Most people believe that Yoga is merely something you do while standing on your head! There is much more to it than that, and this short workshop presents the living science of Yoga that can be incorporated into all facets of daily life. In reality, Yoga gives its practictioners many diverse abilities for life, and therefore it applies in all types of circumstances, from eating lunch until the moment of death. This very concrete, lively, and practical seminar will provide a guide for day-to-day occasions modeled on what a yogi does to bring each moment to its best potential.
WEEKEND WORKSHOPS INTRODUCTION TO KASHMIR SHAIVISM Kashmir Shaivism is one of the most elevated and least known esoteric teachings of Tantra. It is one of the most perfect metaphysical systems of India and, coming as it did fairly recently in history, it is quite sophisticated, taking the best from Indian and Tibetan philosophy. These unsurpassed teachings are regarded with great awe due to their clandestine and inaccessible nature; the first texts to be printed became available only in the mid-20th century, and then in limited number and only in Sanskrit. The texts are enormously intellectual, and just a reading (svadhyaya) of them creates an incredible spiritual resonance, a meditation opening sahasrara. This is a totally non-dualistic philosophy that proposes a very quick spiritual evolution for the aspirant, and differentiates many states of higher consciousness and samadhi, void. Kashmir Shaivism is considered the highest, most demanding, and most transcendent Yoga, wherein the first steps are already advanced. Thus beginners may face challenges in their scope of understanding, due to the complexity of the material. For this reason, the First Month Intensive Course is recommended as prerequisite for Introduction to Kashmir Shaivism, since the participant will benefit quite a bit more from the seminar by familiarity with the general principles of Yoga and this lineage of teachings. The Kashmir Shaivism teachings are exclusive, and involve a great deal of spiritual transmission and initiation. Agama is very fortunate to have in Swami Vivekananda not only a minor Sanskritologist who has done many of his own translations and thoroughly understands these teachings, but also one of the few remaining experts in this field. PARAPSYCHOLOGY 1: CLAIRVOYANCE AND ASTRAL PROJECTION The Yogis of India and Tibet have a rich lore of knowledge concerning the astral body and the astral universe. This workshop expands on this study, exploring two main topics in depth:
• clairvoyance (seeing beyond the normal); The term "parapsychology" is generally credited as being the scientific study of the paranormal or of extraordinary phenomena. Here at Agama we are very interested in the powers of the mind and of the subtle energies of nature, so this workshop similarly is a study of what is known and understood scientifically, relying on rational understanding. We will outline the best methods known in Yoga for practicing and training in these two exceptional fields of study. TANTRA 1 Swami Vivekananda Saraswati explores the evolutionary power of the sexual energy in this 18-hour course, and how to harness it for self-development through the secrets of Tantra. This is a unique opportunity to discover the path of spiritual eroticism in a supremely practical manner, and to begin a cultivation and mastery of your own ecstatic potential. No nudity; for individuals and couples. Lectures, initiations, meditations, Hatha Yoga. Tantra 1 presents the esoteric Tantric teachings in a coherent and practical style, well adapted to Western audiences, yet preserving the authenticity and richness of the original teachings. The Tantric wisdom is presented in conjunction with additional relevant information from Yoga, Chinese Taoism, Tibetan Buddhism, alchemy, and Middle Eastern Imsak. The oral presentations are supplemented by printed material, exemplifications, meditations, and initiations (energy inductions), plus videos on relevant topics whenever possible. Please note that there are no explicit presentations or nudity, whatsoever. The curriculum includes the following topics:
• the fundamental ideas of Tantra and different Tantric paths (e.g. red, white, and black Tantra) Tantra 1 is consecrated mostly to theory, training, and practical issues for the individual. Tantra 2 follows with more in-depth treatments and covering mostly couple-practice issues. TANTRA 2 The Tantra 2 Workshop builds on the foundations established in Tantra 1. This workshop explores the depths of tantric lovemaking, and covers the following issues:
• teachings from the Kama Sutra (postures, erogenous zones, techniques, principles of pleasure) The intense teachings of Tantra 2 reach a profound spiritual level of sexuality intended for the victory of the couple relationship. To participate in Tantra 2, you need not first study Tantra 1, as the workshops cover different material. However, one builds upon the other and both are eventually recommended. METAPHYSICAL WEEKEND Why do we practice spirituality? The vertical approach to total balance. Talks, initiations, meditations, practice, Hatha Yoga. Swami Vivekananda has observed that many people today don't understand what spirituality is or the true nature of spiritual practice. Even some people who are doing spiritual work, Yoga for example, don't even understand why and what the real purpose of it is. Metaphysics is the forgotten element of spiritual life. It represents the vertical dimension of spirituality addressing the fate of the human soul. Within today's New Age environment, a fascination with occult science, magic, and Shamanism leads people horizontally through life without a genuine spiritual basis. Metaphysics leads us to a practice which defines our position in the Universe, why we are here. It is the main motivator in spiritual practice, without which there is no drive, and we miss the big picture. The Metaphysical Weekend is a spiritual eye-opener, an excellent introduction to anyone who might be interested in anything spiritual. It is meant to be a motivator, to provide aspiration, to highlight the existential condition, to give a meaning to and ground for true spiritual practice. It can change your life, opening a new door in your world. The hope is that participants will gain the right motivation for spirituality, the basis to start a practice with the right understanding, and for the right cause. What the weekend entails: The workshop includes observations on excerpts from some traditional texts, significant fragments of Yoga and metaphysics, which describe very clearly the fundamental issues for the human soul, those of existence, of life. Extensive commentary is given on issues such as reincarnation, parallel universes, evolution, liberation, karma, using practical examples and illustrations, such as simple methods of meditation, methods of Yoga, and all kinds of other spiritual techniques intended to create an opening, to demonstrate, and to teach. The workshop incorporates music meditation, voidness meditation from Tibetan Buddhist Yoga, asanas (Yoga postures), wisdom from Gnostic Christianity, teachings from Tantra Yoga, readings from Paramahamsa Yogananda, and Swami Vivekananda's own materials. This is an experimental, experiential introduction to spiritual practices. We invite you to join us for this inspiring Workshop of spiritual discovery! THE ART OF DYING: TIBETAN BARDO THODOL An enlightened approach to death and dying. Explore the Tibetan Bardo Thodol rites and training. Lectures, initiations, meditations, practice, Hatha Yoga. This workshop could be the first in the world to address a very important gap in modern times: the spiritual preparation for death, one of life’s greatest passages. Today, especially with the secularization of daily life, we are witnessing an appalling carelessness about the phenomenon of death, as well as a deep spiritual ignorance about its meaning, which is illustrated most often by the cloud of taboo and embarrassment surrounding the subject. The contrast between our great attention to birth – a new child benefiting from both the assistance of its mother and qualified medical personnel or midwives in an air of celebration – and our cold, medical treatment of the dying is reason enough to highlight the need for this workshop. The Art of Dying intends to change this focus, not only to teach an understanding of the process of death using the Bardo Thodol, the centuries-practiced Tibetan manual of dying, but also to provide training to pass to the other side in a spiritual manner and to help others go through this process. Yogis consider that dying is a very important process from the standpoint of one’s spiritual evolution and future destiny. Therefore, we accept that we will first learn the process of death, and consequently we will train for it so that when it arrives, we are prepared to look it in the eye and make the best of it, spiritually, beneficially. Hence, the first purpose of the course is to train individuals to eliminate fears, to identify and recognize the process of death, to do away with misunderstandings, and to be given yogic training to prepare for death during this lifetime using methods both from Indian and Tibetan Yoga. Aside from this, the course has the ambitious goal to train people not only to deal with their own death – mastering the tools offered, and producing effects energetically to assist in their own deaths – but at the same time to learn to help loved ones die more easily, more happily, more consciously, and with more dignity. It is envisioned that the course may inspire students toward an interest or vocation in a new spiritual era of hospice care. Thus, people who perhaps did not train at all spiritually in life may be helped to a more spiritual fate. The course will use physical methods from Yoga, breathing technology, mantras, secret tantric meditations, Tibetan techniques, methods from parapsychology, as well as a wide array of other resources, such as shamanic processes. |