Shivaism Tantra is a spiritual path, traditionally presenting 3 levels of practice, known as UPAYAS (means or method). They offer a progression that accompanies holistically our journey, from physical to spiritual, from Doing to Being.

The practice offered at Casa Pantha explores the first and second upayas. Here is a brief overview that can help you decide which level you wish to practice:

The first upaya is ideal for new comers, and the first steps toward personal & spiritual growth. The spiritual part of our Being is literally embodied in the physical matter we call body. We experience the world through our 5 senses & our physical body first. Therefore, we can all easily relate to “feeling” and“doing”.

That’s why the first upaya – ANAVOPAYA – is considered the most accessible, and ideal for new comers and intermediate practitioners. It’s a path of doing, as it uses the mind, senses and physical actions toward self-discovery. This individual path is based on external practices rather than direct experience of the Self, as the approach is still referring to a subject/object dual point of view. The practice includes yoga asanas, pranayama (breath), rituals, mantra, concentration,…

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The second upaya will help more advanced practitioners deepening self-awareness to see beyond what the mind translates, and dictates about our relationship with the world & others. As the idea of duality starts to fade and disappear, the concept of separation is no longer accurate.

The second upaya – SHAKTOPAYA – or the “means of Energy”, is a journey focusing on knowledge and developing a constant state of awareness to reveal Shiva consciousness through Shakti (Energy). The duality of subject/object is dissolved as we accept the unity of the self with the object of contemplation. The practice relies on direct experience rather than intellectual reflection, and includes more advanced practices, like pranayama and contemplation.

At that level, yoga asanas are not practiced to “perform” but to feel, to sense, to experience the world within, its energy, aware of the nature of desires, and able to control the flow of thoughts created by a conditioned mind. This is the ultimate practice toward the state of meditation or full awareness/consciousness, leading to Moksha/liberation.

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The third upaya – SHAMBHAVOPAYA – or the means of Shiva, emphases the power of will (considered divine/universal and not personal), and a state of pure consciousness. Cultivating a perpetual freedom from thoughts, there is no object nor support on which the mind can play an active role. There is no more separation from Shiva (or pure consciousness).

The third level is reserved for advanced practitioners, and as it’s more about Being than Doing – a state of pure awareness freed of thoughts – there is no programmed workshop or retreats. This level is offered only on demand.