Glorious Alchemy: Living the Lalitā Sahasranāma Self-Study Course
The Lalitā Sahasranāma is a Sanskrit text composed of the thousand names of the Goddess. A sacred book for yoga and meditation practitioners in India and around the world, it is a practical gateway to understand Tantra, the Śakti, and how Śakta Tantra’s principles and practices can transform your embodied perspective in a disembodied world.
In this 4-part course, we will systematically explore the Lalitā Sahasranāma (LSN) from the standpoint of practical applications in life and spiritual practice. Unlike other expositions of the beloved LSN, the emphasis here will be on cultivating and contemplating the fundamental principles of Śrīvidyā from a practical and applicable viewpoint. We will learn selected verses during the course, and a recording of the entire chant will be provided for self-learning.
We will begin here with a brief history of the LSN and its developed View, which will become the basis for understanding all the other concepts of the path. In subsequent modules, we will gain an overview of the various aspects of the View through specific verses and their applications in day-to-day life.
This module will lay the foundation for the rest of the course. What is Śrīvidyā? What is non-duality? What is the goal of this path? Who is Lalitā Mahātripurasundarī? The View (darśana) is all important when it comes to understanding a particular path since its philosophy and practices will necessarily require this primary knowledge.
Having explored the darśana in the previous module, we will now delve into its elements through a brief exploration of the Śrīcakra. What are tattvas? What is prāṇa and how is it related to the kośas, nādīs, and cakras? Once we have an understanding of the cosmic map of this tradition, we are able to understand its relationship with the darśana and sādhana (spiritual practice).
In this module, we will explore the role of language in the non-dual Tāntrik traditions and the importance of mantra in practice. What is the role of dīkṣa? What is mantra and how do we choose one? What is the highest form of practice and who is entitled to it? These are some of the concepts we will explore here.
In this final module, we will examine the categories of practice and the concepts of the pure and impure paths.
All classes are pre-recorded. The course includes videos (not downloadable), audios (downloadable), and extensive course materials.
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, one or both of the following courses may be useful:
The Thousand Names of Lalitā Self-Study
Fractals of Reality Self-Study
Both the above courses are offered at a 50% off discount for participants of this course.
No refunds will be issued once purchased. Thank you for your understanding.
Course Logistics:
All sessions are pre-recorded.
Cost:
$149 (20% off for Svatantra Saṅgha members).
Scholarships
Scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. Please apply here.
Continuing Education for Yoga Teachers
Our courses, both live and self-study, can be used towards Yoga Alliance Continuing Education requirements for all RYTs already registered with Yoga Alliance. Go here for how to upload your hours.