Kashmir Shaivism · London
Kashmir Shaivism
A complete, direct, effective path towards Spiritual Liberation. New courses begin in September 2027 — be the first to know when they open by signing up to our newsletter.
What is Kashmir Shaivism?
Kashmir Shaivism is a complete path of initiation that provides everything needed to reach spiritual realisation. At the essence of this elevated path is Shiva.
It offers you fundamental keys for awakening the soul, for understanding deeper and deeper who you truly are, until finally revealing the ultimate Self — in the here and now.
Kashmir Shaivism is considered one of the most elevated forms of yoga and Tantrism; it penetrates straight to the core of spiritual knowledge, and dives deep into esoteric principles from the outset.
Kashmir Shaivism provides an understanding of living in full awareness of your true Self, by:
- Gaining an understanding of the universe and its building blocks, the tattvas, and how consciousness unfolds within it — coming to understand our place and role within the universe.
- Obtaining an overview of the four fundamental paths of spiritual evolution, identifying where you are on this journey, and how best to accelerate your transformation.
- Studying ancient spiritual texts in-depth, and how to apply the teachings in daily life.
- Learning methods to reach spiritual enlightenment according to your current level of consciousness — meditation techniques, methods based on aesthetic experiences, breath, external objects and more.
Where even suffering is transformed into joy, where even poison becomes nectar, where the world itself is a way of liberation — there is the way of Shiva!
Why ‘Shiva’?
In Sanskrit, Shiva refers to the good, the benevolent, or the kind one. Shiva is depicted as a Supreme Saviour or Spiritual Guide for all creatures, as a symbol of transcendence. Any process of transformation, of discovering a new and better way of being, and any expression of Grace, is always linked to Shiva. Shiva is also always associated with pure consciousness.
It is also important to emphasise that Shiva and Shakti are inseparable. Although it may not be possible to relate directly to Shiva, as He represents Transcendence, He can be reached through Shakti, who represents the manifested — or potentially manifested — aspect of God. Through the study and adoration of both Shiva (consciousness) and the creative energy (Shakti), practitioners discover a direct and efficient path to God.
What makes our Kashmir Shaivism course special?
Tara is the only school in the UK offering an ongoing course on the esoteric teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Founded over 25 years ago, this course is also attended by thousands of practitioners throughout Europe in our sister schools.
Traditionally, a deep understanding and practical use of the principles and techniques taught in Kashmir Shaivism required a high level of consciousness and spiritual preparation in its students. While this might make it seem inaccessible to many, in our course we bring the profound esoteric teachings forward in an accessible and practical way for modern life, so that it is still possible to benefit from the invaluable insights of this tradition.
Who is it for?
What you will learn
This course is the study of Advaita Shaivism as it was known and practised in Kashmir. The fundamental aspects of this unique spiritual tradition will be gradually revealed:
- The mysteries of the 36 essential aspects of manifestation — the tattvas.
- Tools to awaken the soul through beauty, objective art, purifying of emotions (rasas) and the enneagram.
- Secrets of the three (+1) essential paths to spiritual liberation: the path of the Limited Being (Anavopaya), the path of the Deifying Energy (Shaktopaya), the path of Shiva (Shambavopaya) and the Supreme Path without steps (Anupaya).
- Spirituality in daily life.
- A special initiation in Sri Vidya esotericism — the mantras of the 15 nityas of the Great Macrocosmic Power Tripura Sundari.
- Methods to awaken Consciousness.
- The mysteries of the phonemic godly energies of the creative godly Logos.
- Full revelation, from a practical perspective, of the 112 major direct methods of enlightenment contained in the esoteric treatise Vijnana Bhairava Tantra.
Optional initiations
Some initiations are given as a result of passing optional written tests. On passing such tests you can receive:
- Kshurika mantra — specific to the Shaivism tradition for opening brahmarandhra, bestowing the ability to instantly transcend the limited individual condition, and to practise the secret method of the “transfer of consciousness”, known as Phowa in the Tibetan tradition.
- Maithuna — a secret erotic Tantric procedure.
- Secret spiritual methods comprised in the famous work Sundaryalahari.
- The mantra of the complete transcending of all limitations inherent to the common human condition, as well as of individual karma.
- The spiritual traditional ceremony of adoration of Shiva.
- Secret mantras for awakening the three essential hypostases of the formidable power of the Shiva lingam.
What a class looks like
Classes combine both presentations and meditations. By bringing together intellectual and experiential forms of knowledge, you gain the spiritual insight and impulses to bring the principles into your everyday life.
- 1
Presentations
An exploration of the authentic spiritual texts of the tradition, with references and parallels drawn to our current era.
- 2
Meditations
Practices that focus on awakening particular states, energies or aspects connected to the lesson’s topic — such as boundless aspiration, or the awakening of the soul.
- 3
Q&A and discussion
A chance to ask questions, to discuss ways to apply these teachings in everyday life, and to share insights and experiences.
- 4
Course notes
At the end of each class you will be given a handout of the notes connected to the topic of the class.
Key information
A 2–2.5 hour class twice per month, combining knowledge and practice.
Structured lessons with course notes given after each class.
Teachers with 7+ years of personal practice, available for questions and support.
Ongoing course (no end date) — continue for as long as you choose.
Your teachers
Eleni
Eleni teaches Kashmir Shaivism, having been profoundly touched by it in her own life. She feels these authentic teachings are worth sharing, to inspire others to remember their Godly Essence and live a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life. She coordinates the group deepening the communion with Angels, Archangels and other angelic beings of Light, and is part of the team organising the annual celebration of Angels and Archangels week. She also has an interest in creativity and beauty as spiritual paths.
Nikos Frangi
Nikos started his spiritual journey by joining the path of Tantra Yoga with Tara in 2000. With an open and warm heart, he loves teaching yoga (since 2004) and Kashmir Shaivism (since 2017) at Tara. He also coordinates the spiritual group for men, Mahavira Ananda. In his free time, he enjoys walks in nature and photography.
Join the course
This course is part of the Try Tara Pass — unlimited access to all our courses for four consecutive weeks. If you’d like to continue afterwards, the course is £33 per month.
Single Class
- • Pay just for one class to try it out
- • Can be used for any year 1 Kashmir Shaivism class (booking required)
- • Maximum of two single classes can be bought per person
Try Tara Pass
- • Unlimited access to all our courses for four consecutive weeks
- • Try out as many classes as you wish with no strings attached
- • Includes Tantra, Yoga, Kashmir Shaivism, Vira & Shakti groups
- • All membership benefits included for the four weeks
- • Newcomers only — can only be bought once
Monthly membership
- • Access to all year 1 Kashmir Shaivism classes
- • Members’ discounts and members-only events
- • Access to our spiritual library and book borrowing
- • Rolling contract that can be cancelled at any time
- • Access to Vira/Shakti group (at an additional cost)
Booking and payment are handled by bsport. Classes run in London — Tara Yoga Centre, Export House, 25–31 Ironmonger Row, London EC1V 3QW. See all options on the Try Tara Pass page.