Kashmir Shaivism · London · Returns October 2027
Kashmir Shaivism
Returns
The new course begins in October 2027, in London.
Rhythm
A 2-2.5 hour class twice per month, combining knowledge and practice.
Price
£33/month membership when the course opens; course notes after each class included.
The course
Teachers with 7+ years of personal practice. Ongoing, with no end date: continue for as long as you choose.
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, for the revelation of your Godly essence (the Godly Self Atman), 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.
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.
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!”
What makes this 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?
Those who aspire to have an open and awakened heart, an open and creative mind, a pure, honest and curious nature, who wish to discover the essence of themselves and of everything, and who have a thirst for knowledge and self-knowledge.
People interested in studying the ancient texts and their insights, in understanding the core principles of the universe, and answering fundamental existential questions such as “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?”.
People who wish to accelerate their spiritual growth and development, to learn techniques and methods revealed by this authentic spiritual lineage, and to reach the highest spiritual accomplishment.
Those who are not satisfied with simplified answers, who want to know the depth of the truth, to delve into greater notions, and who are curious to remove ignorance.
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.
- Initiatory and practical study of fundamental Kashmir Shaivism treatises, such as Shiva Sutra, Spanda Karika, Vijnana Bhairava Tantra etc.
- 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.
“The class notes seem to crackle with power and life: the energy seems to jump off the page and create an uplifting, excited feeling in me as I read.”
Your teachers
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 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.
What our students say
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The Mea Culpa practice taught me to be responsible for everything inside and outside of me, to be more tolerant and forgiving. I judge less and I am more accepting. I look for the godly reality unfolding in everything, and the play of a superior intelligence in people, objects and events in everyday life.
From an intellectual perspective, the Kashmir Shaivism course has been helping me get a deeper understanding of the Tantric principles and practices… It has also been helping me get a deeper understanding of myself and the Universe as a whole.
SasanSoftware EngineerKashmir Shaivism enriches my life with a sense of belonging to a spiritual family, a feeling that we are on this journey together, where whenever one of us wins we all win.
Kashmir Shaivism is helping me see connections between the personal and the universal, and how apparently separate functions are actually connected.
It has enriched my life in many ways. Mainly it is how different levels of understanding are revealed. So many things I had intuitions about, become explained. It has helped me trust my intuitions, and fostered a keener love of learning more.
Learning this has made me really appreciate life as this infinite mysterious phenomenon full of magic… It has really made the understanding of creation so much more magical. Thank you Eleni and Nikos, I love your class and how you teach.
Even throughout the internet it's hard to get this quality of teachings, and to experience together the exemplifications and open our souls. I thoroughly enjoy this togetherness: that I am not on my own in my quest for expansion and awareness.
It is amazing how through the senses we get access to pure joy and bliss of the soul. It is awakening.
Lots of subtle information. Very structured course. I do not imagine where else I would find these materials. This feels like the knowledge and wisdom underpinning all the great religions.
As we go through the tattvas it's an ascending journey, helping us get closer and closer to the Self, facilitating us to look deeper and deeper inside of us.
This year's classes have been signified by an overall sense of wonder, amazement and gratitude.
Kashmir Shaivism was the discovery of a spiritual scientific explanation and model of existence and the Universe… A profound initiation into understanding God, Universe, myself and existence, everything.
Connecting with the tattva elements in everyday life, like grounding with Prithvi and taking more long walks in nature, touching a tree, feeling more balanced and grounded and getting strength. We noticed lots of synchronicities.
I found a philosophical framework and a model of the universe that makes sense and correlates with my personal experience as well as all the other sources I’ve studied. Also, the meditations go deep and have helped me to embody and awaken my soul.
Greater understanding of the individual nature and consciousness and the interconnections between them, and profound connections of all things and beings.
Read the full reflections on our blog: from this year and from 2023.
Frequently asked questions
When can I join?
The Kashmir Shaivism course returns in October 2027, in London. Leave your email below and we'll tell you as soon as dates and booking open. In the meantime, our Yoga and Tantra courses begin in September 2026 and are the natural preparation for this path.
How long is the course?
We see personal evolution as a continuous process, so our courses continue for as long as you wish to keep learning. Some students continue for a few months, while many attend classes for years. New lessons include tools and practices that allow your ever-expanding knowledge to be integrated into daily life.
Do I need to commit to a year, or even the rest of my life?!
No, you can come for as long as you feel the course continues to fuel your curiosity, growth and self-discovery. Membership is monthly and can be cancelled at any time, no strings attached.
Is this a religious course?
No. Tara is not affiliated with any religion. We focus on the spiritual principles that are common to all spiritual traditions, so you will hear references being made to a wide range of different traditions, and we welcome people of all beliefs and none.
How quickly will I see results?
That is specific to the individual; everyone has their own affinities and limitations that affect how quickly results appear, and the kind of results. By practising systematically with an attitude of open curiosity, enthusiasm and optimism, and paying attention to the transformations that appear in your life, you will see results much more quickly.
More questions? Read the full FAQ or contact us.
Joining in 2027
The Kashmir Shaivism course returns in October 2027, in London. When it opens, membership is £33 per month, and single classes are available to try. Sign up to our newsletter and we'll tell you the moment dates and booking are announced (you'll also hear about our courses, events and open days in the meantime).
Can't wait until 2027? Our Yoga and Tantra courses begin in September 2026 and are the natural preparation for this path.