Tantra Immersion Level 1

Tantra Immersion Level 1 is a six-day tantra yoga retreat at Amrita Integral Yoga Resort in San Kamphaeng, near Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is an introduction to the Tantra Yoga spiritual system, written for people who want a systematic grounding in the philosophy and practice rather than a single workshop. It is the first in a series of levels, and completing it qualifies you to join Level 2. Uriel Yariv, Deshna An and Iris Smeets lead it.

What to Expect

The course combines lectures, Hatha Yoga sessions, guided meditations and tantric exercises. The stated aim is to raise consciousness and to meet daily life, from relationships and work to time in nature, with more presence, including its simple joys and its difficult moments.

Level 1 covers the philosophy and history of Tantra as a path of love, happiness and peace. Other themes include:

- the law of resonance, and practical ways to cultivate inner states such as love, joy and forgiveness
- the principle of polarity, the play of Yin and Yang in the universe and within ourselves
- Shiva as the divine masculine and Shakti as the divine feminine, with her particular role in Tantra
- an introduction to tantric sensuality, described as sacred, pure eros
- the role of relaxation and mindfulness

Practice includes Hatha Yoga, silent meditations for focus and clarity, and meditations with music to reach specific states of consciousness. There are also group Q&A sessions and reflection periods for noticing your growth and planning your practice afterwards.

The teaching is traditional tantra, and the organizers state clearly that there are no sexual activities in the retreat.

A usual day begins with Hatha Yoga and meditation at 8:00 AM. A midday program runs from 10:45 to 1:00, an afternoon program from 4:00 to 6:30, and an evening program from 8:15 to 9:30 PM. Long breaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner fill the spaces between. The first day starts at 3:30 PM and the last day ends at 1:00 PM. The schedule may shift with group size and other factors.

Your Teachers

Uriel Yariv has given more than 20 years to the Tantra Yoga path and has spent over two years in silence, deepening his yoga and meditation practice. He co-founded Mahasiddha Yoga and Amrita Integral Yoga Centre in Thailand more than ten years ago. He holds a master's degree in clinical psychology and is known for bridging psychology and spirituality in a clear, tangible way.

Deshna An is a Tantra and Yoga teacher and sound healing facilitator. Her background includes Tibetan Buddhism, Traditional Chinese medicine and kinesiology. She has practiced yoga for over ten years, and Tantra has been at the center of her path since 2018.

Iris Smeets is a Tantra and Yoga teacher, tantric massage therapist, and facilitator of women's circles and empowerment dance courses. Before turning to Yoga and Tantra she studied philosophy and peacebuilding and worked in conflict resolution and trauma centers around the world. She has been teaching for seven years.

Mahasiddha Yoga, the Chiang Mai school connected to the retreat, offers Tantra and Yoga teachings through onsite and online classes, workshops and retreats.

The Setting

Amrita Integral Yoga Centre is a retreat centre built according to the principles of sacred architecture, in San Kamphaeng, about 40 minutes by car from Chiang Mai Airport. The grounds include a yoga hall, library, garden, pool, fireplace and several altars.

Rooms are shared (three beds, or six in one larger room), single, or double for two people, in standard and deluxe versions that differ only in size. All are ensuite with air conditioning and hot water in the shower. Meals are vegetarian, three a day.

Before You Go

Level 1 is the starting point, so no earlier level is needed. The price covers the course, accommodation, meals and transport to and from Chiang Mai city centre on the first and last days. On arrival day the included meal is dinner, and on the final day breakfast and lunch.

The organizers strongly recommend that people with mental health issues, or those currently taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication, not join. Anyone who does so takes part at their own responsibility.