Tantra Immersion Level 1

Tantra Immersion Level 1 is a six-day tantra yoga retreat at Amrita Integral Yoga Centre in San Kamphaeng, near Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is an introduction to the Tantra Yoga system, made for anyone who wants a systematic grounding in the philosophy and practice, with no earlier level required. Lectures, Hatha Yoga, meditation and tantric exercises are taught by Deshna An, Uriel Yariv and Iris Smeets, teachers connected with Mahasiddha Yoga.

What to Expect

The course is an intensive, step-by-step study of Tantra Yoga. The aim is to raise awareness and meet daily life, from relationships and work to time in nature, with more presence, including its simple pleasures and its difficult moments.

The first level covers:

- The philosophy and history of Tantra as a path of love, happiness and peace
- 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
- Hatha Yoga and its role in self-development
- Silent meditations for focus and clarity, and meditations with music to reach particular states of consciousness
- The place of relaxation and mindfulness in Tantra
- The path of love, with a technique to awaken a state of love
- Group Q&A sessions, and time to reflect on your growth and plan future practice

The organizers state clearly that this is traditional tantra and that there are no sexual activities in the retreat. The intention is a heartful, soulful atmosphere.

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

About Deshna An

Deshna is a Tantra and Yoga teacher and sound healing facilitator. Her background includes Tibetan Buddhism, Traditional Chinese medicine and kinesiology, and she has followed the path of Yoga for over ten years. Tantra has been central to her spiritual life since 2018.

About Uriel Yariv

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

About Iris Smeets

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

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. Grounds and facilities include a yoga hall, library, garden, pool, fireplace and altar spaces.

Rooms range from shared rooms (mostly three beds, plus one with six) to standard and deluxe singles and doubles. All are ensuite with air conditioning and hot water in the shower, and deluxe rooms differ from standard ones only in size. Meals are vegetarian, three a day.

Before You Go

Level 1 is the starting point of the series. Completing it qualifies you for Level 2, and Level 2 leads to Level 3, with a Level 4 also planned. The price covers the course, accommodation, vegetarian meals and transport between Chiang Mai city centre and the retreat on the first and last days. On arrival day the included meal is dinner, and on the last day breakfast and lunch.

The organizers strongly recommend that people with mental health issues, or who are taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication, do not join. Anyone who chooses to attend does so on their own responsibility.