The Body as Gateway: Exploring the Tantra of Anusara Yoga

The Body as Gateway is a weekend yoga retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, exploring the Tantra of Anusara Yoga. It is led by Tasha Judson and Sara Davidson Flanders, and it is open to any sincere student of yoga, whether or not Anusara or Tantra is familiar territory.

The teaching rests on a simple premise: the actions and movements of yoga carry philosophy inside them. Anusara Yoga pairs a detailed knowledge of biomechanics with the principles of Tantric philosophy, and the weekend asks how particular actions can reveal that we are embodiments of Absolute Consciousness, and that our own consciousness can open us to an experience of something greater than ourselves.

What to Expect

The program studies the life-affirming philosophy of Śākta-Śaiva nondual Tantra alongside the Universal Principles of Alignment of Anusara Yoga. Asana practice is woven together with Tantric liberative philosophy, and you will also work with Tantric contemplation practice, mantra, japa, pranayama and other meditative practices. The emphasis is on freedom, consciousness and joy, approached through the body, breath and mind together.

The weekend begins with check-in from 2:00 pm on the opening day, a Kripalu Yoga class in the late afternoon, dinner, and a first program session from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The full days follow a steady rhythm: Kripalu Yoga class at 6:30 am, silent breakfast, a program session from 9:00 to 11:30 am, lunch, a second session from 1:30 to 4:00 pm, another Kripalu Yoga class at 4:45 pm, and dinner. On the closing day there is a morning class, silent breakfast, a final session from 9:00 to 11:00 am, and lunch before departure. Times may shift, and a schedule is provided at check-in.

About Tasha Judson and Sara Davidson Flanders

Tasha Judson and Sara Davidson Flanders are both Certified Anusara Teachers. They are also Acharyas, or meditation teachers, authorized by Blue Throat Yoga, a school of Śākta-Śaiva nondual Tantra. Together they are dedicated to helping students experience the wisdom, joy and vastness within their own body, breath and mind.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for solitude or a community-style dorm for more connection with other guests. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room holds your bags until then. Three meals are served each day, with breakfast taken in silence.

Before You Go

No previous experience with Anusara or Tantra is needed, and the program welcomes both beginners and seasoned practitioners. It is taught in English.

Your stay includes more than ten daily yoga classes, three nutritious meals a day, lodging, access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities, and the program sessions with both teachers. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra.

On the day of departure, room check-out is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.