Wayist Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra: overview

Wayist Tantra, known as Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra (Nirvanalaksana (lit: having wide-ranging bliss as its characteristic mark)) is the yogic lifestyle that is concerned mostly with direct and dedicated existential experience of spiritual evolution and radical personal transformation. Bliss, is understood as holistic wellness, a true and deep happiness, a prerequisite for enlightenment.

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is a therapeutic regimen that understands the human body, its relations to the soul body and the process of enlightenment. It understands the metamorphosis of the soul into a spiritual being. It understands that Prana heals not only soul and mind but also the physical body. It has a well-developed and unique understanding of the mechanisms of soul organs or soul minds known as chakras, nadi and its kundalini.

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is the discipline of the spiritual physician, more recently known as a pneumatherapist. Advanced Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra transformational therapy is applied by only a few Acharya who specialize in radical transformation.

Our healing regimen adds to its own ancient Vedic wisdom, healing wisdom and knowledge from other cultures and remains cognizant of possible contributions from modern science.

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is an esoteric discipline in the same vein as any other specialized discipline. It cannot be studied from its texts alone but the text, teaching and training is adapted and applied by one’s Acharya to one’s unique and individual personal challenges on the Path. It is a Path that calls for complete trust in the healer, and surrender to the often-hard curriculum tailor-made by one’s Acharya.

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is a lifestyle committed to personal transformation and the quest for enlightenment.

Nirvanalaksanayogayoga Tantra compared to other Tantras

Students of both Non-dual Anuttarayoga Tantra and Nirvanalaksanayogayoga Tantra noted a few similarities in certain aspects. We attribute the small similarities to an early treatise of Sautrāntika (an early Wayist-Buddhist movement) which, at the time of the breakaway from Buddhism was used by Tibetan scholars to formulate their system.

Nirvanalaksanayogayoga Tantra cannot be compared to today’s understandings of tantric traditions because of three reasons:
  • Few people understand the eastern tantric traditions at all 
  • Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is in a class all on its own. It is older than most known tantric systems and is styled as a holistic therapeutic discipline (which incorporates medicine). 
  • Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra belongs to the Wayist tradition and other tantras belong to many different traditions, each with its own aims, definitions, terminology, emphases, techniques and wisdom. 
  • What Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra has in common with later tantric traditions are: 
  • The quest for enlightenment 
  • The adjective tantra

Background of Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra

On the left hand
Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is a Path of radical transformation therapy for advanced devotees. This Path can only be taken when guided by expert teachers who have all the keys, training and insight into the mysteries. It is believed that Iesous first formulated and taught Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra when he and Mari were holed up in his cell in an esoteric Buddhist monastery in Chitral, Northern India. Following Iesous’ incident at the monastery in Chitral, he instituted Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra first among the Kalasha people of Afghanistan and the communities of Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. It is known that 3rd century Gnostic Wayists practiced this tantra and that the clergy of Original Church of the East in Kashmir and Bagdad were trained in the tradition. Nirvanalaksanayoga was blamed by a Roman philosopher for the moral decline when the Bacchae cults incorporated ecstatic elements and entheogen somas of this tantra in their ceremonies (source uncertain).
On the right hand
Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is physicians' training, a system of healing soul, mind and body.

Acharya Mari

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra’s heroine champion was Mari of Magadha, the first ever disciple to learn this at the feet of the Master. Wayists believe Mari was transformed into Bodhisattva Tara after the 2nd coming of Iesous in spiritual form as Lord Avalokiteshvara. While incarnated, Acharya Mother lived Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra as she travelled and taught throughout Palestine, Syria, Northern Africa and before she died in Kashmir. She lived a dedicated life as devotee, practicing as spiritual healer and foremost example of transformation.

Post Sautrāntika

Wayist tantra may be unique or it may be a prototype to later tantras of Vajrayana, Saktism, Shaivism and Vaishnavism. In India, Wayism broke with Buddhism early in the 2nd century when Sautrāntika transformed to Wayist esotericism.

Tantra as system and literature

The word tantra comes from the weaver’s trade. A tantra is a weaver’s loom with warp already in place according to the Plan. Before the 6th century the word tantra was used mostly to denote the weaver’s framework (a planned system) upon which one weaves the vision and final product. Another meaning is possible here. To create the therapeutic model, or system, the originators had to loan from other traditions on one hand and had to bring in unorthodox aspects on the other hand—weaving a syncretistic matrix for a therapeutic regimen.

The first treatise of tantra, such as that of Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra, were textbooks, technical manuals for use only by ordained Acharyas in the tradition. Later (6th century), the word tantra could also have the meaning of a manual, a textbook of instruction. At this time, people would make a difference between Sutras and Tantras as different types of literature. It may be worth the mention that the word sutra also means to be sown together (a collection of homogenous material) while tantra was at the time relegated to the category of, woven together (from different materials).

Beyond Words

Words cannot speak to metaphysical reality and this problem is exponentially compounded as we endeavor to the higher philosophy in the domain of tantra. For this reason, Wayist Tantra leads the esoteric way in doing away with sutras and scripture as sources of learning. Learning and evolution is taken inside, in the inner depths of the beast whom we are, where we challenge or demons and install our angels in their place in the soul.

Additionally, Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is a therapeutic system applied by a skilled therapist whom honed his/her skills through years of practice and apprenticeship. Although this does not happen in Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra, no one can simply pick up the mnemonic-style class notes and assume to use that to start a practice. Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra involves physical, mental, soul and spiritual healing and above all, radical transformation. Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is a rapid Path that accomplishes in a few months what may otherwise take several lifetimes. 

Teachers

Only a handful of Acharya and intern teachers are available to endeavor on behalf of students. The ancient tradition to pay these specialists very little for their dedicated attention and the many years of study keeps the number of practitioners low, and their profiles even lower.

During 2016, International Association of Wayist Organizations decided to break with tradition, to increase the number of interns and trainees who would carry forward the tradition and its healing wisdom. This is accomplished by making training more accessible. During phase one of the plan already in implementation, English language course material will be prepared, the need to read Sanskrit will be phased out and mid-level students will practice as intern physicians, enabling them to earn a basic living. 

Bliss

Our language is insufficient to speak to the depth and breadth of bliss. Wayist Tantra is said to be punyabharita ( पुण्यभरित ) which means ‘abounding in the bliss of holiness’. In the tradition, this tantra is referred to as Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra, which means the Tantra which has complete bliss as its characteristic mark. This bliss, is the epitome of happiness, which all humans inherently seek even though they do not yet know even the feeling, the experience nor the taste or smell of the bliss.

The use of soma entheogens is inherent in Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra from the beginning. The Lord’s teachings that revolve around the deep meaning and healing of the Lotus is part and parcel of Wayism and the informal international cult of Avalokiteshvara / Quanyin / Kannon.

Existential

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra praxis leads one to step into deeper awareness of metaphysical reality. This reality can only be experienced when lived, it cannot be understood in any other way. This tantra reprograms the mind and hones the senses to experience life in all its mundane and subtle offerings as energy that exhilarates the soul beyond the parameters known to natural human beings and their philosophical minds, science, texts, rhetoric and language.

Process

Reality and the experience of it is an evolving process. Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra trains the brain and its resultant mind to transcend its former self to awaken to new metaphysical experiences. Enlightenment is a process marked by thousands of moments of awakening. As the deep-sleeper slowly awakes from her dream world, for her, the process by which her reality changes are marked by increasingly clearer understandings, awakenings. Her process of awakening is taken to a next level when she drinks her cup of morning tea, or coffee, and Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is that cup of tea for advanced souls. It fully awakens you to the new reality. 

Evolution of experience

Experience has to do with perception, or point of view. Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra completely transforms how the adherent views…everything. Thereby, Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra changes one’s experience of life and metaphysical reality.

Process Non-dual

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra non-dualism starts with a dualism. It is defined as the belief that we are individual soul beings in process of metamorphosis to spiritual beings, upon which we will exist for eons before our perfection becomes such that we become one with the Perfect Source. We are destined to become one with the One, because our essence is the energy that emanates from That One—in that there is a non-dualism. However, between now and when the eons pass, when we will become one with the One, we have an amazing and beautiful existence ahead of us as individual soul/spirit beings elsewhere in the universe. Wayism concerns itself with that intermediate time, between now and then. Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra awakens us to that reality.

Nothingness, Voidness, Sunyata and Moksa

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra leads us to fully embrace metaphysical reality and realize the voidness, the nothingness, the sunayata of the material existence. This is called the process of liberation that is marked by moments of moksa which culminates in the final moksa, or release from samsara or rebirth on earth.

Totem and taboo

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra leads devotees to carefully, systematically, under guidance, when time is right, challenge all taboos and break down all totems to emerge as their true authentic self, having conquered all notions of the organic world and its bodies having any significance in who you are. This is the ultimate Path to discovery of the real you, the Self.

Devotees are initially empowered as Parinaamika, that is, you become an Acharya’s object subject to evolution. You are an object to be studied and improved, you are a project of a wise one, the notion of self and ego is slowly (sometimes quickly) transformed. Later, the devotee is empowered as Sadaananda, that is, you have become one that feels and gives bliss. From this stage on, your Path progresses in service to natural beings as your transformation / metamorphosis continues.

Yogini as Teacher

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra was by no means the first spiritual / religious system to not discriminate based on gender. Ancient Greco-Roman cults of the 1st century preceded Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra in this respect.

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra was conceived from Iesous’ purpose to spiritually and morally free women from patriarchal and male-dominated societal institutions. The first student, devotee and Acharya of Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra was a woman. The first community of devotees were women congregating around Acharya Mari. From day one, the yogini was established as one with the potential to not only attend and excel but also to lead and teach.

Yoni as Teacher

Then, we have the matter of yoni worship aimed at mid-level devotees. At the time, there were thousands of yogis and Buddhist monks on the verge of enlightenment, drawn down by one thing—the yoni. Being men, they naturally spent years of their meditating lives clearing their minds of their various feelings regarding women. In those societies, male experiences of the perceived power that women held over them, simply because of hormones and YinYang energies, brought about severe societal rules to keep woman away from the male sphere. Notions of women being dirty (menstruation and the messy affair of childbirth) abounded. Women’s superior intuitive skills earned them labels as evil, demons, witches and more. Women were not educated and they were therefore regarded as less intelligent. A woman’s ability to survive in society was directly linked to a husband. The plight of widows was engineered to be frightening and terrible—you cannot create circumstances for the one who cooks the meals to consider it viable to poison the husband. Long story short, women were dirty, despicable and dangerous—yet men desired them with all their being, yogi or monk notwithstanding.

Iesous knew that with the lack of love and respect prevalent in those societies, nobody, not even the highest advanced devotees could graduate from the School of Life. To remedy the situation the Lord started the process to free women and train menfolk to get over that culturally-conditioned mindset that delays enlightenment.

Furthermore, Iesous needed a boot camp therapy to train and liberate the men who were to lead Wayism into the future. Yoni worship and all that comes with it was invented for this very reason.

The regime classified under YoniLinga worship involves deeper things one cannot discuss here. For the sake of the point at hand, suffice it to mention that yogis spent a long time learning to see all women as goddesses, all women as Mother God the Yin of the YinYang. Women were not anymore unclean and yogis were smelling, tasting, listening to, feeling and literally worshipping women in all and every aspect of their being. Yogini were trained as teachers in this skillset.

Yogini, on the other hand, had their own culturally-conditioned issues to overcome in this regard. The regimen termed YoniLinga worship cures issues on both sides of the gender line. In fact, it transcends gender; one of the many small deaths we have to bring about in our transformation.


Therapy

Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra takes a therapeutic approach to transformation. Its aim is to heal, to bring about that metamorphosis which heals the ailment samsara. Its interventions in the soul are therapeutic in nature. The Parinaamika is trained as a healer in the Bodhisattva Path and as Sadaananda she serves humankind as teacher, healer, companion and sojourner.

Soma

Soma is central to Nirvanalaksanayoga tantra. Soma is the name of an ancient regime of spiritual medications. There are many different somas with different applications. Somas are plant-based and ingredients are harvested with accompanying ritual, at the prescribed moon cycles and times of day, and prepared according to ancient stipulations. Somas for ritual use are today described as entheogenic compounds. Soma is made available to patients in clinic and devotees in attendance at rites.


SECTION 2

I want to learn Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra, is it possible?

There are two ways to learn.

One is to train as a spiritual energy healer, a pneumatherapist. This can be accomplished by learning theory and attending a clinic to do an apprenticeship. There are several specialty areas from which one can choose.

The second is a long-term commitment. It is the path of radical transformation. Here, again, we have two ways.
  • a) is to commit as a lay-yogin, and adopt the monastic lifestyle for laypersons. 
  • b) is to commit and be accepted as a full-time yogin in dedicated community. Both these options learn to heal and practice as healers and teachers, once their transformations are well on the way.

How do I decide whether to choose Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra as my Path?

You don’t decide, you yield. Karma will lead you to discover the Path and your personal dharma will jump for joy or be very intrigued, then you know. You don’t decide, you yield to the call. You don’t call the Path, it calls you. You will know when your time comes.

How do I know if I am ready for Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra lifestyle?

The Acharya in charge will know, that is the role s/he plays in your journey. However, you may want to read up about Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra and ask a yogin or teacher questions. Don’t be disquieted when they don’t reveal esoteric practices and doctrines.

Trust is paramount. You MUST feel that you want to trust totally. Not every teacher or Acharya can (or wants to) be all things to all people.

Can I practice Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra as a layperson or must I commit to monastic life?

If you are a layperson, you must commit to the monastic lifestyle for laypersons. Monastic life for laypersons is practiced by householders who cannot or will not join a full-time satsang/sangha. However, all training starts in full time satsang with a commitment of no less than three weeks.

What is life like for full-time devotees?

Satsangs offer healing services to the public. Nirvanalaksanayoga Tantra is all about healing, personal transformation, soul energies, and compassion. Devotees practice, according to their skillset and talents, different tasks in clinic, in retreats, in public and in maintaining satsang facilities.

Junior devotees pay for their own food and upkeep. Ordained full-time yogins receive basic requirements according to the demands of their role.

How do I get accepted as a devotee?

Obtain an interview with an Acharya and request to be tested. This can be process. There are online articles written by teachers and devotees are available, that speak to what one can expect and how to go about being accepted as a student.

I want the healing but I am not a devotee?

Yes, of course. We run clinics and healing retreats that are open to the public regardless of your spiritual or religious sentiments. Wayist Spiritual Energy Center in Siem Reap will be happy to answer your questions in this regard.

By Acharya Yajn (Jean duPlessis), 2016. Jean is author and editor of several books on Wayist spirituality.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The ‘hungry ghosts’ who own your mind and mortgage your soul

The difference between soul and spirit