Songs of Subtle Body: A Yogic and Tantric Poetry Workshop & Music Concert

Journey into the depths of Yogic and Tantric Poetry through embodied exploration and musical celebration. In-person and Livestreamed

**Join us for a special event, either in-person in Berkeley or via our live stream on YouTube. No prior knowledge of the poetry featured is necessary, as an introduction will be provided at the start of the event. The proceeds from this gathering will support the dedicated teachers and artist musicians (from India). With no major foundations backing them, we deeply appreciate any additional donations to help continue their valuable work. **

The legendary mystic poet Kabir beckons you to relinquish the external quest for enlightenment and discover the Cosmos and the Divine within the sacred temple of your own energy body. His words transcend mere poetry; they are powerful calls to awaken, to resonate within your heart, and to challenge the societal barriers of class and race that obstruct our individual and collective liberation.

Immerse yourself in a unique twist at our upcoming event, "Songs of Subtle Body: An Embodied Tantric & Yogic Workshop & Music Concert." Unlike traditional settings where this poetry is primarily experienced through listening, this workshop allows you to bring the embodied wisdom of these mystical verses into your own physical and energetic presence. This is not just about listening to words of devotion and feeling the vicarious bliss through song; it's about an experiential wisdom and internalization of Kabir's spiritual teachings in your own body.

Through guided practices that integrate breath, movement, and meditation, you will explore the subtle energies and profound insights of this poetry in a way that resonates deeply and personally. Whether you are new to Kabir or have long admired his work, the workshop offers a fresh and exhilarating approach to spiritual awakening, emphasizing the importance of experiencing divine love and liberation within the very fabric of your being.

Prepare to be enveloped in an enchanting environment that celebrates every aspect of your being—physical, energetic, and spiritual. As these profound insights blend with the harmonic vibrations of music, feel your inner energies attune to a symphony of insight and tranquility.

Event Details:

With 17 years dedicated to the ancient paths of Kashmir Śaivite Tantra and Buddha's teachings, Samir's profound practice—grounded in thousands of hours of silent meditation—prepares him to lead participants through the embodied practices segment of the workshop. Alongside him, Prahlad Singh Tipanya and his ensemble, globally acclaimed since 2003 and with a rich singing career that extends over 30 years, stand as the preeminent guardians of Kabir’s teachings internationally. Linda Hess, esteemed for her deep scholarly engagement and eloquent translations of his poetry, brings a nuanced understanding of Kabir's spiritual and cultural contexts.

Why Join Us?

Whether Kabir's name is new to you or his work is already a part of your spiritual journey, "Songs of Subtle Body" offers a unique opportunity to engage with his transformative poetry on multiple levels. This event not only introduces you to the energetic aspects of your own Body-Temple through encoded wisdom but also allows you to practice and embody these insights through guided meditations.

Join us for a journey that promises not only to enlighten but also to inspire your spiritual growth. Let your heart be touched by the timeless wisdom, vibrantly alive through song and dance.

Additional Information:

Dining: Please have a light dinner beforehand. We encourage bringing fruits or light dry snacks to sustain you through the event.

Arrival: Ensure to arrive by 4:45pm (15 minutes before event starts) to settle in and prepare for the transformative journey ahead.

Full Participation: In keeping with the theme of embodiment, we recommend attending the full event from 5pm to 9pm. However, should your schedule only allow for attendance for one segment, we will graciously accommodate you.

Samir Patel has devoted 17 years to the deep currents of ancient Indian spiritual practices, notably the intricate pathways of Kashmiri Śaivite Tantra and the profound and original teachings of Buddha. His life's calling is to preserve and breathe life into these sacred lineages, maintaining their purity for the nourishment of Mother Earth, revered as Pṛthvī Mātā, the 'Vast One.' His spiritual depth is anchored in the quietude of thousands of hours spent in silent meditation, a practice deepened by periods in dark retreats and the rigorous path of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga. Samir illuminates a holistic and direct path out of suffering, integrating a systemic and global perspective into his teachings.

Supported by divine grace and the generosity of kindred spirits, he champions a visionary project to establish sustainable food and herb gardens in 100 refugee camps, with this dream already flourishing in over 21 countries.

Samir recognized that most programs treated these verses and tantric or yogic practices as separate disciplines. He developed this workshop that combine these elements, enabling participants to actively embody the wisdom and apply the insights from his verses in their practice and daily lives. More about his teachings: www.tathata.space

Experience the vigorous and joyful folk music of Prahlad Singh Tipanya and his ensemble as they tour the USA in March – May 2024, singing the poetry of Kabir, the great iconoclastic mystic of 15th-century North India. Prahlad-ji is worldwide acclaimed folk singer from Lunyakhedi, a small village in Ujjain District, Madhya Pradesh, India. He is renowned for his singing and interpretation of Kabir and other Hindi poets associated with nirgun-bhakti—devotion to a God or ultimate reality beyond word and form.

Among Prahlad-ji’s many honors is the prestigious Padma Shri award given by the Government of India. He has delighted audiences in the USA on various visits since 2003. He is a featured figure in the book Bodies of Song: Kabir Oral Traditions and Performative Worlds in North India (Oxford University Press, 2015) by Linda Hess.

Linda Hess's Kabir translations are celebrated for their poetic fluency and depth, capturing the fierce spirit and mystical essence of his verses. Her tenure at Stanford University's Department of Religious Studies for 21 years provided a platform for her pioneering studies on his poetry and its living oral traditions. Her exceptional work has earned her a Guggenheim Fellowship, culminating in the publication of "Bodies of Song: Kabir Oral Traditions and Performative Worlds in North India" (2015). Other significant works are "The Bijak of Kabir" and "Singing Emptiness: Kumar Gandharva Performs the Poetry of Kabir".

** This event will be in-person in Berkeley and also live streamed on YouTube