Vijnanabhairava Tantra
A Six-Day Immersion Workshop
led by Prof. (Dr.) Alka Tyagi
July 10-15, 2026
Bodhigram Empowerment Centre
Thano Village, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
There are scriptures that are meant to be studied…
and there are scriptures that are meant to be entered.
The Vijnanabhairava Tantra is one such sacred text- a luminous doorway into the direct experience of consciousness itself. Rooted in the non-dual tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, this profound tantric scripture is a dialogue between the Divine Goddess Devi and Bhairava (Shiva), where the Goddess asks one of humanity’s deepest questions:
What is the true nature of Reality, and how can it be directly experienced?
In response, Bhairava reveals 112 meditation techniques (dharana)- subtle yet powerful gateways that use breath, sound, sensation, silence, awareness, the body, emotions, relationship, nature, and everyday life itself as portals into awakening.
Unlike systems that ask us to reject the world, the Vijnanabhairava Tantra teaches that
every moment contains an opening into the sacred.
A pause between breaths.
A moment of wonder.
A deep feeling.
A sound dissolving into silence.
Even ordinary experience can become a doorway into expanded consciousness.
This workshop is not merely an intellectual study of a text.
It is an invitation into a living experience of meditation, presence, and inner transformation.
Through chanting, exposition of verses, contemplative inquiry, and direct meditative practice, participants will gradually enter the heart of this mystical tradition and explore how these timeless teachings can become embodied realities.
About the Workshop
This six-day immersive workshop offers participants the opportunity to deeply engage with the wisdom and practices of the Vijnanabhairava Tantra through:
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Textual study and guided exposition of selected verses
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Chanting and vibrational immersion into the text
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Direct meditation practices based on Bhairava’s dharanas
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Contemplative reflection and experiential inquiry
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Yogic practices to prepare the body and nervous system for deeper states of awarenes
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Asana & Pranayama
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Vijnanabhairava Tantra
(Textual Study, Chanting, Exposition of Verses & Meditation Practice)
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Vijnanabhairava Tantra
(Textual Study, Chanting, Exposition of Verses & Meditation Practice)
The retreat creates a space where philosophy becomes lived experience- where meditation is not approached as effort or discipline alone, but as a profound remembering of one’s own essential nature.
Daily Schedule
Who is this workshop for?
This immersion is for:
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Seekers longing for a deeper experience of meditation beyond technique alone
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Practitioners of yoga, tantra, meditation, and non-dual spirituality
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Those drawn to the wisdom traditions of Kashmir Shaivism
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Individuals wishing to explore consciousness through direct experience
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Therapists, healers, facilitators, and spiritual practitioners seeking inner depth and expansion
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Anyone feeling called toward silence, awareness, presence, and self-realisation
No prior knowledge of Sanskrit or Tantra is required - only sincerity, openness, and a willingness to explore.
About the Guide/Facilitator
(Prof. (Dr.) Alka Tyagi )
Prof. (Dr.) Alka Tyagi, a bilingual poet, researcher and translator, teaches English at Delhi University. Her research areas include Ancient Indian literatures, Upanishads, Yogic studies, and the non-dual Kashmiri Trika Śaivism. Dr. Tyagi completed a second Masters in Sanskrit from Delhi University in order to deepen her understanding of original Sanskrit texts.
Three of her poetry collections - Sun Ri Sakhi, Amaltaas, and Whispers at the Ganga Ghat have been published. She has authored five books including Reconstructing Devotion through Narada Bhakti Sutras. She has translated two books, A Woven Rope and Muni Jin Vijaya for Sahitya Akademi. Former Fellow at IIAS, Shimla, her book on Bhairava and Bhavana: Supreme Reality and the Power of Creative Contemplation has been published recently by IIAS in collaboration with DK Printworld.
She enjoys music, films, poetry, and philosophy, and she has been an ardent practitioner and exponent of Satyananda Yoga for more than two decades.
You can find more about her at: www.tantravimarsha.com
Workshop Details
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Dates: July 10-15, 2026 (Friday to Wednesday)
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Format: 6-Day Residential Immersion
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Venue: Bodhigram Empowerment Centre (Thano Village, Dehradun)
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Participants have to arrive a day early (on July 9) for the orientation in the evening.
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Limited to 18 Participants only to support depth, safety, and meaningful exploration.
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The contribution towards accommodation (single bed in double-sharing) and meals for all 6 days is ₹11,865. Stay on July 9th Night and July 15th night is included.
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The contribution to the Guide/Facilitator can be offered directly after completion of the workshop (on dana/donation basis).
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If you would prefer to contribute (pay) in two equal instalments, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We will be happy to facilitate the payment process accordingly.
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We offer scholarships to students, and those who are financially struggling. Please connect with us if you would like to request a scholarship.
Call +91-9405712845 (Vineet) for any questions or concerns!
Registrations are now open.
click on the REGISTER NOW button below.