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Christopher Wallis
Christopher Wallis, also known as Hareesh, was introduced to Indian spirituality at the age of seven and initiated into the practice of yogic meditation at sixteen. His degrees include a B.A. in Religion and Classics from the University of Rochester, an M.A. in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley, an M.Phil. in Classical Indian Religions from Oxford, and a Ph.D. on the traditions of Śaiva Tantra from Berkeley. He received traditional education at yoga āshrams in upstate New York and India in meditation, kīrtan, mantra-science, āsana, karma-yoga, and more. He currently teaches meditation, yoga darśana (philosophy), Tantrik philosophy, Sanskrit, mantra-science, and offers spiritual counseling.
Hareesh is the Founder and Head Faculty of the Mattamayura Institute. His teachers, mentors, and gurus, in chronological order, include: Gurumayī Chidvilāsānandā (dīkṣā-guru and mūla-guru), Paul Muller-Ortega (Śaiva Tantra and Classical Yoga); Alexis Sanderson (Śaiva and Śākta Tantra and Sanskrit); Marshall Rosenberg (Nonviolent Communication); Somadeva Vasudeva (Śaiva Tantra), Dharmabodhi Sarasvati (Tantrik Yoga); and Adyashanti (Meditation). Hareesh is the author of Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition.
During this course Hareesh will be giving tantric teachings that will enrich students learning experience and dive deeper into philosophical understandings of the practice.
Though Tantrik philosophy was deeply influential on all the Indian religions, especially the spiritual path of Yoga, "Tantra" is a much-misunderstood concept today. Going back to the original sources, we discover that the roots of this tradition possess some of the most effective teachings and technologies for human transformation, and these offerings are particularly relevant for our time. As teachers and practitioners of yoga, these powerful teachings and practices can creates shifts and openings on the deepest levels of our being, clarify the sources of suffering and bliss in our lives, and leading us to illuminating insights that more fully connect us with our true nature.