By Ma Bhakti Shakti (Maria Martins)

Ananda Tandava - dance of bliss

"I saw cascades of energy coming down from outer space, in which particles were destroyed and created in rhythmic pulses; I saw the atoms of the elements and those of my body participating in this cosmic dance of energy; I felt its rhythm and I heard its sound, and at that moment I knew that this was the Dance of Shiva, the Lord of Dancers." Fritjof Capra, Tao of Physics

According to mythology, Shiva first performed Ananda Tandava (the dance of bliss), to enlighten some sages who had been so immersed in their scholasticism that they had forgotten the existence of God. This Ananda Tandava was later revealed at the Jnana Sabha, one of the shrines of Chidambaram. Myth has it that, at a particular time every year, Shiva still performs the dance here.

In Indian mythology, Lord Shiva is considered as the supreme lord of dance. This divine art form is performed by Lord Shiva & his wife Goddess Parvathi. The Dance performd by Lord Shiva is known as Tandava, which depicts his violent nature as the distructor of the universe. The tandava performed with joy is called Ananda Tandava and performed in violent mood is called Rudra Tandava. There are 7 types of Tandava. Namely Ananda Tandava, Tripura Tandava, Sandhya Tandava, Samara Tandava, Kaali tandava, Uma Tandava and Gauri Tandava. There are few people who believa that there are 16 types of Tandava. Tandava has vigourous, brisk movements.The dance performed by Goddess Parvathi is known as Lasya, in which the movements are gentle, graceful and sometimes erotic also. Some scholars call Lasya as the feminine version of Tandava. Lasya has 2 kinds. Jarita Lasya and Yauvaka Lasya.

By Ma Bhakti Shakti (Maria Martins)

There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding Tantra today. This topic is subject to extensive fabrication especially under the name of neo-Tantra. The sad result is that many people uninformed of the truth about Tantra fell victims to those “teachers”, “goddesses” or “schools of Tantra” who in disguises promote lust and prostitution. The incentive is to make money on the expense of the naive. Tantra isn’t a licentious product and has nothing to do with the prostitution industry.

The concept has evolved over thousands of years. It is undoubtedly spirituality of a different kind the Western tradition understands by it under the creed of Christianity. The current set-up of teachings in many so-called “schools of Tantra” is for Tantra to join the porno industry on the assumption that anything that talks about sex is for the market to be exploited as such. Far from being part of the pleasure industry or the religious establishment, Tantra is hard to be understood by the Western mind.

The man-woman sexual relationship in monotheistic traditions was always a sensitive subject. It is simply beyond the minds settings created by monotheism that sexual relationships could be called holy. What Tantra says, particularly Kaula Tantra is that man-woman interaction, which is conducive to creation, could become holy if the relevant conditions are met. The holiness the Tantric way comes from logical thinking. If God, the creator is holy, why the instruments of creation, the man and woman engaged in the sexual act conducive to creation, couldn’t be called holy? Why the sexual act of creation couldn’t be called ‘holy sex’? This is what Tantra does precisely. The restoration of holiness within the man-woman sexual partners is a major topic in Tantra.

By Ma Bhakti Shakti (Maria Martins)

Tantric Dance Origins and Power

Said to be written 2000 years ago by Bharata Muni , it is the seminal source book for dancers and performers. The mammoth book covers all technical and aesthetic aspects of the art of Indian Theatre and Dance.

From the purpose of natya, to the architectural format, stage rituals, Rasa, Bhava, Abhinaya, gestic communication, music, types of instruments…

37 chapters that together form the nucleus of this fascinating performing art. Later century works like Abhinaya Darpana, Abhinaya Chandrike, also have great relevance to the dancer today.

Legend has it that the Gods had vanquished the Asuras (Evil) and were relating happenings to Brahma, the God of Creation. The Asuras thought this was a renewed attack. And retaliated. Brahma intervened- "This is only a performance, henceforth it will only be held on earth." And Brahma passed on all the information on Dance and Drama to Bharata Muni who compiled it as the Natya Shastra.

By Ma Bhakti Shakti (Maria Martins)

History and foundation

The Sanskrit theatre is nowadays recognised  as world heritage. Its roots are in India region at the time when Christianity was not even present there, i.e. over 5000 years back in time.

Over centuries this kind of theatre developed into various forms of cultural expression across multiple epochs, the Vedic time, the Buddhist and Jain eras, and through the subsequent ages of Hinduism. Nowadays Sanskrit theatre is a well-known form of cultural practice in India that follows the heritage of Sanskrit dramatists like Harsha, Bodhayana, Nilakantha, Sudraka, Shaktibhadra, Mahendravikramavaram, Bhasa, Kulasekhara, and four of the ten drama forms in Sanskrit language, i.e. Nataka, Prakarana, Prahasana and Vyayoga.

Other well-known dramatists like Kalidasa and Bhavabhti are relative recent adaptations and not part of the traditional repertoire. Temple dance / theatre is an Indian performing art, a form of Natya Shastra, but with a distinct kind of artistic expression that combines theatre, dance and music. More often it is articulated as dance drama in which various mythological themes are re-enacted. Impersonating popular Hindu gods do participate as actors / players, among them being Kali, Bhagavati, Krishna, Balarama, Indra, Sita, Hanuman, the later being one of the most popular.

Tour 2009/2010

Now in  India  +91 9527965556

Skype : Bhakti.Shakti

Maria Martins (Bhakti Shakti) has all the credentials to present to the public the topic of Tantra. Over a long period of time Bhakti was involved in personal research in both Yoga and Tantra. On account of Tantra, Bhakti has experienced various rituals and practices pertinent to it.

She is a Kaula Tantric guru, trainer and facilitator of workshops and seminars having a well-known presence on the Internet.

Tantric rituals are not easy to be comprehended and practiced with a full-heart. They require a deep understanding of what Tantra is and how the concept could be applied by anyone to solve various problems. It needs courage to present to the public the non-conventional methods of Tantra.

Bhakti has managed to present such an intricate subject as Tantra, in an easy to understand and logical sequence of exposure. Her works are a result of many years of accumulation of theoretical and practical knowledge of Tantra, mainly in Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia and India.

Education

• Degree in Fine Arts: Guignard University in Brazil. Curriculum includes study of Arts, Mythology, Arts History, and Painting.
• Yoga University in Brazil: studied spiritual mythology, Hinduism Sanskrit.
• Certifications in: Classical Indian Dance Omkarananda Educational Society in India (1987)
• Certifications: 7 Years Classical Ballet, contemporary Dance, African, Belly, Arabian, Latin, and Spanish Flamenco. Professional Dance Instructor
• (3 years) Theatrical and acting Courses
• (2 years) in Professional Singing

Spiritual Initiations

• Shri title - Shivananda
• Shri Agni Shakti – Parampara Chandrananda, Kajuraho
• Ma Dhyan Bhakti - Osho Shri Rajnesh, Poona 1987
• Ma Bhakti Shakti – Shiva Shastri, Kaula Tantra, Orissa
• Goddess Dance, Poona – Rishkesh 1987 Omkarananda Educational Society
• Transcendental Meditation Deepak Chopra 1999

Professional Experience

• Choreographer, Professional Dancer, Actress and Singer
• European dance tour Germany, Spain, Switzerland 1990 – 1998
• Switzerland dance tour 1992
• Spain dance tour 1993

Patents and Publications

Books

1. The Tantric Love. Tantrananda Publications, 2002
2. Abundance - The Tantric Way, Tantrananda Publications, 2003
3. The Tantric Sex, Tantrananda Publications, 2003
4. Shakti Tantra, Tantrananda Publications, 2003
5. Kaula Tantra, Manual for Kaula Tantra Teachers, Tantrananda Publications, 2003

Recording – all produced by Tantrananda Media Recordings.

1. Durga Yoga Nidra - the Tantric Yoga Nidra for overcoming enemies and for personal protection
2. Ganesha Yoga Nidra - overcome life obstacles and be protected by god Ganesha
3. Kali Yoga Nidra - overcome anger and obtain protection from the powerful goddess Kali
4. Lakshmi Yoga Nidra - Tantric Method of acquiring beauty and prosperity
5. Lalita Yoga Nidra - acquire power the Tantric way
6. Love Yoga Nidra - connect emotionally with your ideal lover
7. Rama and Sita Yoga Nidra - the Tantric method to obtain a good marriage
8. Saraswati Yoga Nidra - acquire knowledge and wisdom the Tantric way
9. Shakti Yoga Nidra - psychic healing for women
10. Shiva Yoga Nidra - psychic healing for men
11. Maha Tantric Healing Meditation - the great Tantric healing by rounds of Bija Mantras

Articles

• Abundance, the Tantric Way,
• Ganesha Yoga Nidra,
• Kaula Tantra Mantra Initiation,
• Love Yoga Nidra,
• Shakti Yoga Nidra,
• Tantric Goddess Dance,
• The Tantric Love,
• The Tantric Sex

Short articles

• Kundalini Tantra,
• Meet a Kaula Tantra Guru,
• Shakti Power,
• Shiva Power,
• Shiva-Shakti Union,
• Tantra for Advanced Students,
• Tantra for Beginners,
• Tantric Sex for Pleasure,
• Tantric Sex for Progeny,
• Tantric Sex for Spiritual Liberation,
• Tattva Tantra

Additional Professional Activities

• Firewalk,
• Woodbreak,
• fire eating,
• parachute jump,
• bungee jump (achievement and transcending fear)

Professional Memberships

• Member of APPIYOGA – Professional association of Yoga Instructors
• Member of Pranic Healing Association
• Member of NSAA Public Speaking Association
• Member of Holistic Business Association

Languages

• English,
• Portuguese,
• Spanish,
• German,
• Italian

Life Mission

To help myself and others to celebrate life, to live truth, accomplishment and fun, solve problems and be compassionate and courageous.

Business Mission

Tantrananda School of Tantra and Unitantra have taken the challenging mission of spreading the knowledge about Kaula Tantra as a commitment.

Our intention is to inspire people to renew their earthly life in the spiritual dimension.

Accreditations

• NSW Pranic Healing Association
• Pranic Healing Courses (Basic and Advanced)
• Pranic Teacher Certificate Institute of Inner Studies
• Advanced Pranic Psychotherapy
• Soul Realization
• Psychic Self Defence Arhatic Yoga
• Clairvoyance
• Esoteric Geomancy for Business
• Feng Shui

Anthony Robbins Seminars

• Participant Unleash the Power Within - Anthony Robbins Sydney 1997
• Crew Unleash the Power Within - Anthony Robbins Sydney 1990 - 2002
• Participant Date with Destiny Anthony Robbins Maui Hawaii 1998
• Crew Date with Destiny Anthony Robbins 2000-2001-2002 Maui - Australia (QLD)
• Life Mastery Koona Hawaii 1999
• Participant Wealth Mastery Sydney Australia 1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002
• Crew Wealth Mastery Sydney Australia 2000–2001-2002-2003
• Leadership Academy Anthony Robbins San Diego California USA 2000
• Leadership Academy Crew QLD Australia 2002
• Leadership Mastery - Anthony Robbins Australia 2002
• Skills of Power, Bob Bays 1997-1998–2002 Australia
• Neuro Linguistic Programming, Michael Hall
• Games Prolific Writers Play – Prolific Writing Workshop, Michael Hall, 2001
• The NLP Master Practitioner and Meta-States Workshop, Michael Hall & Bob Bodenhamer 2001
• Healing, The Journey - Brandon Bays 2000
• Advanced Skills Workshop - Brandon Bays 2001

Silva Method

• The Silva Advanced Success Seminar with Hans De Jong
• The Silva Method 1976 Brazil
• Silva Method Advanced 1980 Brazil
• Teachers Training Laredo Texas 2001

Meditation

• Seduction of Spirit — Deepak Chopra

Hobbies

• Dance, nature, books

Volunteer experience

• Anthony Robbins Crew (Force for Good)

Awards received

• Belly dance world champion, Abu Dhabi Dubai, 1989
• Mastery University - Robbins Research International, USA (San Diego ) Hawaii
• Uni Yoga (University of Yoga) Belo Horizonte, Brazil
• Degree of Fine Arts, Guignard University, 1978 – 1984
• Diploma in Design, Federal University of Minas Gerais
• Course in Classical Indian Dance, Omkaranada Educational Society of India, 1987
• Course in Classical Dance, Corpo Escola de Danca Livre, 1977 – 1979
• Course in Modern Dance, Corpo Escola de Danca Livre, 1977 – 1979
• Classical Dance, Transforma with Ana Elisabete Bastos 1982
• Classical Dance, Transforma with Patricia Drumont, 1982
• Classical Dance, Escola de Danca Classica with Joaquim Ribeiro, 1982 – 1984
• Choreography, Academia Internacional de Ballet with Carlos Leite, Virginia Majury, Marcelo Moacyr, Rodolfo Luz, Marcio Machado, 1987
• Course in Modern Dance, 1st Ato Escola de Danca with Eusebio Lobo, 1984- 1986
• Contemporary Dance, Academia Internacional de Ballet with Martha Galve
• Contemporary Dance, Transforma with Carman Paternostro, 1982 – 1983
• Modern and Jazz Dance, Transforma with Euseblio Lobo, 1982 – 1983
• Acrobatica Dance, Transforma, 1982
• Jazz Dance, Academia Internacional de Ballet with Luiz Carlos Ventrice, 1977, 1981
• Course of Belly Dancing with Sharazad, Academia Internacional de Ballet, 1987
• Indian Culture 10 cities in India in 1987 with theory and practice
• Danca do Ventre, Academia Internacional de Ballet with Zena, 1988
• Danca de Bali, Academia Internacional de Ballet with Deline Pinder, 1987
• Course Procurando o movimento, a forca e a expressao verdadeiro with Rolf Guelewiski, Academia Internacional del Ballet, 1986
• Course of Dance Afro-primatives and Afro-barsilierias with Malene Silva and Anderson Barosa, Academia Internacional de Ballet, 1980 and 1988
• Course on Meditation Dynamics, Academia Brasileira de Ciencias Mantais, 1983
• Physical Emotional Expression in Dance with Jura Otelo, Academia Internacional de Ballet, 1988
• Course for Yoga Danca Kryativa with David Mundini, 1st Ato Escola de Danca, 1984
• Couso de Teatro with Prof Bernardo Mata Machado, Transforma Escole de Danca
• Curso de Teatro with Carlos Augusto Rocha, Transforma Escola de Danca
• Curso de Teatro with Paulinho Polika, 1st Ato Escola de Danca
• Curso de Figurinismo do Artes Cenicas with Dceio Novielo, Oficina de Teatro, 1983
• Curso de Mascasras de Papel, Fundacao Escola Guignard, 1983
• Curso de Desnho, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
• Curso de Belas Artes, Fundacao Escola Guignard, 1978 and 1984
• Complete Yoga from Uniao Nacional de Yoga, Sao Paulo, 1986 – 1987
• Asana Course from Uniao Nacional de Yoga, Sao Paulo, 1987
• Tai Chi Course from Uniao Nacional de Yoga, Sao Paulo, with Professor Shin
• Advanced Course of Dynamic Meditation from Brazilian Academy of Mental Science, Belo Horizonte, 1983
• Course of Dynamic Meditation from Brazilian Academy of Mental Science, Belo Horizonte, 1975
• Flamenco classical dance Palma de Mallorca Spain 1993
• Sevilhanas dance Palma de Mallorca Spain 1993
• Doin Juracy Cancado, Belo Horizonte, 1987
• Diploma Teacher of Yoga Tantric Lineage from the Catholic University of Brazil, 1983 – 1986
• Earned Title Shri – The Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, from Sri Swami Shivananda, 1987
• Earned Title Kaula Tantra Guru (Ma Bhakti Shakti) – Parampara from Guru Shiva Shastri, 1987 – 1990 (included extensive teacher training)
• Cosmic Dance  - Training nov 2007 to may 2008 India