Exploring the Mystical Pathways of Yoga and Tantra

Podcast E36 Exploring the Mystical Pathways of Yoga and Tantra – with Daniel Erulian

In this episode of The Tantric Life Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Daniel Erulian, a yoga teacher trainer who blends the ancient practices of tantra, magic, divination, runes, and martial arts into a truly holistic approach to spirituality.

In the modern era, where spirituality often intersects with self-help and personal growth, Daniel Erulian’s approach to yoga and tantra stands out as a rich tapestry woven from diverse spiritual practices and ancient philosophies. From magic and divination to martial arts and tantric wisdom, Daniel’s journey reflects a rare blend of disciplines united under the profound teachings of yoga. But for Daniel, yoga is more than just a physical or meditative practice—it is the core element that connects all paths, a way to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown.

This exploration of Daniel’s teachings reveals a fascinating perspective on spirituality, life’s mysteries, and the interconnectedness of all beings, rooted in ancient wisdom and brought into modern light.

Yoga: The Unifying Thread of All Spiritual Practices

At the heart of Daniel’s teachings lies the ancient concept of yoga—meaning “to yoke” or “to unify.” He views yoga as the central thread that binds all spiritual practices, a way to bring together the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of existence. His background in tantra, magic, divination, runes, and martial arts informs this understanding. Through yoga, he finds a means to interweave his extensive studies in religion, philosophy, and diverse spiritual traditions into a cohesive, holistic practice.

For Daniel, the essence of yoga is unity—a connection between the individual and the cosmos, between the seeker and the divine. This unification is not a state to be achieved once and held forever but an ongoing journey, a practice of harmonising with life’s constant ebb and flow.

Embracing Mystery as a Pathway to Growth

A defining characteristic of Daneil’s approach is his respect for mystery. He believes that mystery fuels our desire to explore, question, and grow. He cautions that if all mysteries were solved, life would lose its spark, potentially leading to disillusionment and even stagnation. This approach invites a humble recognition of the vastness of the unknown, urging us to remain open, curious, and humble.

In his view, the pursuit of understanding keeps passion alive and counters feelings of depression and stagnation. Rather than seeking to conquer or master every aspect of spirituality, he encourages practitioners to welcome mystery as a companion on the journey, appreciating the ever-expanding potential for learning.

The Nature of God: Beyond Duality and Form

One of the most unique aspects of Daniel’s philosophy is his perspective on God. Moving beyond traditional, anthropomorphic views of a supreme deity, he describes God as a paradox—an all-encompassing entity that represents both everything and nothing. In this non-dual tantric perspective, God isn’t a hierarchical figure with a finite form or agenda but rather an infinite consciousness, the underlying essence of all existence.

This interpretation of God challenges practitioners to expand their concept of divinity beyond labels, allowing them to connect with a boundless consciousness that permeates all aspects of life.

The Six Layers of Self as a Cosmic Map

Daniel follows the tantric five-plus-one model of self, viewing it as a guide for understanding the cosmos and the essence of God. Each layer represents a different aspect of our being:

1. Vastu – The physical realm, the tangible aspect of existence.
2. Prana – The energy body, the life force that animates us.
3. Chitta – The mind, encompassing thoughts and emotions.
4. Prana – The subconscious, where deeply rooted beliefs reside.
5. Shunya – The void, symbolizing pure potentiality.
6. Chit – Pure awareness, the ultimate reality that underpins all experience.

According to this model our true nature is pure awareness, shared by all beings. This perspective invites practitioners to recognise their connection to a universal consciousness, emphasising that each of us is a unique expression of this divine essence.

The Paradox of Spiritual Truths

Many universal truths reveal themselves as paradoxes, serving as gateways to deeper understanding. For instance, spiritual practice often demands both effort and relaxation—two seemingly opposite states that, when balanced, reveal profound insights.

Similarly, Daniel describes the pursuit of spiritual mysteries as both liberating and potentially disheartening. This nuanced approach to paradox encourages us to embrace the complex nature of reality, where truths may exist in contradictions, fostering greater openness and resilience on the spiritual path.

The Threefold Nature of Reality: Observer, Observed, and Observation

While we often think of tantra as teaching a twofold nature of the Universe, in the form of Shiva and Shakti, and similarly with Yin and Yang, in fact the deeper teachings of tantra reveal a threefold model.

The tantric mandala known as the Sri Yantra is composed of a triangle of three sides, which radiates out into many geometric patterns. The three sides of this triangle represent the three aspects of reality:

1. The Observer – The individual perception.
2. The Observed – The external world or object.
3. The Act of Observation – The experience that links the two.

This triad forms the foundation of existence. Removing any one element causes reality to dissolve, highlighting the essential interplay between self, other, and experience.

Magic as a Means of Transformation

Daniel’s journey into ritual and magic is a fascinating compliment to his tantra teachings. He defines magic as an art that enables practitioners to interact with deeper layers of reality to manifest change. Through symbolic gestures, ritual, and intention, Daniel believes magic offers tangible tools for transformation, providing insight, manifestation, and initiation.

He identifies three core functions of magic:

1. Divination – Reading, understanding and interpreting the patterns within reality.
2. Manifestation – Speaking and harnessing these patterns to bring about desired outcomes.
3. Initiation – Undergoing inner transformation to shift perception and deepen awareness.

He sees magic as an extension of the spiritual journey, where mental and energetic discipline merge to effect personal and collective growth. When we look closely at the history of yoga and tantra we see that in fact magic and magical practices are deeply woven into the yoga that we popularly know today.

The Original 5-Chakra System vs the Modern 7-Chakra System

While the seven-chakra system is widely popular in Western spirituality, Daniel chooses to work with the original five-chakra model rooted in the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and void (space). He believes this elemental system aligns more closely with the process of manifestation and the essence of tantric tradition, beginning with an idea arising from the void and concluding with its realisation in the physical realm.

This five-chakra system forms the foundation of Daniel’s Ritual Embodiment Yoga Teacher Training program, which integrates classical tantra, breathwork, meditation, ritual magic, and even elements of tai chi and kung fu. Through this program, Daniel encourages students to experience a holistic approach to spiritual development, connecting physical, energetic, and mental practices.

Embodied Spirituality: Engaging the Senses

In contrast to meditative practices that focus solely on achieving mental stillness, Daniel emphasises an embodied approach to spirituality, involving all the senses. Inspired by tantric traditions, he encourages practitioners to fully engage sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell during meditation and ritual. This multi-sensory approach fosters a deeper connection with one’s body, environment, and spiritual experience, making the practice more holistic and integrative.

Conclusion: A Life of Infinite Exploration

Daniel Erulian’s teachings remind us that spirituality is not a destination but a journey of endless exploration. In his view, life’s purpose is an eternal dance of experiences, where every action adds to the collective story of existence. This perspective challenges us to live with intention, awareness, and a willingness to embrace mystery—a journey that may be as boundless and profound as the cosmos itself.

To find out more about Daniel and his trainings visit his website: ⁠ritualembodiment.com

You may also be interested in these other posts about Tantra…

Vedantic Five Koshas vs Tantric Five-Layer View of Self

Tantra Basics Part 1: Meanings and Origins