Silence, Shadow, and Grace: A Journey into Tantra, Relationships, and Spiritual Growth with Uriel Yariv.

Podcast E37 Silence, Shadow, and Grace: A Journey into Tantra Relationships, and Spiritual Growth with Uriel.

In this episode of The Tantric Life Podcast, I am joined by Uriel Yariv, co-founder of the Mahasiddha School of Yoga in Thailand. Uriel shares the profound story of his spiritual journey, exploring themes of meditation, emotional growth, and the transformative potential of tantra—both in individual practice and relationships.

Whether you’re curious about silent retreats, facing inner challenges, or integrating spiritual principles into daily life, this episode offers deep wisdom for those seeking growth and fulfilment.

Uriel’s Path to Spirituality and Silence

Uriel discovered his spiritual path at the age of 20. His journey led him to study tantra, Tibetan Buddhism, and mystical Christianity. Over the last 20 plus years, he has committed to spending three months each year in retreat—often living in remote forests without modern conveniences.

These silent retreats are transformative but challenging. The extended periods of stillness during the retreats bring inner difficulties to the surface, offering an opportunity for growth. Despite the challenges, Uriel emphasises that facing these struggles has brought him immense happiness and bliss, ultimately deepening his connection to grace and spirituality.

Purity, Shadow Work, and Emotional Alchemy

A significant theme in Uriel’s teachings is the relationship between purity and the “shadow”—the subconscious aspects of ourselves that we often suppress. Uriel explains that true purification comes not from avoidance but from embracing these shadows through meditation, breathwork, and stillness. By allowing emotions like pride, anger, and guilt to arise, we can alchemise them into transformative energy.

He describes the tantric approach as one that allows “samskaras,” or subconscious tendencies, to surface and be burned away through conscious awareness. This process purifies the heart, making space for grace and inner peace.

Transforming Conflict Through Meditation and Awareness

Uriel uses his meditation training to deal with relationship conflicts by drawing on his ability to remain present and aware of his emotions, rather than reacting in a knee-jerk manner. When faced with conflict, as a result of his meditation training, he is able to observe his anger without judgment or immediate reaction. He describes this process as “digesting” his emotions—creating space to reflect on their message rather than suppressing or acting on them.

In one example, Uriel recognised that someone’s anger revealed a transformative lesson about his own blind spots, which he had previously overlooked. Instead of reacting defensively, If we can acknowledge and site with the feelings as a feedback mechanism, the conflict with the other person can become a moment of self-awareness and connection. This leads to greater intimacy and trust with our partner. True awareness comes from directly experiencing emotions within the body, which liberates us from their control and allows for deeper connection in relationships.

The challenge for many men is to find the courage to enter into unity with love rather than running from the uncomfortable emotions that may surface in close relationships. True transformation and fulfilling love manifests when men stop resisting intimacy and allow their hearts to open fully.

The Tantric Life Podcast

Listen to the podcast episode of this topic on your preferred platform, here: E37 Silence, Shadow, and Grace: A Journey into Tantra, Relationships, and Spiritual Growth with Uriel Yariv.

Tantra, Relationships, and Intimacy

Tantra can have a huge benefit in relationships, allowing intimacy to become a spiritual experience. Uriel talks about how women, as embodiments of feminine energy, can guide men into deeper love and intimacy. However, this requires men to embrace vulnerability and emotional presence.

Learning from the Mahasiddha School of Yoga

Uriel and his team offer a range of courses and retreats at the Mahasiddha School of Yoga in Thailand. These include weekly tantra and yoga sessions, emotional healing workshops, and specialised training such as Amorous Erotic Continence for men, among many others. The school also offers an extensive online community with on-demand courses on topics such as sadness, guilt, the purpose of life, and lucid dreaming.

If you are interested in seeking a deeper understanding of tantra, meditation, and emotional growth, you can discover all of these powerful tools at tantrayogathailand.com.

Final Thoughts: When We Truly Live Tantra

Uriel Yariv’s story is a wonderful example of fully living the principles and practices of authentic Tantra. The experiences he relates in this episode are testament to the transformative power of silence, stillness, and conscious connection—core elements of the tantric path. By embracing our shadows, practicing emotional alchemy, and honouring intimacy as a sacred experience, we create space for grace and profound spiritual growth.

Tantra teaches us that every challenge, emotion, and relationship can be a gateway to deeper self-awareness and unity. Whether you’re new to tantra or a seasoned practitioner, Uriel’s insights offer tools and inspiration to help you integrate these timeless teachings into your life and deepen your spiritual journey.

To find out more about Uriel Yariv and his teachings visit his website: ⁠tantrayogathailand.com

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

Tantra as a Spiritual Way of Life

Tantra for Rekindling the Spark and Passion in Your Relationship