The Nature of Self: A Tantrik Perspective
Podcast E39 The Nature of Self: A Tantrik Perspective with Daniel Erulian
Unraveling the Self: The Five Plus One Layer Model in Tantra
What if the boundaries between you and the world were an illusion? What if your thoughts, emotions, and even your physical body were just layers of a greater, unified self? These are some of the fascinating ideas explored in the Five Plus One Layer Self Model, a Tantric perspective on the nature of self and consciousness.
In a recent episode of The Tantric Life Podcast, I sat down with Daniel, a passionate yoga teacher who has structured his entire training curriculum around this profound model. Drawing from Christopher Wallis’s teachings in his book Tantra Illuminated, we explored how this model offers a holistic view of self, integrating the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.
The Layers of Self: A Tantric Perspective
At the heart of our discussion was the concept of the six layers—five core layers plus one that is often overlooked. Unlike the Vedantic kosha model, which some may be familiar with, this Tantric model provides a unique way of understanding reality and deepening one’s spiritual practice. Here’s a brief overview of each layer:
- Vastu (Stuff Outside) & Deha (Physical Body) – The outermost layers include both the material world and the physical body. Tantra suggests that the separation between “us” and “not us” is an illusion, emphasizing that everything is divine.
- Chitta (Thoughts & Emotions) – Thoughts and emotions are deeply interconnected. Understanding their interplay can help us gain insight into our inner world.
- Prana (Subtle Energy System) – The energetic layer that influences both the body and mind. Prana is shaped by food, sleep, and subconscious beliefs, linking it to dream states and deeper awareness.
- Shunya (Transcendental Void) – The spaciousness within and around all experiences. This is where meditation often takes us—into a space of deep silence and presence.
- Chit (Pure Awareness) – The innermost essence of self, the observer behind all experiences. It is the seat of awareness that watches everything unfold.
Daniel beautifully described these layers using the analogy of an onion (or, as he jokingly referenced, the Shrek meme). While they appear as separate layers, in reality, they are deeply interwoven, forming a unified whole.
Navigating the Layers: Practical Applications
Understanding these layers is not just an intellectual exercise—it can transform the way we experience life. Throughout the episode, Daniel shared practical exercises to help listeners engage with each layer:
Meditative Practices – A guided invocation to drop into pure awareness (chit) and experience the layers firsthand.
Engaging the Senses – Spending a day focused on one sense at a time to develop heightened awareness.
Observing Thoughts & Emotions – Noticing how emotions influence thoughts and vice versa, deepening self-awareness.
Dream Exploration – Keeping a dream journal and experimenting with lucid dreaming to explore the subconscious.
The Tantric Life Podcast
Listen to the podcast episode of this topic on your preferred platform, here: E39 The Nature of Self: A Tantrik Perspective with Daniel Erulian.
Embracing the Paradox
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.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the Five Plus One Layer Model offers a profound shift in how we understand ourselves and the universe. Whether through meditation, yoga, or simple awareness practices, recognizing these layers can lead to greater self-discovery and connection with the divine.
This conversation barely scratched the surface, and I have a feeling Daniel will be back on the podcast in the future!
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you explored any of these layers in your own practice? Drop a comment or share your experiences with me!
To find out more about Daniel and his trainings visit his website: ritualembodimentyoga.com
You may also be interested in these other posts about Tantra…
Vedantic Five Koshas vs Tantric Five-Layer View of Self
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