Our Guru Lineage

An authentic unbroken line of Spiritual Masters transmits all Divine energy down from one Master to the next and retains the power of the lineage.

Our Spiritual Heritage

We honor the sacred lineage of Sri Vidya Tantra, ensuring authentic transmission of teachings and practices through an unbroken chain of enlightened gurus. On the right is one of my favorite photos with my Guru Sri Amritananda Saraswati of Devipuram India.

In Sri Vidya Tantra, a guru lineage or sampradaya refers to the spiritual lineage or tradition through which teachings and initiations are passed down from guru (teacher) to disciple in an unbroken chain. This lineage is considered the backbone of authentic transmission in Sri Vidya, ensuring that the esoteric knowledge, mantras, rituals, and meditative practices remain pure, effective, and connected to their divine source.

Sri Amritananda and william thomas at devipuram

About Our Authentic Lineage -why this is important

Key Aspects of a Guru Lineage in Sri Vidya:

Transmission of Knowledge:
- The lineage serves as a channel through which sacred teachings, mantras (such as the Sri Vidya mantra), yantras, and meditative techniques are passed from one realized master to the next generation of practitioners.
Authenticity and Continuity:
- A sampradaya or an authentic Guru Lineage guarantees that the teachings remain authentic and aligned with the tradition's spiritual purpose, avoiding distortion or misinterpretation.
Initiation (Diksha):
- In Sri Vidya, initiation by a qualified guru is essential. The guru imparts not just theoretical knowledge but also transmits spiritual energy and blessings, empowering the disciple to practice effectively. Mantras do not work without a proper Guru.
Divine Authority:
- The lineage is often traced back to the ultimate divine source, such as the goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari (the deity of Sri Vidya) and revered rishis (sages) like Adi Shankaracharya or Agastya, depending on the tradition.
Types of Sampradayas in Sri Vidya:
- Different guru lineages may emphasize slightly varied approaches or methods while adhering to the same core principles of Sri Vidya. Some well-known Sri Vidya sampradayas include:
  - Dakshinamurti Sampradaya: Rooted in the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.
  - Kaula Sampradaya: Incorporating both tantric and Vedic elements. Our tradition.
  - Samaya Sampradaya: Focusing more on inner worship and meditative practices.
Role of the Guru:
- The guru is seen as a living embodiment of the tradition and an intermediary between the disciple and the divine. The guru not only guides the disciple in practice but also helps them overcome spiritual obstacles. This Guru Disciple relationship is a essential part of Sri Vidya.