About SKaSTA
we celebrate svatantra, expression of the Divine’s infinite, blissful potential. Non-dual tantra understands that YOU ARE the Divine. And that She is expressing Herself as YOU. So… every moment you are celebrating your svatantra, your infinite, blissful potential. You just may not know it yet.
Are you aware you are the Divine expressing your infinite, blissful potential? Do you want to explore and become aware of your absolute ability that is dreaming this dream?
Yes? (Or at least think it is possible and want to try?) Please join us.
At SKaSTA we focus on practices which culture our innate, ever-present bliss and are supported by tantric, ayurvedic and modern knowledge. We employ āsana practice, active dialogues on traditional tantric topics, as well as modern communication/relating modalities, introspection practices and more to explore our innate bliss, ānanda.
We also understand that repetition allows us to get comfortable with new tools for living in the world. Neuroplasticity shows that you can create new neural habits in weeks by consistent repetitive practice in a relaxed environment (See the work of Profs. Richard Davidson, Wisconsin University and Gerald Hüther, Göttingen University). Through the practices at SKaSTA you will create new prāņa/chi flows (or neural and hormonal processes, depending on your point of view) to support an expansive, celebratory life.
Tantra understands that you are the creator of your reality, more accurately, you are the absolute celebrating life as you. She/you choose to limit Her/your absolute nature in order to experience life here and now as a human being. Through practices like āsana (postures), prāņāyāma (using the breath to control the vital energy), bandhas (internal contractions to control the vital energy), dhyānam (meditation), nyāsa (infusing the body with the divine), etc. traditional Tantra allows us to unveil ourselves and celebrate our innate Bliss/Ānanda/Kāma.
At SKaSTA we celebrate svatantra, expression of the Divine’s infinite, blissful potential. Non-dual tantra understands that YOU ARE the Divine. And that She is expressing Herself as YOU. So… every moment you are celebrating your svatantra, your infinite, blissful potential. You just may not know it yet.
Are you aware you are the Divine expressing your infinite, blissful potential? Do you want to explore and become aware of your absolute ability that is dreaming this dream?
Yes? (Or at least think it is possible and want to try?) Please join us.
At SKaSTA we focus on practices which culture our innate, ever-present bliss and are supported by tantric, ayurvedic and modern knowledge. We employ āsana practice, active dialogues on traditional tantric topics, as well as modern communication/relating modalities, introspection practices and more to explore our innate bliss, ānanda.
We also understand that repetition allows us to get comfortable with new tools for living in the world. Neuroplasticity shows that you can create new neural habits in weeks by consistent repetitive practice in a relaxed environment (See the work of Profs. Richard Davidson, Wisconsin University and Gerald Hüther, Göttingen University). Through the practices at SKaSTA you will create new prāņa/chi flows (or neural and hormonal processes, depending on your point of view) to support an expansive, celebratory life.
Tantra understands that you are the creator of your reality, more accurately, you are the absolute celebrating life as you. She/you choose to limit Her/your absolute nature in order to experience life here and now as a human being. Through practices like āsana (postures), prāņāyāma (using the breath to control the vital energy), bandhas (internal contractions to control the vital energy), dhyānam (meditation), nyāsa (infusing the body with the divine), etc. traditional Tantra allows us to unveil ourselves and celebrate our innate Bliss/Ānanda/Kāma.
Sva-Tantra
Community Caretakers
Shri Ma Kristina Baird
Shri Ma Kristina Baird is the founder of Shri Kali Publications (2001), resulting in the publication of two timeless books, “Divine Initiation” (on Hinduism) and “Third Eye of the Buddhist.” These works are notable for the discovery of the code of the scriptures, in particular, the code of the Rg Veda. Ma is the co-founder of Shri Kali Ashram from 2009-ongoing. Shri Kali Ashram has certified about 15,000 students through Yoga Alliance in traditional tantric and vedic knowledge. Ma’s dream is to continue to preserve the wisdom contained in the Shri Kali teachings in collaboration with Sva Tantra for future generations.
Ma is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT-500 hours yoga teacher and has completed Pаn̄cakarmа certification with Athreya School of Āyurveda in 2016 under the supervision of Dr. Arun Nair. Ma has a B.A. (Honours) in Religion (Otago University) with Sanskrit papers from Australian National University and a second Major in English Literature (Auckland University). Ma’s thesis was on the Buddhist text, the Mahavastu. Ma started studying Theology and Hebrew at Otago University (in the days when there weren’t female priests) in her teenage years and has followed a path of spirituality ever since.
Ma has studied with many traditional teachers over the years including: the Tibetan Tantric Nyingma lineage of Kum Nye Yoga of Tarthang Tulku of Berkeley, C.A.; Burmese Buddhism of Mahasi Sayadaw at BMIMC in Blue Mountains, Sydney, and more recently, online with Kentrul Rinpoche, a master of the Kalacakra Tantric teachings. Ma has also practised yoga in the direct traditions of K. Pattabhi Jois and B. K. S. Iyengar, as taught to her by her NZ Gurus of the Auckland Yoga Academy.
Ma also has qualifications in web design and for years has graciously maintained the websites of Shri Kali Ashram and social media platforms connecting students from around the world with these timeless teachings.
Shri Ma Kristina Baird is the founder of Shri Kali Publications (2001), resulting in the publication of two timeless books, “Divine Initiation” (on Hinduism) and “Third Eye of the Buddhist.” These works are notable for the discovery of the code of the scriptures, in particular, the code of the Rg Veda. Ma is the co-founder of Shri Kali Ashram from 2009-ongoing. Shri Kali Ashram has certified about 15,000 students through Yoga Alliance in traditional tantric and vedic knowledge. Ma’s dream is to continue to preserve the wisdom contained in the Shri Kali teachings in collaboration with Sva Tantra for future generations.
Ma is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT-500 hours yoga teacher and has completed Pаn̄cakarmа certification with Athreya School of Āyurveda in 2016 under the supervision of Dr. Arun Nair. Ma has a B.A. (Honours) in Religion (Otago University) with Sanskrit papers from Australian National University and a second Major in English Literature (Auckland University). Ma’s thesis was on the Buddhist text, the Mahavastu. Ma started studying Theology and Hebrew at Otago University (in the days when there weren’t female priests) in her teenage years and has followed a path of spirituality ever since.
Ma has studied with many traditional teachers over the years including: the Tibetan Tantric Nyingma lineage of Kum Nye Yoga of Tarthang Tulku of Berkeley, C.A.; Burmese Buddhism of Mahasi Sayadaw at BMIMC in Blue Mountains, Sydney, and more recently, online with Kentrul Rinpoche, a master of the Kalacakra Tantric teachings. Ma has also practised yoga in the direct traditions of K. Pattabhi Jois and B. K. S. Iyengar, as taught to her by her NZ Gurus of the Auckland Yoga Academy.
Ma also has qualifications in web design and for years has graciously maintained the websites of Shri Kali Ashram and social media platforms connecting students from around the world with these timeless teachings.
Whitney Wheelock
I was born in Colorado, USA. I am the son of spiritualist lawyers who showed me life in two different worlds. At work my parents were using the law to fight for the rights of others; children, battered women, injured workers. From this I saw the value of humanity, each individual’s right to freedom and love. At home my parents were reading ancient and modern philosophy such as Rumi, Milarepa, Gurdjieff and I’m pretty sure all the modern spiritual self help books available. From this I learned avenues to foster and express freedom and love.
During the first 25 years of my life I kept my spiritual side private and outwardly went with the flow of modern America. I played sports through college and graduated with a major in economics. Out of college I got a job at the United States Federal Reserve Bank. I married a successful corporate lawyer. Life was good. However, not wanting to work in a box for the next sixty years, I left the Fed and found a job in wine sales, eventually managing multiple markets for a billion dollar wine portfolio. I lived the “perfect” life according to the American Dream until I could no longer deny I was not fulfilled.
After an emotionally devastating divorce I left my life in the United States and played semi-professional football (soccer) in Germany for a few months until I realized modern life in Europe was similar to that in the US. Wishing to explore my options I moved on, this time to Asia, a place I hoped would show me different paradigms for life.
In 2006, Two weeks after landing in Thailand I attended a Tantra Yoga class and decided to stay for a month to explore Tantra philosophy and Tantra Yoga. I was still in Asia 15 years later studying, sharing and practiced Kaula Tantra. I began teaching in 2008 and for six years I ran the daily programs at an ashram in India. During that time we certified over a thousand teachers in Tantra Yoga.
I am currently living the kaula tantra teachings and celebrating my understanding and integration of reality.
I was born in Colorado, USA. I am the son of spiritualist lawyers who showed me life in two different worlds. At work my parents were using the law to fight for the rights of others; children, battered women, injured workers. From this I saw the value of humanity, each individual’s right to freedom and love. At home my parents were reading ancient and modern philosophy such as Rumi, Milarepa, Gurdjieff and I’m pretty sure all the modern spiritual self help books available. From this I learned avenues to foster and express freedom and love.
During the first 25 years of my life I kept my spiritual side private and outwardly went with the flow of modern America. I played sports through college and graduated with a major in economics. Out of college I got a job at the United States Federal Reserve Bank. I married a successful corporate lawyer. Life was good. However, not wanting to work in a box for the next sixty years, I left the Fed and found a job in wine sales, eventually managing multiple markets for a billion dollar wine portfolio. I lived the “perfect” life according to the American Dream until I could no longer deny I was not fulfilled.
After an emotionally devastating divorce I left my life in the United States and played semi-professional football (soccer) in Germany for a few months until I realized modern life in Europe was similar to that in the US. Wishing to explore my options I moved on, this time to Asia, a place I hoped would show me different paradigms for life.
In 2006, Two weeks after landing in Thailand I attended my first Kaula Tantra Yoga class at what would become Shri Kali Ashram and decided to stay for a month to explore Tantra philosophy and Tantra Yoga. That “month” has never ended and I am still studying, sharing and celebrating Kaula Tantra. I began teaching at Shri Kali in 2008 and for 2011 I began running the daily Ashram programs. Since 2011 we have certified over a thousand teachers in Kaula Tantra Yoga.
Every moment of my life is dedicated to integrating, celebrating and playing with my understanding of reality.
Andrew Michalko
Yoga was the first way for me to get to know myself better physically. I soon learned it was actually a transcendental resource to link me with my divine self. Through dedicated Tantric practices, my life changed and allowed me to see every moment as a sacred celebration on earth. As I took time to self reflect, I saw a way for my actions and participation with the community to be a way to spread this enlightening lineage of humanity. I am grateful to the many different facets of life, mentors, and experiences that set the foundation of my being.
The world sings harmoniously when individuals understand how to self create the life they want to live. I am happy to know that I am participating in sharing a spiritual selfhood with the world. Continuously learning, adapting, and thriving with the flow of life is a way that I strive to uphold a positive pattern for myself and those around me.
Yoga was the first way for me to get to know myself better physically. I soon learned it was actually a transcendental resource to link me with my divine self. Through dedicated Tantric practices, my life changed and allowed me to see every moment as a sacred celebration on earth. As I took time to self reflect, I saw a way for my actions and participation with the community to be a way to spread this enlightening lineage of humanity. I am grateful to the many different facets of life, mentors, and experiences that set the foundation of my being.
The world sings harmoniously when individuals understand how to self create the life they want to live. I am happy to know that I am participating in sharing a spiritual selfhood with the world. Continuously learning, adapting, and thriving with the flow of life is a way that I strive to uphold a positive pattern for myself and those around me.
Dr. Arun Rajeev Nair
Dr. Arun graduated from Dhanwanthari Ayurvedic Midical college, Siddapura, Karnataka in 2012 and has been pursuing this challenging and motivating career that utilizes and strengthens his skills for the welfare of mankind.
Since 2012 he has been fully immersed in Traditional Ayurvedic treatment – panchakarma. His experience continues to sharpen his skills and insights on the field Ayurvedic science.
He has worked as an intern doctor at Dhanwanthari ayurvedic medical college siddapura then promoted to work as an ayurvedic doctor with Dhanwanthari Vydyasala Thodupuzha, Kerala.
Dr. Arun then worked as a Residential Medical Officer with Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre at Mysore.
From 2015 to 2017 he was a medical officer with Athreya School of Ayurveda in Goa.
In his free time Dr. Arun enjoys reading Ayurvedic books , traveling, practicing yoga, playing volley ball. His interests and pursuits in life outside of Ayurveda are holistic living, ancient wisdom (Indian philosophy), social welfare, nature study, healing arts and therapies, alternative lifestyles.
Dr. Arun is proficient in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada , Tamil languages.
Dr. Arun graduated as an Ayurvedaacharya (BAMS) from Dhanwanthari Ayurvedic Midical college, Siddapura, Karnataka in 2012 and has been pursuing this challenging and motivating career that utilizes and strengthens his skills for the welfare of mankind.
Since 2012 he has been fully immersed in Traditional Ayurvedic treatment – panchakarma. His experience continues to sharpen his skills and insights on the field Ayurvedic science.
He has worked as an intern doctor at Dhanwanthari ayurvedic medical college siddapura then promoted to work as an ayurvedic doctor with Dhanwanthari Vydyasala Thodupuzha, Kerala.
Dr. Arun then worked as a Residential Medical Officer with Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre at Mysore.
From 2015 to 2017 he was a medical officer with Athreya School of Ayurveda in Goa.
In his free time Dr. Arun enjoys reading Ayurvedic books , traveling, practicing yoga, playing volley ball. His interests and pursuits in life outside of Ayurveda are holistic living, ancient wisdom (Indian philosophy), social welfare, nature study, healing arts and therapies, alternative lifestyles.
Dr. Arun is proficient in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada , Tamil languages.
Sajesh P. Sadanandan
I was born in a Hindu fisherman household and growing up my mother did her daily rituals and regularly visited the temple. Even in this somewhat traditional setting I saw mostly confusion and unhappiness. My father’s family worshiped the goddess until my father was young. My grandfather was killed in a religious war in Kerala. With this tragedy and modern education telling us our beliefs are just blind faith, with no scientific rational, my father turned away from the goddess culture and all of religion. From this time there was a distaste toward the traditional goddess practices in my family yet I see more confusion now.
Life in the modern world has also not given me answers. I have heard some talks on tantra and what i have heard is interesting but I know to really see if there are answers for me here I need to commit some time to live in this reality. I am happy to be again in this community and look forward to learning and creating a peaceful, joyful life.
In 2009, I cooked for Shri Kali Ashram in Agonda. I was young and restless at that time and wanted to see the world. After leaving the Ashram to explore the world I took a job in Dubai to experience the world outside of South India. After many years working as a commercial kitchen construction consultant, industrial maintenance manager, waffle cook :), and restaurant manager in the middle east, I am looking forward to simplifying my life and getting back to supporting the Shri Kali, now, SKaSTA Family.
Nadkarni-Maskeri Family
Shyamala Maskeri born and raised in Bankikodla, is the Matriarch of the family. Her children were born in her ancestral home and spent a large part of their wonderful childhood in the lap of pristine nature and enriched by their altruistic upbringing. This divine opportunity to stay connected to their roots and reciprocate the harmony they have experienced, through this beautiful yoga association couldn’t be forgone.
Hence Sva-Tantra 
Toma Ivanauskaite
I was born in a small Lithuanian town in the late 80s, right as Lithuania was stepping into its new era of independence from the USSR. My young parents faced their share of challenges raising me and my little brother in this turbulent time. My brother and I learned to look out for each other, play outside, and make the most of every moment.
As a kid, I was most happy running through puddles, getting dirty, and having the time of my life on my grandparents’ farm with my cousins. My teenage years were spent stargazing and dreaming of other lands, which sparked my lifelong passion for travel and exploration of both my inner and outer world.
After high school, I left Lithuania to complete a bachelor’s degree in Business and Project Management in Denmark and then a Project Management masters degree from London. I spent 13 years in the corporate world going as far as China, as high as managing a product development team at a billion dollar a year company, and as low as burn out, addiction, and toxic relationships. After those 13 chaotic years I found the fortitude to confront myself and this world through spirituality.
The pandemic gave me another opportunity to wrestle with personal demons and make peace in my home land. My self exploration and personal growth journey had started. I left corporate, studied NLP, practiced meditation, became a certified Life Coach, and eventually started my own online coaching business.
Even before leaving the corporate world I had been exploring various spiritual practices, teachers, plant medicine, completed Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga 200hr Teacher Training in India, became a Breathwork Facilitator, explored Neo-Tantra, and dove deep into traditional Tantric Buddhism.
Still there was something more calling. This time not to escape, but longing for a deeper connection with my true self and community.
The next step in my divine dance came when I searched for a Traditional Tantra community to which I could volunteer and support. I came across Shri Kali Ashram in my beloved Goa, India. I felt an instant spark and deep heart connection when I spoke with Whitney on our first Zoom call. Our first conversation lasted for three hours and has never really ended. Even though he tried to, in his words, “scare me” with the intensity of the Kaula path I felt intrigued, moved and excited to begin this empowering journey together with SKaSTA Kula.
As a member of the SKaSTA team I feel at home. Here, I’m immersed in transformational yoga āsanas, Kaula Tantra philosophy, and the vibrant SKaSTA community. And I get to share my skills, knowledge, and passion for breathwork and movement with my SKaSTA family. I cherish my connection to this community, where we celebrate life with all its ecstatic movements and colors.