Gonçalo Luz (Sankalparaja)
Yoga, Meditation, Men’s Work Facilitator
Call to Change
Gonçalo Luz (Sankalparaja)'s life story unfolds as a tapestry of transformation. He was born in Portugal in 1972. Although his spiritual inclination revealed itself briefly at a young age, it remained dormant and unattended until quite late in his life. He chose the creative path instead, since adolescence, and thrived to become a career film director. For over two decades, after graduating from college, he immersed himself in the realm of filmmaking, and film teaching. On a deeper level, however, the artistic path never really fulfilled him: A profound inner calling, stirred within, and a major burn-out, propelled him, in his late thirties, towards a path of self-discovery and spiritual exploration.
Journey of Transformation
In 2010, he heeded the whispers of his calling and embarked on a journey of spiritual exploration. With unwavering determination, Gonçalo relinquished the trappings of his former life as a filmmaker, divesting himself of most material possessions, and bidding farewell to the familiar comforts of home. His destination: the Indian Himalayas, and his first steps into the discovery of Tibetan Buddhism.
Over the course of seven transformative years, Gonçalo Luz embraced nomadic existence, travelling for spiritual teachings, and that would become the crucible of his personal evolution.
Amidst the serene expanses of the Himalayas, and later on the jungles of South Thailand and Bali, his relentless quest for truth and awakening began.
Approach to The Innermost Self
Spiritual seeking and personal growth became Gonçalo Luz’s path. Along this journey, he came across the ancient wisdom of Shakta Shaiva, an oral sacred tradition that resonated deeply within. Later on, he realized his Ikigai - the intersection of passion, vocation, mission, and profession - redefining his path with deeper purpose and meaning.
Diving into self-exploration, through the practices of Yoga and Tantra, Gonçalo, now Sankalparāja, embraced the pursuit of radical intimacy with self, body, and the world around him. Every moment became a Sadhana - a sacred ritual of presence and awareness - wherein rediscovering the essence of being. His prayer became the remembrance of his true nature and the interconnectedness of all existance.
Presently, Sankalparāja resides in Thailand. With the curiosity mind of a beginner, he continues to practice, study and learn, delving deeper into the practices of Yoga, Tantra and meditation. From the ancient monasteries of the Himalayas to the lush mountains of the North of Thailand, he embraces the multiple facets of one’s journey towards wisdom.
Yoga and Meditation
Sankalparāja is a Kundalinī Hatha Yoga and Meditation practitioner. He keeps studying, and he also teaches.
Nine Months in Retreat
His dedication to the path led him to undertake a nine-month Kundalini Hatha Yoga retreat with his Teacher, Mukhi Acarya Dharma Bodhi, where he delved deeply into the authentic practices of the Tantrik Yoga tradition alongside a committed group of serious practitioners.
Following the completion of this retreat, he attaining certification as an instructor in both Kundalini Hatha Yoga and Mind of Shiva Meditation disciplines. Continuously devoted to his own growth, Sankalparāja remains steadfast in his daily practice and pursuit of knowledge.
Kundalini Hatha Yoga
Kundalinī Hatha Yoga is a path of deep intimacy with self, through the body. It’s the original Yoga (or Adi-Yoga), as practiced and transmitted orally from teacher to student by lineage masters of living Dharma traditions such as of Trika Shaiva, Vajrayana Buddhism, and Tibetan Bön.
Yoga is much more than just a set of physycal postures and breathing practices, as found in most yoga studios. And it is far from being some kind of exotic acrobatics from the east also. It is a tool of self-discovery and spiritual development.
Sankalparājā has studied all together over 1500 hours of Kundalini Hatha Yoga. Most of them with Trika Mahasiddha Yoga, (with whom he currently studies, and is also a certified instructor). In the past, he also studied with Agama Yoga (Thailand) and Akasha Yoga Academy (Bali - with whom he is a certified teacher).
Men’s Work
In 2015, Gonçalo embarked on a pivotal exploration into the realm of men's work, an endeavor that served as a catalyst for his profound commitment to guiding men's groups and men’s retreats. This initial foray into the transformative landscape of men's work ignited within him a fervent passion for facilitating spaces where men can engage in deep introspection and collective growth.
Since 2019, Gonçalo has dedicated himself to guiding men on transformative journeys of self-discovery. Through his facilitation, men are provided with a supportive environment to explore and confront the intricacies of their inner worlds. Grounded in embodied practices and men’s work exercises, Gonçalo empowers men to reconnect with their authentic selves, fostering a deeper understanding of their individual purpose and potential.
In his men's circles and men’s retreats, Gonçalo navigates the complexities of masculinity, encouraging men to challenge societal beliefs and embrace vulnerability as a pathway to personal evolution. Through the cultivation of self-leadership, authentic connection and brotherhood, men are empowered to dismantle barriers, unlock emotional expression, and cultivate a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment in their lives.
Gonçalo's approach to men's work is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a profound respect for each individual's journey. His guidance fosters a space of deep reflection and growth, where men are encouraged to take charge and explore the depths of their being, confront limiting beliefs, and emerge with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and empowerment.
