My Life as Tantra Bensko

Since early childhood in the woods of Indiana, I have been inspired by great artists and writers, and I sought to achieve greatness myself in both fields, as well as exploring film, the healing arts and spiritual practices. All of these pursuits intertwine, leaving my artistic sense surreal, poetic, and full of the transmission of light.

I lived the life of a creative academic, attaining degrees and minoring in Art History. I taught writing in Universities, was married to a University Professor and poet, raising our wonderful son, camping out through the country on our vacations. I published my poetry prolifically, and painted, immersing myself in foreign and experimental art movies, continuing to play music, and raising my spiritual abilities. My Kundalini raised full force, and my visions and understandings of metaphysical concepts escalated. It was time to move on. My husband and I divorced, and I went on to attain my M.F.A. in poetry from Iowa, the top writing workshop in the country. I taught there as well, was a dedicated activist, and during the summers, I camped outside.

Modern civilization was making me physically ill, especially the more refined my psychic energies became. Making a living in the traditional ways no longer made sense. I had been calling my classes Deprogramming 101, and they were occasions to help students begin thinking for themselves. Inspired by how much difference I could make with my students, I felt I needed to be teaching even more profound lessons in an unfettered way. Seeking to avoid the health defying products of the modern civilization, to take the time needed to cultivate my Kundalini, and to delve into life full force, I began living outside much of the time.

My life took many directions, and I eventually co-ran an art gallery called Four Winds, in Montevallo, Alabama, and studied printmaking at the University, creating art prolifically, though the toxic fumes finally got the best of me. My spiritual adventures called me to Sedona, Arizona, where I camped in the transformational vortices in the red canyons.