Namaste. My name is Sven Horn, and today I want to share some thoughts about the hero figure in Yoga and Tantra and how we can use these ideas to inspire and expand ourselves. Sometimes in life, we might feel like we’re missing a goal, inspiration, or even just a sense of direction. This is where hero figures can really help us. They give us something to look up to, a sense of motivation, and a vision for where we want to go.
Why We Look to Heroes
When we’re kids, we often see adults behaving in ways that might disappoint us. They set rules or tell us how to behave, but don’t always follow through themselves. So, we turn to other sources for inspiration—heroes in comics, stories, or movies. These figures often embody traits we admire but feel we lack—maybe they’re strong, confident, funny, or beautiful—and we think, I want to be like that.
This is where it starts. Hero figures, even fictional ones, help us see qualities in ourselves that we may not fully recognize yet. And this is also why heroes are such an important part of the yoga and Tantra tradition. They’re not just stories or symbols—they’re tools for practical change and growth.
The Role of Heroes in Yoga and Tantra
In yoga and Tantra, there’s a technique of concentration and expansion. This means taking what we are—our current self with all its limitations—and working to expand that into something greater. We use energy to do this, but energy alone isn’t enough. We need motivation, fire, and a goal that excites us, something that makes us say, I really want to become that.
For example, when I was younger, I didn’t have much going on. I wasn’t good in school, and honestly, I didn’t do much of anything. But then I saw Arnold Schwarzenegger in movies. As a young male, I was really inspired by how strong and confident he was. I thought, I want to be like that.
So, I hung up his posters, read his books, and started going to the gym. But it wasn’t just about building muscles—I had to learn about nutrition, training, and discipline. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. There were failures along the way, but I admired him enough to keep going. Over time, I realized he wasn’t perfect—like all humans, he had flaws—but that didn’t matter. What mattered was what I saw in him and how it pushed me to grow.
It’s Not About the Hero, It’s About You
The important thing isn’t whether your hero is perfect or even real. It’s about what they represent to you and how they motivate you to move forward. It’s about the projection—what you see in them and what you want to become.
At some point, heroes might disappoint you, or you might outgrow them, and that’s okay. The point is the process of trying. Even if you don’t achieve exactly what they’ve done, you’ll grow along the way. And that’s what matters most—taking the steps for yourself.
Avoid Comparison and Self-Doubt
It’s important not to use your heroes as a way to put yourself down. For example, if you admire someone like Taylor Swift, you might think, She’s beautiful, talented, and rich. I’ll never be like her. But comparing yourself to others only drains your energy. Instead, think about what you love about them. If it’s their singing, let that inspire you to try singing yourself, even if you don’t reach their level.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about trying, for yourself, and finding joy in that effort. Even small steps are victories, and they’re what turn you into your own hero.
Evolving Heroes
As you grow, the kinds of heroes you admire might change. Maybe as a kid, you loved Kermit the Frog because he was funny and generous. Later, you might be drawn to heroes with physical strength or confidence. Eventually, you might find inspiration in people who are kind, soft, or wise. This is natural and part of the process.
In Tantra and Yoga, we do the same thing. You might connect with one goddess, teacher, or figure at one point in your life, but later, another one might feel more meaningful. That’s fine because all of them come from the same universal source. What matters is that you choose something that resonates with you and use it to grow.
The Importance of Kindness and Strength
Today, there’s a trend of glorifying antiheroes or villains, and while it’s interesting to explore their complexity, we shouldn’t forget the importance of traditional heroes. Traits like kindness, forgiveness, and generosity might seem boring compared to the drama of antiheroes, but they’re incredibly powerful. It’s easy to cheat, use force, or be selfish—but it takes real strength to be kind and to bring these qualities into the world.
Becoming Your Own Hero
If you feel like the world is missing the kind of hero you need, that’s your chance to become that hero. You don’t have to wait for someone else to show up. Visualize the qualities you wish existed and start embodying them. Yoga and Tantra give you tools like concentration and visualization to help with this process.
You can hang up a picture of someone who inspires you, meditate on their traits, and work toward becoming your own version of that higher principle. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about starting the process and evolving along the way.
Final Thoughts
So, to sum up: Heroes are there to inspire us, but they’re just the starting point. The real work is in how we take that inspiration and turn it into action for ourselves. Whether it’s through yoga, Tantra, or just daily effort, the goal is to expand, grow, and become the hero you’re searching for.
Namaste.