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What is tantra? Tantra, as a comprehensive philosophical and religious system developed mainly in Hinduism and Buddhism, has attracted the attention of spiritual seekers for centuries. This ancient practice not only offers a profound spiritual path, but has also had a significant impact on the ways in which sexuality is perceived and experienced. Exploring tantric traditions can provide not only knowledge of ancient practices, but also inspiration to explore new ways of experiencing sexuality and building healthier, more satisfying relationships with others. What is tantra and what impact does it have on our sexuality?
Table of Contents:
- What is tantra?
- Tantra and sexuality: A profound practice or a distorted notion?
- What else is worth knowing about tantra? 10 surprising facts
What is tantra?
Tantra – is a word that often evokes associations with eroticism and mysticism. However, its true meaning goes much deeper. Tantra is an ancient spiritual path that originated in Hindu and Buddhist culture. It is a philosophy and practice that focuses on the union of body, mind and spirit to achieve the fullness of existence.
Tantra has its roots in ancient Hindu texts known as tantras, which appeared between the fifth and ninth centuries AD. These texts, such as the “Shastra Tantra,” the “Agama,” and the “Samhita,” provide guidance on ritual, meditation, yoga, philosophy and daily life. There is also a tantric tradition in Buddhism, where tantra is regarded as a method for achieving enlightenment.
“Our biological body itself is a form of hardware that needs to be reprogrammed through tantra, like new spiritual software that can release or unlock its potential.” – Slavoj Žižek, “Life in the End Times.”
Tantra emphasizes the combination of opposites, such as masculine and feminine, dark and light, material and spiritual. The main goal is to achieve unity with the divine by experiencing this dualistic reality. It is believed that everything that exists is a manifestation of divine energy, called Shakti. The practice of tantra involves releasing this inner energy and merging it with the divine, leading to a higher state of consciousness.
Tantra encompasses a variety of practices that can be performed both individually and as a couple. Among the most important techniques are meditation, pranayama(breath control), asana(body positions), mantra(repetition of sacred words) and sexual rituals, known as maithuna. In the practice of sexual tantra, the couple aims to achieve oneness by connecting on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. However, it is important to understand that sexuality in tantrism is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve deep union and awakening.
Tantra and sexuality: A profound practice or a distorted notion?
Tantra, an ancient spiritual path, often evokes associations with eroticism and sexuality. However, in reality, tantra is much more than just sexual practices – it is a comprehensive philosophy striving for spiritual growth and oneness with the divine.
“It is impossible to describe what brahman is. All the things in the world – the Vedas, the Puranas, the Tantras, the six philosophical systems – have been tainted, like food touched by language, because they have been read or spoken in language.” – Sri Ramakrishna, “The Gospel of Ramakrishna.”
Authentic tantra practice
In traditional tantric philosophy, sexuality is treated as a means to a higher state of consciousness, rather than an end in itself. Tantric practice encompasses a variety of techniques, including meditation, pranayama (breath control), asana (body positions), mantra (chanting sacred words) and sexual rituals, known as maithuna. In tantric practice, the couple strives to achieve oneness by connecting on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Sexuality is seen as a natural and sacred part of the human experience that can be used as a means to achieve higher spiritual consciousness.
A distorted notion
Unfortunately, in today’s society, tantra is often seen only as a set of exotic sexual techniques. The commercialization of tantric practices often leads to a distortion of its true essence. Many people interpret tantra as a set of sexual techniques designed only to enhance physical pleasure. Such an idealized version of tantra can lead to a loss of its deep spiritual meaning and leave individuals vulnerable to sexual exploitation or manipulation.
Understanding the true essence of tantra
To understand the true essence of tantra, one must look at it as a comprehensive spiritual practice that involves the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Sexuality in tantrism should not be separated from the spiritual and moral context. Authentic tantric practice seeks to awaken consciousness by connecting with one’s own body, one’s partner and divine energy.
Tantra and sexuality are inextricably linked, but in true Tantrism, sexuality is seen as a means to achieve a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe, not just as a source of physical pleasure. It is important to distinguish authentic tantric practice from its distorted interpretations to avoid losing its spiritual meaning. Only then can the true potential of tantra as a path to spiritual transformation and awakening be understood.
“Tantric sages tell us that our inhalation and exhalation actually reflect the divine creative gesture. Through inhalation, we draw ourselves into our own center, our own being. With the exhalation, we expand outward, into the world.”
– Sally Kempton, “Shakti Awakening: the transformative power of yoga goddesses.”
What else is worth knowing about tantra? 10 surprising facts
Here are 10 surprising facts about tantra that you should know:
- Ancient history: Tantra has roots going back thousands of years. Its original texts, known as “tantras,” were written between the fifth and ninth centuries AD.
- Nonconformist philosophy: Tantra is characterized by a nonconformist approach to traditional social and religious norms. It often defies conventional doctrines and openly explores tabooed topics.
- Oneness with all things: One of the main tenets of tantra is the belief in oneness with all that exists. The practice focuses on overcoming dualism through the experience of oneness with divine energy.
- Sexual rituals: Although sexual rituals are only one aspect of tantra, they are often the most controversial. In some tantric traditions, “maithuna” (ritual sex) is practiced to achieve oneness with one’s partner and the divine.
- Tantra vs. yoga: Tantra is often equated with yoga, but they are two different practices. Yoga focuses mainly on physical and spiritual aspects, while tantra covers a wide range of techniques, including sexual ones.
- Sacred mantras: Mantra is an important part of tantric practice. Chanting sacred words is meant to purify the mind and open the mind to spiritual experiences.
- Wide range of techniques: Tantra encompasses a wide variety of techniques, from meditation to tantric rituals, from solo practices to those performed as a couple.
- Tantra and the role of the teacher: Traditionally, the practice of tantra required the direct support and guidance of an experienced teacher, known as a “guru.”
- Modern Tantra: Modern tantra is often misrepresented and distorted, especially through commercialization and association with eroticism. However, there are also authentic schools and teachers who practice traditional methods.
- Journey to Enlightenment: The primary goal of tantric practice is to achieve a state of enlightenment and wholeness of life through the experience of oneness with divine energy and transcendence of the limitations of the human mind.
Tantra, therefore, is not just an exotic sexual practice, but a profound spiritual path that offers the opportunity for spiritual growth and the discovery of the true essence of existence. Read the women’s column by clicking “Tantra” titled “Tantra, or better sex”.
