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"Tantra Is Not Sex"
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"Tantra Is Not Sex" ( I found the following information interesting and wanted to share it. ) What Does Tantra Mean? by Bobbi Dempsey The word Tantra is Sanskrit for “weave” or “woven together.” Sometimes it is also translated to mean “to expand” or “to liberate.” It is a system of beliefs and traditions — based on the art of consciousness — dating back to ancient times. The roots of Tantra are obscure. Some say the practice dates back many thousands of years to early goddess worship. Tantra became extremely popular in India in the eighth through twelfth centuries, working its way across the country and even making its way to rural villages. The term Tantra has been used loosely over the years, applied to several different bodies of beliefs — mostly those based on Hindu and Buddhist traditions celebrating the union of what appear to be opposites. In other words, celebrating the union of masculine and feminine, positive and negative, etc., in order to transcend the perceived separateness and regain the actual oneness of reality. Tantra also involves the idea of using the union of man and woman — meaning intercourse — as a route to a divine place. In some cases, intercourse was seen as a path to God or a higher spiritual universe. A main tenet of the Tantra philosophy is that all aspects of life, all living things and of creation, are special and sacred. Simply put, it's the basic idea of creating “heaven on earth” and viewing yourself as a god or goddess. Using Tantric teachings, people learn to form a spiritual connection with everything and everyone around them. People who practice the traditional art of Tantra are called Tantrics (also Tantrikas or Tantricas). In traditional Tantra, Tantrics would spend years studying under a guru and would engage in elaborate, often time-consuming, rituals and exercises to perfect their skills and sharpen their minds and spirits. The Basic Idea Tantra involves many different beliefs and practices, but there is one common theme. In all practices, there is an emphasis on the joining of two seemingly opposite life forces — male and female, yin and yang, dark and light, hot and cold, etc. — to create one powerful force leading to higher consciousness. Basically, by joining these two halves, you make a whole, which leads to spiritual (and sensual) bliss. It's All about Unity The basic principle of Tantra is unity. That can be expressed in many forms. It could be unity with the world around you, or unity of spirit, which brings peace and clarity, or when related to sex, the unity of man and woman to bring about the ultimate pleasure and fulfillment. Once you achieve the desired unity, you reach a higher consciousness and connect with a divine place. (In traditional Tantra, this usually involved a connection with a god, a creator, an ultimate being, or some other deity, but today it is often interpreted to mean a place of complete bliss.) The Ancient Approach In ancient Hindu times, the Tantra approach to sex involved using meditation combined with nonorgasmic sensual activities, resulting in spiritual bliss. This technique involved activating and stimulating the energy centers, each of which played an important role in helping participants pursue their ultimate spiritual destination. Shiva and Shakti When discussing Tantra and the idea of unity, it is necessary to include Shiva and Shakti, who represent masculine and feminine archetypes in Hindu symbolism. Shiva, the male, is pure consciousness; Shakti, the female, is the power of creation — she's the life force energy that combines with his power of thought to manifest the physical world. One cannot exist without the other, as the two are inseparable and it takes both powers working in harmony to keep the universe functioning. What is sacred sex? When the techniques of Tantra are applied to sensual acts, this is sometimes referred to as “sacred sex.” This term is used to refer to any sexual experience that helps a person attain a stronger connection with the universe or a higher power. Tantra's Bad Reputation For a long time, Tantric practices were frowned upon in many regions of the world (to a lesser extent, this bias still exists today). This was largely due to myths and misconceptions surrounding Tantra. People in the scientific community wrongly believed that Tantra was based on superstition. Also, some of the traditional Tantric rituals — often marked by chanting, dancing, sacrificial rites (including human sacrifices), images of gods and goddesses, and other mystical/religious elements — made people think of a cult, or witchcraft, or black magic. But perhaps the most important opposition came from those in power, who disliked Tantra's philosophy of freedom and openness, perhaps fearing it would make people too rebellious and independent them. Even today, some people prejudge Tantra as being too “New Age” or obscure, usually because they haven't taken the time to learn about Tantric beliefs or understand the principles behind them. Perhaps people also mistakenly believe that Tantra is a religion — and therefore they cannot observe its teachings while adhering to their own particular religious beliefs. Modern Tantra is not a religion, although it focuses on spiritual enlightenment. You can practice Tantric techniques regardless of your religious faith. You do not need to renounce your current religion to practice Tantra. Ideally, Tantra should enhance your established beliefs, not replace them. Why Westerners Need It People today may be more “free” about sex as far as discussing it openly and feeling comfortable with their sexuality, but for the most part they are still not nearly as enlightened when it comes to sex as they may like to think. Sexual Enlightenment A lot of people today confuse promiscuous behavior with sexual enlightenment. This couldn't be further from the truth. Just because you have a multitude of partners, this does not mean you are sexually enlightened. In fact, many followers of Tantra are advocates of monogamy and committed relationships. The whole idea behind Tantric sex is to make the experience more fulfilling, both physically and emotionally, allowing you to form a bond with your partner that's stronger than ever. As a result, sex is infinitely more pleasurable and never gets boring, even if you've been with the same partner for a long time. By learning to make the experience itself more enjoyable, you eliminate the need to continue to search for new partners to keep things exciting. Essentially, by fulfilling the spiritual aspect of sex, as a higher power intended, the desire for multiple sex partners is decreased because the emotional void is filled. Slow Things Down In our fast-paced world, there's a tendency to focus on quick gratification and purely physical encounters. True, such quickie encounters can be satisfying in the short-term, but eventually you realize that you crave more. By slowing things down and focusing on forming a strong spiritual connection, you will have sensual encounters that will prove much more satisfying. In addition, Tantra emphasizes relaxation, togetherness, creativity, and playfulness. These are all things that can come in handy for the busy people rushing through today's high-stress environment. Taking the time to smell the roses (or your partner's unique enchanting scent) can be a great way to escape the stresses and pressures of daily life. Western philosophy is generally concerned with the outer world — how to achieve success outside of one's self. Eastern philosophy teaches the importance of cultivating one's inner strength. That is, it teaches that success cannot be measured by outer achievements. Embrace Emotions In the West, there is a lot of emphasis on logic, reason, and linear thought. In the East, however, there is intuition, belief, and circular thought. One teacher described the difference in perceptions like this: The westerner sees the world, while the easterner feels the world. Yet, in the West, throughout history so much emphasis has been placed on logic that the feeling is missing. Westerners are more and more interested in getting control over emotions rather than the “let it out” approach and deep-relaxation techniques. Ideas of Eastern and Western spirituality generally suggest that the East is passive while the West is active. In analyzing the different schools of Tantra, we can see that this is not always true. This “live it” aspect of Eastern spirituality appeals to many westerners who wish to experience spirituality and are no longer content simply contemplating it. Is It All about Sex? There are many misconceptions when it comes to the subjects of sex and Tantra. The most common, is that Tantra means “sex.” While it's true that Tantra principles can greatly enrich and enhance your sex life, that's just one aspect of a much broader way of life. In reality, Tantra is a large philosophy encompassing many areas of life, and sex is only one small part of that. But since sex is — in the Western world — the most well known (and, arguably, the most titillating) part of Tantra, it gets the most attention. In Tantra, desires are expected and embraced. They are viewed as a natural part of being human. They are to be encouraged and learned from. Desire becomes a vehicle for spiritual awakening. This is very different from what the Western approach teaches. Tantra beliefs and teachings can help you improve all aspects of your life. This philosophy can help you take a fresh new look at everything around you. You will learn to view all of creation as a spiritual, heavenly universe — and to view yourself as a god or goddess inhabiting that universe. The Broader Picture Tantric teachings usually combine yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, workshops, written materials — all of this in addition to information on the sexual aspect of Tantra. There is an interesting split in the Tantric community about the meaning and significance of Tantra sacred sex practices. At one extreme, there are those<b> teachers </font></b>who claim that sex has nothing to do with the ‘“true” or “pure” spiritual Tantra. At the other extreme there are those who believe that enhanced sexuality is all that Tantra is about. There is also a middle position, such as ours, which maintains that in its spiritual dimension, as a vehicle leading practitioners toward full enlightenment, that all aspects of life in a body are sacred and to be celebrated, indeed that nothing is to be denied or excluded. This includes a healthy joyous sexuality, a sacred sexuality. Our teaching is that sex is good, pleasure is good, sex is sacred, and sacred sex is definitely a spiritual aspect of Tantra. Sex doesn't bring one to an enlightened consciousness, nor do other Tantric practices such as meditation, ceremony, ritual, prayer, and physical and psychological techniques such as relaxation, breathing, visualization, chanting, mantras, yantras, mandalas, mudras, and so on. It's not the activity itself that brings one to an awakened state —practices are simply vehicles to help one become clear, focused, and present in the eternal now. Personal Benefits Tantra can have many benefits to an individual. Tantra in its traditional form as a true spiritual practice holds a very important place in the lives of the practitioners. It creates calmness and awareness. Tantra makes change possible. It spurs spiritual evolution by awakening energies within you that would otherwise remain dormant. Here in the West people learn to suppress desire, as it is often associated with weakness and sin. They are taught to be strong and self-denying. This can cause more damage than good to a person's well being. By denying yourself experiences that may be enriching or that may further your spiritual quest simply because they are desires, you create repressed emotions and regrets, leading to a host of other complications. You will eventually begin to feel unfulfilled and will grow resentful of constantly being forced to stifle your desires. That is why it is better to learn about yourself, your strengths and weakness, through your desires, thereby becoming a more whole, fuller individual. Bottom line: Embracing and heeding your desires, rather than opposing them, can be a very good thing. Additionally, the East considers the individual as part of the integrated whole. The West traditionally sees the individual as separated from the whole. More and more seekers are in need of feelings of unity and connection, not division and separation. Tantra can provide that feeling of unity. Other Benefits of Tantra Aside from improving your life overall and enriching your sex life, there are lots of other ways you can benefit from studying the Tantra philosophies and incorporating them into your daily routine. By becoming more conscious of your body's well-being — spiritually, emotionally, and physically — you will find that you start taking better care of yourself. The meditation and breathing exercises connected to Tantra are great stress relievers — as are the yoga exercises, which also can do wonders for your body physically. In addition, a core principle of Tantra is enriching your relationship with those around you, and strengthening the bond you have with loved ones. Lastly, by studying the Tantric emphasis on higher consciousness, you will experience personal growth and spiritual evolution that will benefit all facets of your life. So, while you may initially be interested in studying Tantra for the sexual benefits, you can apply the lessons you learn to virtually all other aspects of your life, making your entire world a much better place to be! Many westerners feel empty after dedicating their lives to the outer world. Eastern religions and philosophies provide them with an answer. Philosophies such as those connected to Tantra can provide people with a feeling of fulfillment that they can't get from material things. Passion, Energy, Flow... That's me! ~ The Moody Woman ~ |
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wow thats interesting, something that I want to learn
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Thanks for the comments and for sharing everyone. hugs Passion, Energy, Flow... That's me! ~ The Moody Woman ~
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I like your Tantric post. For my experiance and I am just sharing my experiance. Tantra is about creating energy in my life and putting that energy where I want it to go. Prana flows through .. and for some reason it follows through my second chakra. I know lots of men that have this happening to them and they cant control it or do not know they can control the energy and put it where they want to. Being able to store Sexual or creative energy and use it in a thoughtful way that benefits the user. Male or female is a question that needs to be asked. Am I a slave of my desires. Can I master those desires to the benefit of others? Humping wont get you there. But tantra can show you the way.. Tantra has everything to do with sex. It is the energy that creates more and more humans. good luck with this blog and hope to see and hear more of you..Matt
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1 post 7/28/2013 7:54 pm |
Very Nice... if you write I can give you more information...
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endurance?
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Thanks. It is highly interesting. Cum to my blog and respond.  Have a great kissing fun time. 
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1 post 7/12/2013 9:13 pm |
Thank you  You have inspired me to study it more, and to start doing more yoga, meditation etc Good stuff!
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Thanks for the comments. I was just reading about it and found it interesting and wanted to share it here. I agree there is more to it than people realize. So many think its just about sex and it's so much more. hugs, shy Passion, Energy, Flow... That's me! ~ The Moody Woman ~
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thanks everyone xoxox Passion, Energy, Flow... That's me! ~ The Moody Woman ~
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Good read. This is not meant to offend any one in any way.     
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Very interesting read ty for sharing with us hugs V Become a blog watcher sweet_vm
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Oh my this sound like fun to learn more about just Rick
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