Really, Tantra is not about Sex?
Verbal root of tantra is √tan, “to expand,” followed by the suffix tra, ‘instrument’ . Therefore, tantra means “an instrument (tra) for expansion (tan).
It’s about expansion and healing
Interpreted for spiritual context it refers to the instrument (text) that expands the consciousness of the human being. The text weaves (as often Tantra is translated as ‘Weave’) the system of mantra, ritual or esoteric principles and practices that help one to expand their consciousness.
The Tantric texts (weave together) different systems and insights into the cultivation of one’s internal power (often referred to as Shakti ‘Sakti‘), and has little to do with sex. There is only one or two lines about sexual tantra in the original texts that have several thousands of pages.
And these are only for the most advanced (meaning after acquiring certain levels of insight, mastery and expansion) practitioners and not always necessary. And, are more about the wise use of energy rather than sexual pleasure.
Many systems have been brought into the mainstream and the Western culture, that have little if anything to do with tantra. They may give you pleasure or a temporary buzz, but they have nothing to do with tantra (expansion, freedom) and will not assist in arriving anyone at a true freedom that is sort. Nor the Union, The Yog. Ahhhhh…
In most cases they will encourage people to continue to create clinging, grasping and repetition of sexual yearning that in fact leads one further from freedom. I have no problem with sex on the Yoga path. I am a householder after all.. I mean, I’m a Gemini, I want to have some fun. I want intimacy, joy, happiness, real connection.
But, I also do not confuse these practices with Tantra. This is Neo Tantra and it’s not of interest to me. My interest is to help people heal, overcome obstacles to modern life and to get REAL. Oh and to have fun, to enjoy this life. Not fleetingly through attachment but fully; wholy.
I know Tantra teaches us to use this energy, our create sexual energy wisely.
So, What is Tantra, Really?
One of the retreat leaders (pictured above & below), Scottich Nicola, recently put it like this:
“I have come to realise that without a focus of love and devotion (bhakti) any spiritual practice or path loses its potency.
We have all heard from teachers in yoga classes, (myself included), saying opening the heart is important, its also about nurturing and balancing this centre that allows us to welcome conscious, spiritual love – not only romantic love of the Swadisthana (sacral chakra). Love in Anahata (heart chakra) and the lighter heart (Thymus) – we feel radiating, unconditional and pure love.”
Nicola (finding.akhilanda)
But, does this actually explain Tantra? Maybe actually.
And, can we leave it at that. Can someone tell us – expansion can be found in your heart. Can that get us there. Will that be enough to free us. Will that love be met, experienced, through sex, after a mate pleasures us. Will, that bring us abiding inner peace and sustainable love for all that we are and all that the world around us is, with all its fallibility , untruths and conditions. Probably not.
Practice makes Perfect
Which brings us to the experience of Tantra. The method, the weaving, the texts, the practice.
Tantra uses mantra, meditation and various other insights to expand ones body, mind and spirit. To bring us into union with the whole of creation, to the interconnections of reality. To the truth.
For example Tantra teaches us about the chakra system (the subtle energy) that resides within us, how to use it and how to clear the channels towards a healthier happier life. For example when we clear the energy in the heart chakra we use colours and seed sounds (mantra) that the ancients have granted us with. With a technique (tantra).
Beej Mantra for Anahata Chakra
OM YAM
– The Serpent Power – Arthur Avalon
As, we step on this journey, we begin to shed layers of ourselves, our conditioned mind. We begin to use the creative energy, (that we once used for fear, worry, anger,hatred) to bring ourselves into balance with our inner truths, love and compassion and it begins to heal us of our pain and hurts and brings us into union with something deeper, more honest.
A love that radiates within and without. A peace that understands the connectedness of all things and we heal and begin to experience life and love and the creative energy as part of the whole. The radiant loving whole that we are.
It teaches us to deeply see and feel into the perfection of all that is, in it’s imperfection.
To surrender to the impermanence of life, to our coming and going thoughts and feelings. To use our energy (shakti), power to connect with that love, that radiance, the divine that is us.
To practice, experience the truth of our creative reality and as Nicola says.To radiate it.
Warm Blessings
Megan
Megan Jackson runs meditation and yoga retreats for women’s healing. She has been immersed in spiritual practice and study for 15 years, living it fully, with humility and compassion as her backbones for progress. She lives a quiet life reflecting on the dharma, being with nature and helping others who are wanting change, transformation or spiritual wisdom.Join her on the Women’s Yin Yoga & Tantra Retreat Bali December 2019and our 2020 Tarot and Yoga retreat Bali