Traditional Tantra Yoga
– the wisdom beyond “the best sex in the world” -
To start of we should take a quick look at the differences of traditional tantra yoga, and Neo-Tantra. Presently, Neo Tantra is gaining popularity throughout the world, yet it poses many risks as shared practice with powerful sexual energy, is here often done without preparing the awareness and individual balance needed for a save conduct of such practices. Therefore, it is almost inevitable that those spaces are seldom really save, especially to unexperienced practitioners. While traditional tantra yoga does also involve intimate practices with the opposite gender and will enable intense, fulfilling love making, this is not the primary focus.
Traditional tantra yoga is said to be the oldest form of yoga. Maybe its highest form, as it had first been taught by Lord Shiva (the highest Hindu God) to his wife Paravati. Tantric yoga practice focuses on energetical work in the Subtle Body (Sukshma Sharira). During a Satsang (Gathering true companions), in your personal practice as well as every part of your life is Tantra aims to establish, observe and celebrate the balance of Shiva (the divine masculine) and Shakti (the divine feminine) Energies. Other yoga practices like Hatha yoga, have their roots in Tantra and can be amazing to prepare physically, gain flexibility, connect to and feel the body, the breath and its energies. There work much more done in the physical dimension, using the full scale of the body to balance energies. Tantra Yoga also involves Pranayama (Breathwork) and Kriyas (repetitive, physical movements) but mainly enhances the balance and observation of life-energy (Kundalini). A large part in tantric practices play Pujas (Rituals) and Mudras (hand gestures) and Mantras Sastra (Sound vibration) to balance the energies.
So, this kind of tantra is really not about indulging in sexual freedom. It is about presence, about observation; it is about feeling deeply and being grateful for this beautiful creation energy that lives within every being and your very self. This energy may be called the Kundalini energy, Sexual energy, God essence or many more names. Traditional Tantra uses spiritual, Hindu-cultural language, yet the essential teaching and truth is universally applicable, beyond the boundaries of religion. The journey described in tantra yoga is the purification of the 5 Koshas (bodies) that make up our being.
- Annamaya Kosha – food body
- Pranamaya Kosha – vital life force, the breath
- Monamaya Kosha – mental body
- Vigyanmaya Kosha – knowledge body
- Anandamaya Kosha – bliss body
With this focus, tantra has many benefits for emotional healing and the release of deep-rooted fears and trauma. Using your own divine power, directed through intentional, conscious practice, you get the opportunity to connect deeply with yourself and the world around you. Within this connection a balanced and fulfilled life manifests. Tantra is a practical, action-oriented path so it does require a certain degree of dedication and intentional awareness. Only with regular practice and deep integration into your understanding, traditional tantra yoga can support with full emotional healing and a fulfilled life in unity. You can practice Tantra Yoga alone, with a trusted partner or in a Mandala (a familiar gathering of friends). Yet to gain full benefits you should connect to a teacher to guide you in the process, especially when working to purify the chakras above the heart (Antrang Yog). Initiations from a Master to get direct, powerful connection to the divine are essential to progress in the practice and gather more support from universal energies. Teachers will also be helpful to introduce tools to guide you through each step.
Once you are able to integrate Non-Dualism (Advaita), Atma vijara (state of self-reflection and inquiry), Prateahara (withdrawing the senses from the objects) and other practices into your life beyond the Satsang, they will support you to live in gratitude for every encounter, every emotion, every breath we take. They also provide tools to observe each element fully. After starting your practice with a teacher and have gained first insights and experiences you can quickly progress with daily, intentional practices by yourself, with a partner or in a mandala. Integrating short, regular moments of tantric understanding into your life will already connect you to the divine powers. By dedicating space in your daily routine, for interacting with these Energies (in a Sadhana or use of certain tools and practices), you can become a Master of Working with the divine in all aspects. A clear mind and understanding of life and the world will become your reality. Manifestation becomes a tool available to you to use just as eating the right food and resting appropriately. Everything will flow towards harmonious unity, and you will be able to observe and understand it. So it does not just enable you to have the best sex in the world but also the best food, the best sleep, the best job, and the best hike etc…