Tantra is an ancient Indian spiritual practice that has become increasingly popular in the West for its celebration of spiritual sexuality. Born out of the yogic tradition thousands of years ago and drawing on aspects of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, Tantra is a complex system of practices, philosophies, and rituals which, among its many purposes, aims to help those who practice discover their inherent divine nature and realize its limitless potential.
At its core, Tantra seeks to facilitate a union between the physical and spiritual realms as well as agrowth in awareness and connection between those who practice it. By allowing a connection between lovers that transcends both the physical and the spiritual, the practice is said to equip individuals with the ability to make love with total acceptance, without entering emotionally charged states of being.
Tantra is a powerful practice that encourages conscious intimacy as well as the continued expansion of emotional, physical, and spiritual boundaries. By focusing on the cultivation of energy, consciousness, and balance, practitioners are able to generate higher levels of consciousness and divine union.
At its highest level, Tantra is said to be a union between the Shiva and Shakti, two aspects of divinity. This concept is expressed as the union of the inner masculine and feminine energies, representing balance, evolution, and higher consciousness. In this form, conjugal love or sexual union is seen as a sacred bliss– and Tantra teaches how to create, maintain, and savor this sacredness every moment. Therefore, it is believed that Tantra can lead one towards inner peace, self-love, and a greater sense of awareness.
The most important feature of Tantra is its emphasis on conscious communication as a means of growth and transformative energy. Through this, an entire relationship can be changed, improved, and enhanced. Conscious communication is at the very core of Tantra, and a deep level of connectedness the result. It is through conscious communication that the concept of divine union is made possible, and this is achieved by focusing on the energy and journey of both partners, allowing them to move beyond the physical and make love to the soul.
Beyond the physical formulation of Tantric practice, its metaphysical components offer an accessible entry point into the inner realms of soul-level communication and exploration. Ancient Tantric teachings focused on the balance of opposites in order to cooperate harmoniously in both physical and spiritual realms. This includes accepting the duality of our own self and understanding how it is rooted in a greater source of energy, resulting in an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
By using meditation, visualization, and self-inquiry, practitioners are able to tap into sources of inner power. This inner power can be used to access true essence of self and others, allowing the journey to open up layers of energy that can then be shared in a mutually beneficial and conscious way. It is through these shared energies that partners can access each other on a soul level, creating a new level of sense of purpose, understanding, and connection.
The path to greater connection, evolution, and liberation is a lifelong process. It is clear that Tantra, in its various forms, can offer a transformative freedom to those who practice, regardless of their background or past experience. The possibilities for personal and spiritual growth that this practice offers is boundless, and practitioners must remember to approach it with an open heart, mind, and soul in order to benefit most fully from this ancient and sacred practice.
