The Basis of Tantric Sex

Tantra is a 3,000 year old spiritual path which has roots in yoga, hinduism, and Buddhism. Although there are many forms of tantra, there are two main paths. The right hand path is where ideas of balancing the masculine, feminine and the divine are kept in the realms of meditation, devotion and visualisation. The left hand path is concerned with more physical activities. Even on the left hand path, tantrikas can spend years practising and yet never reach the point when they are ready for full ecstatic love-making.

In the West, what we call tantric sex is a form of tantra which best suits our speedy Western temperament and consists of a mix and match between ancient tantric practises and more modern techniques which were first popularised by Osho (previously known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) and his well known student Margot Anand (who wrote “The Art of Sexual Ecstasy.”)

Tantra is ‘energetic’ Sex

Energy is really the key to tantric sex – it’s not just a physical act, it also happens at an energetic level.

To get an idea of what energy feels like, sit with your feet flat on the ground, close your eyes, and play imaginary pat a cake with your hands. Bring your hands really close together, without actually touching, and then slowly bring them apart. Notice that the space between the palms feels slightly different to the air that touches the back of your hands.

Now rub your hands together for at least a minute and repeat the process of feeling the space between the palms.

It may be quite subtle at first, but what you’re looking for is a slight tingling, a feeling that your hands are more alive and vibrant than when you first started.

Once you get the hang of doing this on your own, try it with your partner. Stand facing opposite each other, close your eyes, slowly bring your palms closer and closer together and then play with this connection. See how far apart you can stand, yet still feel the space between your palms. This is your energy connection, the vital ingredient in tantric love making.

Tantric talk

In tantra, the vagina is called yoni, which means sacred cave.
The clitoris is called the pearl.
The penis is called vajra, which means thunder bolt or wand of the gods.

In English, the words we use for our genitals have been damaged because they have been over-used as swear words. Simply switching to using the words vajra and yoni creates a completely different feeling.

In tantra a woman is known as Shakti – Shakti is the Indian Goddess who represents the divine feminine - pure energy.

A man is known as Shiva - Shiva is the Indian God who represents the divine masculine - pure consciousness.

The tantric words are important. They make a difference to how you feel about yourself, your partner and your sexuality. By using the words Shakti and Shiva you are inviting the divine to join in your love making.