TANTRA, what is it?

My definition of the concept of tantra is, quite simply: "Tantra is the ultimate love affair with yourself and all of your existence. In the process of igniting your internal flame, you come to experience all ordinary moments as extraordinary experiences. Immersed in that experience, you realize that you are the divine, there is nothing else to need or want, but that moment."

Tantra, however, is anything but simple. It is a spiritual practice as well as a scientific one.

Tantra explains that it is possible to reach a spiritual path while engaging in the world around us.

Tantrikas maintain that  not understanding the divine isn't what causes suffering, but lacking knowledge of how the world functions does. Until one can understand the subtle forces of the working world, one can not hope to regulate them and thereby regulate our internal environment.

Tantra consists of highly organized study in various disciplines, or Tantric formulas if you will, and the purification of mind and heart. It is the weaving of the ethereal and the physical.

Taking delight in the senses, being present and focused in what we are able to "feel" physically as a way to celebrate our existence. It is the mastery of living in the now, fully embracing each moment with all that you are, using the spontaneity of non-thinking, simply experiencing.

Tantra has been around for 6000 or more years. The literature is so vast, with the majority written in Sanskrit, it would be an impossibility to study even a small part in one's lifetime. It is a widely misunderstood and misinterpreted art form. Although it is all encompassing, that does not mean it is without a particular systematic approach.

The complete rituals in tantric text are never fully disclosed therefore in the pursuit of learning Tantra, one must find an adept or master.

 Rituals and studies are passed from master to student as they have been for centuries.

When engaging in ritual, it is important to know when, and how to use the particular tools of tantra, the yantras, herbs, elements and mantras.

Engaging in self-trial at the very least, is a waste of time, but done incorrectly can cause harm to self and others. The paths of Tantra are many (and not self-interpreted) and they can seem contradictory unless understood and undertaken in a specific manner.

As a science, as well as an artistic discipline, Tantra increases the speed of evolution in the practitioner throughout their lifetime, ever expanding their knowledge and experiences.

The practitioner is always a student and revels in the magic that presents itself daily. The goal is to activate the shakti, the power of the divine force within, or power of the soul. Without access to shakti, true spiritual illumination is not possible.

Tantra was, long ago, divided into 3 schools for a more systematic approach to learning. The school of Kaula ( divided into a right and left handed path) is the one that uses material objects, the senses and the body.

This enabled everyday household members to experience the divine by using everyday life, and all in it, as a form of spiritual development. Amongst the 64 art forms were dancing, cooking, flower arranging and the art form of union. Sexual union is the art that most of us are interested in today.

Though Tantra does address the subject of sexuality for spiritual growth, less that 3 percent of the literature is relegated to that discipline.

It's believed that if two people cultivate and practice the art of tantric union that their combined energies would form a pathway to the divine. Their joy and bliss would fill their household with love, and that, in turn, would make their children happy and flow over into the whole community. Everyone would benefit from this practice of conscious loving.

Tantric union enables healing to take place as well, by using the powerful energy of creation to blast through ego, fear, and illusions. Tantric union is not a path to sexual indulgence or self-gratification, and one must use caution when looking for a teacher.

 An authentic tantric master will make sure that their student has been prepared mentally ( this can take years) before any tantric union practices take place between them.

The art form of conscious love, relationship and ecstatic union, formed around tantric concept, is one I strive to make accessible for you to learn on your spiritual path.

This isn't just a matter of techniques.

If that's all it took, you would all be Tantric masters at loving.

There are enough books on sexual technique to keep you reading for a lifetime.

It takes a spiritual relationship with oneself first, in order to create that path with another.

A spiritual relationship makes sexual union a magical space, not the other way around.

Having a spiritual sexual relationship takes nothing way from you or your other lovemaking and isn't, as many think, something you don't have time for. Simplicity of being connected will add more energy to your life and more interest in both people for sexual union.

Learning to be conscious of our sexual energy can enhance not only our lovemaking, but also our entire lives.

Sexual energy is the most powerful force that we have, and harnessed can be used for more creativity and life enjoyment.

 One of the other joys of learning the art of conscious union is that it will dispel the myths that many of us labor under sexually.

Much sexual misinformation is taught to us as a society and there are so many harmful labels to bear, its no wonder the issue of sexuality is loaded and holds such a charge for most people. There is a severe lack of education in sexuality, relationship skills and loving, so many of us have lost our ability to experience sexual union, and spiritual relationship to the extent that is our birthright.

I welcome you to educate yourself and become conscious about an art form that you can practice on your own or with a partner. I assure you, this journey will change your life.