Debunking the Myths of Tantra

Tantra teachers Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson are on a mission to squelch the myths about Tantra.

Perhaps you've heard of musician Sting's boast of his seven-hour love-making sessions with wife, Trudie Styler.

It was his practice of tantra and yoga that allowed him to keep going, he had said.

Or maybe you heard buzzing of tantra and many sexual positions, erotic massage or orgies.

Turns out, none of those are really true of the ancient Hindu tradition, which practices the idea that personal fulfillment, enlightenment and a connection to the divine come through life's energies, including sexual energy. It is a mystical experience its practitioners seek.

(Sting later amended his initial remarks, explaining that Trudie "is my connection to the sacred.")

While the masses have linked tantric sex to the more salacious, tantra is a discipline, a way of life. It employs meditation and uses the body as a tool, and the romantic relationship as a microcosm for reflection and awareness. In the tradition of tantra, sex is intrinsically sacred.

However, tantra is more spiritual as a practice and can be the secret of finding bliss in all areas of life, explain Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson of Yorktown, N.Y. Read more

7 Myths about Tantra and Tantric Sex

The word Tantra comes from two Sanskrit roots "Tanoi" which can be translated as expand and "Trayati," which means tool. Thus, Tantra can be translated as tool for expansion. The tool is your physical being, and what you are seeking to expand is your consciousness.

In Tantra, the greatest source of energy in the universe is sexual intercourse, and orgasm is considered a cosmic and divine experience. Because Tantra celebrates sexuality, it has become ripe for criticism and misunderstanding. Here are seven myths and truths about Tantric sex:

Myth: Tantric sex is all about sex.

Truth: Tantric sex practices sometimes do not even include genital contact. They are really about energetic and spiritual contact between partners. Intercourse or the connection of genitals only serves to heighten the energetic connection when a couple is ready for that intimate stage.

Myth: Practicing Tantra means you give up pleasure.

Truth: This myth is the opposite of the myth that Tantra is all about sex. The Tantric sex path does not see sexual desire as something to be denied. Instead, Tantra recognizes the powerful force that sex plays in our lives and harnesses it to achieve states of bliss beyond just physical pleasure
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Myth: Tantric sex encourages indulgences of the appetites, which leads to affairs or orgies.

Truth: Although some people use Tantric sex as a way to rationalize having sex with many different people or many people at once, this is not the spirit of true Tantra. Sexuality is not meant to be frittered away mindlessly or thoughtlessly, but honored and intended for the purpose of higher states of consciousness, rather than simply physical stimulation or satisfaction.

Myth: Tantric sex turns you into a sex maniac.

Truth: Tantric sex does release your sexual energy and give you full permission to express yourself, so the tendency to act out sexually is possible, but only if you misuse the practices. If you learn the practices responsibly, you will overcome any tendencies to have random, meaningless sex.

Myth: Tantric sex is for Easterners and is not consistent with how we see sex in the West.

Truth: Tantric sex practices are actually quite consistent with our Western way of thinking. The focus on the individual, the acceptance of pleasure, and clearly defined steps are a perfect fit with the way Westerners currently live their lives. Tantric sex retools these approaches to be more aligned with the road to true ecstasy.

Myth: Tantra is a religion and a cult that will trap or brainwash you.

Truth: Tantra is neither a religion nor a cult. Genuine, ethical Tantra teachers do not want to control you. They merely guide you in a series of practices that you choose for yourself and adapt into your life.

Myth: It takes a long time to learn how to do Tantric sex.

Truth: One of the best aspects of the Tantric path is that the practices can be put into effect immediately and results noticed. In just one weekend workshop, you can learn enough basic ideas and practical exercises to immediately improve your sex life and general feelings about yourself, which will generate to every part of your life.

Tantric sex can change your entire outlook on sex. Although Tantra does not promise instant results, for couples who wish to enrich their relationship, these practices can release a particular kind of energy that can bring about harmony and increase sexual pleasure and intimacy. Don't let myths keep you from exploring Tantra and Tantric sex.

Tantric Sex: A Guide to Tantra Lovemaking Secrets and Practices is filled with techniques that are guaranteed to increase your sexual pleasure. Learn how to revolutionize your sex life with Tantric secrets and practices that will bring you to the furthest reaches of sexual and emotional fulfillment. To discover new ways to connect with your partner and revel in orgasms that are whole-body experiences, click here.