| What is Tantra? | ||
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There are many definitions of Tantra, and as many forms. Traditionally, Tantra is a form of religious practice and meditation from India, designed to awaken and channel the energies of the body for various purposes. This is simply one of many possible explanations, and probably no more or less accurate :-). Practices vary from visualization (often including mantras and visualization of Deities), Yogic postures, breathing techniques, sacred sexual practices, applying pressure to chakras, and other, more esoteric techniques. Based on the method and purpose, Tantra in the Western World is popularly defined as: White Tantra (Focusing on raising the Kundalini energy through breathing, postures and mantras, for purpose of clearing the body’s energy channels and achieving a higher state of being, internal perfection.) Black Tantra (Various Tantric practices designed to raise the energy and direct it for the magic purposes and power ?uncommon physical feats, controlling others, or effecting one’s own fate.) Red Tantra (The most well known in the West, because of our obsession with and the fear of sex :-). Breathing techniques, meditation, touch, energy exchange, prolonged ritual coitus and other sexual practices, traditionally done with the goal of clearing the body’s energy channels and achieving higher levels of consciousness, unity with the partner and through him/her the Deity ?sacred sexuality. In the West also used for general & sexual healing, to master an open and deep intimacy with partner and oneself, and to experience sex on a whole new level of pleasure, emotion and energy play.) In the West, most of the references to Tantra refer to Red, or Sexual Tantric practices. In the East, there isn’t much value judgment to any of the forms of Tantra. In the West, other Tantra practitioners often dismiss Red Tantra as “base?or “dirty? based on the built-in mainstream/religious fear of sexuality, as well as the prevalence of sexual con-artists who claim to offer Tantric experiences with no knowledge or credentials whatsoever. However, Red, or Sexual Tantra does have a very important place in the realm of wellness and healing, especially because of the cultural taboos and biases of the West that make most of us sexually the walking wounded. Whether one is trying to become One in him/herself, or as a couple, Tantric practice at its height is a truly spiritual/religious experience. This is a kind of ecstatic state not unfamiliar to the West either ?from St. Theresa to St. Francis, the ecstatic experience of Oneness with the World/God. For the less religious, Tantra is still a profoundly healing and heart-opening experience. There is a number of schools and Tantric practitioners who offer learning and hands-on tutoring of White or Red Tantra, either one-on-one, in classes or for couples. Although there is a number of established and respected organizations and individuals trained by them, there are no government regulations, nor accreditation in place specifically for Tantra. Many of the practitioners, however, study in more than one field of wellness and/or sexuality, such as massage therapy, Yoga, counseling, or human sexuality, and are accredited in such fields. Due to the lack of accreditation and the fact that “Tantra?has become a popular and often misused sales word, it’s difficult to find a good, legitimate Tantric practitioner to work with. Look at the person’s work and educational background, and when you call ask a number of questions about the course or a session, the kind of Tantra practiced, as well as the educational and professional background. (Often, the most blatant “fakes?will not even know the definition of Tantra). If you are serious about learning Tantric practices, Kundalini Yoga is a great way to prepare. It will introduce you to the conscious breathing and meditation techniques, and prepare your mind and body for the further energy work. There are some excellent Kundalini Yoga classes in the San Francisco Bay Area, and occasionally White Tantra events. There is a number of places to find Red Tantra practitioners and teachers in the San Francisco Bay area. Often, they advertise in tandem with escort or sensual massage services, but there are a few listing web sites exclusive to the wellness/healing professionals. Harbin Hot Springs is a popular local place among the alternative learning and healing professionals, and it offers an ongoing selection of classes including Tantra. (It’s also the most awesome clothing-optional and sex-positive hot springs spot in the area :-), moderately priced & very comfortable on any budget. Meat and smoking on the premises are discouraged, but there is a small alcove near the entrance, with a beautiful view, where the most die-hard smokers can enjoy a bonding experience.) Related Links: Kundalini Yoga Center San Francisco Harbin Hot Springs |
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