I've heard about Tantra but I have no idea of what it is
Could someone enlighten me about it

The short answer is that Tantra is a form ofsexual spituality. A celebration of male and female and the acts of physical love. It is a form of sex and foreplay seeped in indian mysticism. Think Kama Sutra. Anyone give a more enlightened answer?

Because Tantra is a mystical subject, it is nearly impossible to define. Tantra is a spiritual, sexual science that is not static in its definition.

When we embrace Tantra, we become more "complete." By identifying and stimulating our innate sensual spirituality, we discover parts of ourselves that have been repressed. We can learn to use Tantric energy for sexual pleasure and awareness above all.

Familiarity with Tantra can help a person enjoy their sex life to its fullest potential. It can help do away with guilt or fear, and break down self-imposed or limiting cultural boundaries (as is the case in most Western societies).

Tantra teaches us to become familiar with our mystical nature, and when we do so, our boundaries (sexual and otherwise) expand. We enter into new realms of awareness. We become empowered and more fulfilled -- and the orgasms experienced in this state of consciousness are not just incredible, they're explosive and potentially unending.

it's all about sexual freedom

Tantra is the total surrender of all mental, emotional and cultural conditioning, so that universal life energy can flow through you freely. Tantra not only expands consciousness, it liberates it.

It treats sexual energy as an ally, rather than something to be suppressed or discussed behind closed doors. It does not deny sex, just the opposite in fact; it embraces sex. Tantra is the only spiritual path that states that sex is sacred and not a sin -- even outside of marriage.

There is a most beautiful word for sex in the Sanskrit language, and that is Kama, which means sex and love go together; they're undivided and indivisible. Most everyone is familiar with the classic Kama Sutra, the 7th century Tantric scripture.

let your sexuality run rampant

The essence of Tantra is the full expression of existence; a merging with, rather than a withdrawing from sexual energy. This energy is used as ignition for firing the body's biological energy system, merging it (and you) with universal energy.

In Tantra, sex is used as the cosmic union of opposites, to create the polarity charge that connects with the primordial energy from which everything arises in the universe... the totality of All.

The basic difference between unenlightened sexuality and Tantra is that sex becomes sacred and divine when you approach it from your heart and body, rather than solely from your mind.

I'm not going to question the other 2 responses you received here. I am sure they are very informed people.

However, having experienced several Tantra sessions I have come up with the best way to translate Tantra into more general and definable terms.

Tantra - Translated from the ancient Indian means --
"The most expensive freakin HandJob you will ever get in your entire life"

I had no idea I've been "tantraing" myself all these years.

Excellent!  I couldn't have said it better myself.  I am sorry that some only feel it is a hand job.  Either they went to someone under the guise of a Tantrika or educator, or they missed the boat about the spiritual sexuality.

If I may add to your to explaination of Tantra?  Tantra means the Weaving Consciousness.  True, it is total freedom of the bounds that have been set about sex, our sexuality and practices.  Sex and our sexuality is NOT a sin!  The point right before orgasm or in orgams catapults you into the void, (you might want to look into Tantra Buddhism), when in this state we are without ego and illusion, we are in our purest perfection and united with the ALL or the Divine, or our higher self, etc., whatever your belief system.  Also, we are very vunerable at this moment and here is an FYI, women who are fridget and men with penial dysfunction, have at one point in time had a very traumic experience or something demeaning said to them.  Of course, not only emotionally have they internalized this but now show a physical display, due to the trauma. This is called a blockage. About blockages, we all have them, we all hold our trauma, abuse, stress and enviromental influences within our bodies and our spiritual, ehteric, or subtle bodies.  These blockages if not released can cause harm. Example a lost love, a broken heart, or someone has  been hurt deeply, can cause heart, lung and circulation problems, if holding in the heart Chakra. The blockage is usually a repression of love for ones self and others, and being out of balance.  If one tends to hold in Solar Plexus Chakra, this can lead to stomach and digestive problems, even diabeties.  This blockage is taking on more then one can utilize, too much emphasis on power or recognition and anger/fear.  And the list can go on and on, because we have around 3,000 of these Chakras through out our bodies.  Though the 7 major ones are are the most important.

In Tantra the man is seen as the warrior/god Shiva, the woman as the Goddess Shakti.  The male energy needs the feminine to make it move.  Example:  male energy, the thought of creation, but that is all it is, a thought.  Feminine energy is the energy that moves the thought of creation.  In a Puja, (celebration of the Divine), the man and woman represent the god and goddess and for the length of the Puja take each other as husband and wife.

One last word and I will end what had started to be just a brief responds.  But, it is hard to be brief  about my passion and life work.  Tantra is and was the first written (Sanskrit) philsophy and science.  From this came yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judo-Christian practices and religions.  Of course, each has or had manipulated into what would be best for their belief system. The exception being Yoga, if you are taking from Guru. If you learning from a sports center or that type of facility, I doubt you will recieve any spiritual benefits, they tend to leave that out and focus on the positions only.  Hope I didn't step on any toes!  

If you are interested in learning more about Tantra I suggest reading Andre' Van Lysebeth book, "Tantra, cult of the Feminine."  If you want other sources, please contact me.

As always, May the Goddess bring each and everyone Blessings of Love and Light!

Hugs, Mary
630 890 7767

-- Modified on 5/21/2004 6:19:56 AM