I don't know how or why but I've ended up reading a lot about Yoga, Meditation and of course Tantra as of late.
Some parts of it sound pretty interesting but it seems like so much of it is wrapped up in the hippie culture that I don't know if it would be for me.
Has anybody studied Tantra and/or taken any of the workshops or instruction clinics? Did you enjoy it?
How could one not adore hippy chicks?
Well, I didn't get any back in the swinging '60's but now I do and I love to see Tantra providers.
They focus on allowing you to feel sensations more intently through various exercises (breathing technique, massage, chanting, etc.)
It also tends to prolong the enjoyment. With time you can learn how to hold off ejaculation and experience multiple full body orgasms.
It is quite a trip.
Here's a site that not only teaches a lot about Tantra, but can also hook you up with practicioners in your area.
(click link)
Don't get me wrong...hippy chicks are hot....I just don't know if that kind of thinking would do me any good.
So is there anything to all that breathing technique and energy stuff? Multiple O's for a guy is always something that could come in handy...no question.
Enhancement of sexual pleasure is undoubtedly a potential upside of Tantra. But that aspect is primarily a selective western interpretation of an ancient practice. Tantra is very complex and means many things to many people. There is no way anyone can tell you what that means to you. If you have a genuine interest and you genuinely pursue that, you may find that there is, indeed, ‘something’ to the breathing techniques and ‘energy stuff’ that far exceed the ability to delay, multiply or transform orgasms. Not to say that is not a good enough reason, in and of itself.
But, ultimately, this is an individual endeavor and there is only so much guidance someone else can provide. The rest is on you. But if you listen, and you hear, you can learn. Find an authentic Tantric oriented provider.
Just my humble opinion.
it requires some discipline, both mental and physical, but the rewards are quite tangible and enjoyable.
Like any other thing we choose to do, the more time and effort you put into it, the more you get out of it.
Tantra is devoted to maximizing sexual enjoyment, and it works.
Tantra is one of those words that has been westernized and reinvented from its original source as a part of Tibetan Buddhism. As practiced by Tantric Buddhist, tantra referred to a broader array of practices including sexual practices and simply mediation designed to aid in the achievement of enlightment. Achieving sexual bliss was certainly not the goal of the Tantric Buddhists, although the achievement of this state was believed to aid in he earch for enlightenment. Indeed, under one view of Buddhist thought, life is suffering and the cause of suffering is desire.
There does seem to be a group of new age opportunists who have refined certain sexual practices and called it “Tantra.” Whether these particular sexual practices have any connection with actual sexual practices of Tantric Buddhists is another question. Nothing wrong with this, but it is sort of like the Western use of “Zen” to apply to anything inscrutable and symbolic (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance) which has very little relationship to the actual practices of Zen Buddhists.
Note I was trying to lost this under the OP and not Mr. Fisher's post so this is not a response to him necessarily. I understood his point.
-- Modified on 11/11/2008 2:21:24 PM
Very good points Marikod. All that said, the sexually specific tantra studies are often referred to as neo-tantra. Just because it is not the full spectrum of the Tantric Buddhist path, does not make it invaluable, and certainly does not mean that everyone practicing and studying it's focused sexual applications is an opportunist. All good things, are good.
.02
and when I used the word "opportunist" I did not mean to imply any kind of negative connotation.
There are many great ideas in Buddhist thought that are ripe for the plucking and use elsewhere, while few of us in the West want to download the entire religion or philosophy.
I wish to rise in the defense of Robert Pisig's excellent book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
I read the book well before I studied Zen Buddhism. (My therapist and teacher was a Zen Buddhist who received transmission from Roshi Hakun.)
While I am not a Buddhist myself, the book is a very serious study of values and mental processes which do bear heavily on Zen and I recommend it to anyone who wants to broaden their outlook on life.
It is not a cute or kitchy book, in other words.
ZAMM as we use to call it, but when that book came out I was biased against it before I ever read it because it seemed a lame rip off of Zen and the Art of Archery, written by an American stationed in Japan long before Zen became trendy in the West.
But I agree ZAMM has value and in particular it is a lot more readable than a lot of books about Zen which you can read and have no idea what the author is really talking about.
Glad you enjoyed it. Now, unless you can figure out some way to relate Zen to sex and the hobby, I'm out of here before we get another off topic complaint.
I have taken several classes and been to many work shops and it is truly mind blowing. Once you have had the internal orgasm, any regular ole bjcim just won't cut it lol! It is a total body explosion that can last for hours without ever ejaculating. It is also wonderful for areas of your every day life outside the bedroom.
I completed a course in Taoist Erotic Massage and Sexological Bodywork and Coaching at the beginning of the year. Of course it depends on what someone is looking for, but these practices can elevate the experience and open new doors to pleasure and release (physical and emotional release)
I really enjoyed the program and use many of the techniques I learned in the course, tailoring each experience for the person and situation. Some of the techniques include various breathing exercises, penis or vulva massage, anal massage, and lots more. I combine this with my training in Swedish and Thai massage, and my love of erotic and sensual arts to create an experience to remember in awe.
To find out more about the "strict" sexological bodywork approach, check out youtube. I didn't join the association because they only allow uni-directional touch but the techniques and experiences are great!
I was involved in Buddhism back in the 60's and
along with yoga. Got into the practices of control of climaxes and ejaculation and have
used it most of my life.It has been wonderful and my partners have always been happy with my ability to hold off until they climax. Only
problem I have found is that after practicing this art for so many years, it is
sometime hard to climax myself. I know my age has something to do with it, but now I must
concentrate on cumming and not be distracted
by things. My partners still are very happy
about the length of time I take, but are sometime disappointed if I'm not able to
ejaculate. I do climax internally almost everytime. All in all it is a fabulous practice!
I am about to attend a workshop later this month. I am looking forward to it; even the "hippy" parts. I think it is so sensual, and adds to the whole experience (unless you're looking for a "quickie"). I can't wait!
I enjoyed working as an instructor assistant at a local tantra studio here.
It's one journey on the path to enjoying greater intimacy. It's definitely not for everyone.
I would say that if you are turned off by too much new-age jargon, then be wary of the tantra community, do your research, and sample different venues that offer tantra classes until you find the one that fits your needs.
best of luck
C
Yes and yes, to your questions.
As mentioned, it's not a "trick" and it's not for everyone. As also mentioned, the rewards can be phenominal. Heightened awareness and sensitivity, increased capacity for pleasure and intimacy, general well-being... and oh yeah, some good old fashioned inner peace.
; )
If the yoga and meditation interests you, I'd say visit with a practitioner or go for a tantra workshop and see what you think!
Feel free to PM for more info if you have any specific questions.
xoxo,
Sola