The multi-orgasmic, full body orgasm, and orgasm with breath/energy work potential of studying tantra is something quite amazing!  Additionally, for some the experience is nurturing and satisfying on a very deep level.

I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying your studies!  One of the benefits of studying sexuality is that the homework is never boring, and rarely a chore...


xoxo,
Sola

Here's another site that also has a lot of information on tantra.

Check out the cute gal on it from Seattle!

8o)

Maybe Master of the practice fits Sola better!

Another suggestion or two:
www.tantra.com
www.sacrederos.com

I've seen a few yantra providers and always had a good session, but never got the hang of the whole tantra concept. I guess you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Or is it play new tricks on an old dog?

My suggestion is to seek your vision, and let the idea of certification rest off to the side.  IMHO, in this realm there is very little value in a particular teacher or organization telling you that you are "good enough" ... Your heart will take you where you should be.

May abundance be just ahead for you, in all areas of your life!

In Love,
Sola

A life-long student and practitioner, yes.

Master?  I've met no such being in my time and have no such aspirations...
though thank you for the kind thought!

I completely agree, NOSC! I have asked and a teacher appeared.

I am revising my vision of the world too... Well, not as much revising but becoming more accepting of my perceptions and more authentic in my discussions about who I am.

My spirituality and sexuality are woven together so tightly that when I began unraveling one to examine it, the other fell away completely. Now I can see, after all my years of searching for understanding, research and study that I am who I am for a reason. Seems so simple... I can carve out a positive, affirming, honoring place for my identity in our culture. Just like many powerful women before me did.

Mia

I know zilch about tantra; so my questions are likely rooted in ignorance that will hopefully be dispelled.

The article cited by the original poster is certainly oriented toward committed couples -- setting aside time for each other, etc. as being an important aspect of sex, etc.

Other articles I've read have also linked commitment and intimacy/vulnerability to the quality of tantric sex. HOWEVER, I have read other materials saying it is just one -- albeit a faster -- path. Implying that tantra can work fine in non-monogamous situations.

So the first question is: how do you recontextualize something that seems to work best within a committed relationship so that it can work on a p4p model?

Next thought ...

In reading the article, I was struck by the similarity of many of the techniques and ideas of tantra to those used specifically for "love building" and "intimacy building."

See Robert Epstein's "How Science can Help you Fall in Love" and "Fall in Love and Stay that way."

The convergence of many of these techniques with Tantric sex is substantial; arguing that tantric sex can likely be a very intensely bonding experience.

So my second question is: How do you take something that is clearly intended to be very bonding in nature, and employ it in such a way that neither you nor the client has an emotional hangover?

It can mean very different things to different people.

Perhaps the ‘faster path’ you reference is not, specifically, about establishing intimacy in monogamous vs non-monogamous arrangements. Tantra, in the traditional vein was viewed as a faster path to enlightenment (meaning faster than spending years—a lifetime(s), studying under the guidance of a guru…..).

Speaking generally---in the west, the sexual aspects of Tantric ritual have been selectively lifted out of a much larger, very complex, tradition and, to a large extent, distilled down to specific sexual techniques….. for multiple or extended orgasm, whole body orgasms, working with erotic energy, …..many other things; all quite fascinating, and well worth exploring for any so inclined. But this is also a, somewhat, narrow view of Tantra.

At any rate, exploring aspects of Tantra, including incorporation of any sexual component is a very personal, individualized process. This can involve a kind of profound ‘vulnerability’ (should you choose to go there), and this can be extraordinarily ‘bonding’. But, the intention does not necessarily mean bonding in a romantic way. And, you can explore any/all of those things without actually calling it “Tantra”.

Much of Tantra is about how one relates to themselves - and everything else.  "Life the Universe and Everything."  (I love Douglas Adams!)  Tantra is often presented in a "committed couples" format for the western audience as it is very easily applied to relationships and can gloss over the deeper spiritual roots of the tradition.  Additionally the concepts of masculine and feminine energies, running in all beings, can be turned into working with Male/Female.  (That's a misrepresentation of the theories and actually one of my pet peeves with most modern teachings out there... though it is very effective for couples work.)

Since Tantra is ages old, it is no surprise that there are similar techniques and ideas to those used specifically for "love building" and "intimacy building."  What's that phrase, there's nothing new under the sun?
; )

The love that is worked with in Tantra is about seeing and honoring divinity in all beings.  It's a much freer and more expansive love than that of love for an individual.  A tantric practitioner will often work with sensate focus and mindful awareness, both are practices that will draw an individual into their own selves instead of deep bonding.  Additionally the ritual of creating the space and closing the ceremony helps reorient a client.  Shamanic influenced practitioners will often do versions of chord cuttings to clear the energy between the two.  I often use sound healing or toning to clear the pathways.  There are many approaches to facilitate two individuals dancing without getting all shades of twisted together.

I'm just waking up so if my post is not clear I apologize.  I'd love to see answers from others about this as well.

Love,
Sola

I have pursued the study and knowledge of tantra. I have been with some teachers and experienced it first hand. I am always curious about any teachings. I hear what they have to offer and then adopt those things that work for me.

Tantra is more than sex and sexual techniques. I became interested because of its sexual nature but then found it is equally about human nature. What it does teach is how to treat other people. A lot of tantra is about empowering your partner. If both people can make a deep connection then your emotional senses can be enhanced. Now with sex when you cum it releases some pretty powerful feelings. So now if you combine the study of sexual energy centers (what and where it feels good) combined with the mental connection surrounding love and intimacy you can imagine the type of sensations that can be achieved.

Some of the stuff on the purist side is just crap in My own opinion. But I believe everyone can benefit as a human being by practicing a little tantra