The three main ways to experience tantra are through meditation, movement (yoga) and touch (massage). Yoga and Tantra propose that this energy may be “awakened” by such means as austerities, breath and other physical exercises, visualization and chanting.
Yoga and tantra (pronounced tun-tra) are ancient spiritual sciences the historical roots of which are only partially known. It has become increasingly apparent that some of the problems that arise in integrating the practice of Tantra are a reflection of our own psychological and cultural dispositions, while others arise from the fact that Tantra has been coloured for so long by a particularly influential Tibetan culture. Both yoga and tantra share the common goal of union with higher Self. The techniques of tantra are diverse and include asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, mantra, yantra, purification of the subtle channels of the body (nadis), elemental meditations (tattwa shuddhi), and meditations on prana and kundalini, and kriya yoga. The terms Yoga and Tantra can often be used interchangeably.
Tantric
Tantric therapists say that the sacred sexual practice is incredibly healing as much within relationships as for individuals. Whereas other Yoga practices see the involvement of sexuality as detrimental to self development, Tantric Yoga not only permits sexual arousal and contact, but uses both in the context of reaching enlightenment.
Unlike other types of massage, where you are often discretely draped in towels for the sake of modesty, with Tantric massage you will be naked, as indeed the masseuse/masseur is likely to be too. Through Tantra and Tantric Sex the orgasmic state can be expanded and research has shown that this can have a positive effect on the immune system. You can begin the Tantric path from wherever you are right now.
However, as teaching, it was first recorded through the scriptures of Shiva, a Tantric Master who lived between 5-7000 years ago in India. Through continued practice while partners develop and master the tantric asanas (postures) and pranayamas (breathing techniques), they tone and strengthen their respective subtle energy bodies and learn to harmonize the Yin-Yang forces within themselves and each other. As couples combine and channel the primordial, evolutionary force of the Kundalini energy, they begin to experience deepening levels of the tantric erotic sentiment and the mystic erotic thrill created by the maturing and upward movement of Kundalini energy.
Yoga
Yoga-tantra practices begin with simple techniques that balance and strengthen the body, nervous system and mind, and enable us to attain health and mental strength. Yoga is the science of the union with the Divine, with Truth; Tantra is the most direct method of controlling the energy that creates the ultimate union with Truth; and Ayurveda is the science of life.
