What is Tantra?

A simple question without a simple answer, and

any attempt at definition will necessarily be incomplete.

The roots of the word are Sanskrit:

Tan - thread, web, stretch, spread or expand, and Tra - tool or instrument. Tantra - tool for expansion or a weaving.Through tantric practice one can experience an expansion of consciousness and recognize the interconnectedness of the web of existence.At the same time, "Tantra" can refer to any of a number of sacred texts in the Hindu, Jain and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Many of these texts contain detailed guidelines for spiritual practice. From this perspective, Tantra is a vast body of spiritual and physical knowledge, encompassing an array of practices, including all forms of yoga.

These practices are aimed at expanding consciousness and liberating oneself "through life and not through escape, using the body as an instrument."* In Tantra, the energies of the body are used as the fuel for spiritual development.In the West, Tantra is often called the "Yoga of Sex." While there is a kernel of truth in this phrase, the popular press has created a misleading impression that Tantra is about having better orgasms or about becoming a better lover.

Since tantric practices are designed to expand consciousness, they can expand a person's capacity to give, receive and experience pleasure, not only in the sexual realm but in all areas of life, provided that person is willing to do the work. It is important to be aware that Tantra is not an easy path; it is "the way of the hero who neither rejects nor fears any aspect of life." Many Western Tantra teachers emphasize very powerful techniques for enhancing sexual pleasure and intimacy, while some traditional teachers discourage students from exploring sexual Tantra at all.

Our primary teachers have spent years studying traditional, lineage-based Tantra in India. We try to incorporate some of the best elements of American Tantra into our teaching while honoring tradition and lineage.

General What is Tantra?

What is Tantra?
The spiritual art of love...of connecting spirit with form. It is experiencing love through through the beauty of the earth and all existence. It is about acceptance, rather than denial.
It also embraces compassion...about truth within unconditional love...

What are its elements? Is Tantra a yoga?
Some call it Tantra Yoga. If we see yoga as union, then I agree. Others say Tantra is not a part of Yoga, which most people see as Hatha Yoga anyway, but rather an entire lifestyle. Many in the yoga community consider Tantra "something they would rather not deal with," so to speak. So, in that sense it is not about yoga as practiced in America, unless that yoga teacher also embraces the openness an sensual nature of Tantra.

Is Tantra a religion, or a movement within religion(s), or is it entirely separate from religion?
Tantra is not a religion. It is a spiritual path. When religion enters, then barriers are drawn. However, some call Tantra a religion, although there is no organized body of thought or practitioners as such. Tantra cannot be encapsulated into a religion or dogma.

What distinguishes Tantra from neo-Tantra?
Historic/cultural Tantra follows many rituals, yantra and mantra. Neo-Tantra is an adaptation by a particular teacher. Few today follow classical/historic/cultural Tantra, which can be read in boring texts. Swami Virato teaches authentic Tantra for the 21st Century based upon Tantra's essential spiritual nature. However, learning technique, method and practice are the choice of the adapt. Swami Virato's sannyasins (disciples) are asked to become unconditional love. Tantra is essentially a lifestyle...a way to acknowledge our sensual and spiritual selves... To accept all...even the paradox... To open the heart totally.

What is the exact relationship between Tantra and sexuality?
In Tantra, sexuality is total and filled with bliss. However, Tantra is not about sex. Sex practiced or performed in Tantra is what is taught by most teachers of this spiritual lifestyle. In Swami Virato's experiential events sexual ignition energy is used as a tool to raise the Kundalini, or the participants bioenergy. Swami Virato simply uses this energy as a tool. At some point Tantrikas experience a bliss-filled state that can be identified as asexuality. Perhaps because of general sexual suppression by cultures and religions, ancient carvings in Nepal and India depicting unbridled sexual sharing create indelible labels. Some Tantrikas do not engage in sex at all.