May 30, 2012
Dr. Kat’s Practical Tantra: What You Think You Know
Everyone has heard about Tantra. It seems like some mystical, unattainable sexual practice that results in eight hour-long orgasms. But who has time for that? Actually, there is much more to Tantra than most westerners realize. It has a long history (it’s over 7000 years old) and involves a larger belief system of Eastern Philosophy. Its main purpose in regards to sex is to harness the body’s energetic forces and use them to connect with a higher consciousness. But what dose this all mean?
The foundations of Tantric practice are simple things like breathing, moving, vocalizing, and focusing the mind. By applying these basic techniques you will be able to have amazing orgasmic and interpersonal experiences. It will also help to train you to let go of the western ideals of what you think sex is about, allowing you to expand your definition of sex.
We here people taking about Tantra all over the media but when asked, most people could not really identity what Tantra is. Misconceptions abound. So, let’s examine some of he most common assumptions people make about the ancient practice and belief system…
Tantra is just a popular buzzword
Tantra has been in existence for over 7000 years. It is and has been a serious way of life for millions of people around the world. In recent years Hollywood has capitalized on the “idea” of Tantra. It sounds novel and interesting, right? But in actuality millions of people belong to a wider spiritual practice involving a belief in the connection of all living beings and the idea that everyone is divine in their own right.
You have to have a partner
All Tantra begins with the individual. It is about training your heart and mind to embrace the joy of sexuality. You can practice Tantra by just exercising some of the beliefs or incorporating exercises into your masturbatory practice. Having a sense of oneness with yourself will help you prepare to share that with your partner.
Tantra is just about sex
As stated Tantric sexual practice is actually apart of the larger spiritual philosophy of Tantra. The practice of Tantra involves developing a higher level of consciousness in everyday life. This includes embracing the natural world and finding a depth of meaning in all relationships. It puts an emphasis on awareness of emotions and behaviors and how one interacts with the world. This is why meditation and contemplation of the outer and inner world are so important. Tantric sex is simply applying these greater beliefs to one’s sexuality.
You have to live the “Tantric” lifestyle
While may practitioners of Tantra do also embrace the overall spiritual philosophy, most people will be unable or unwilling to devote their lives to a daily spiritual practice. What can be done is to take some of the Tantric teachings and apply them to one’s life and sexuality. For instance, learning to see your partner at the ultimate god/goddess of sexuality or in a more practical sense just applying breathing exercises to your sex life can enrich your experience.
Tantra and Kama Sutra are the same thing
The Kama Sutra is actually a text of Tantric philosophy written 2,000 years ago by a religious scholar named Vatsayana. The Kama Sutra is a guide (still practical today) that can be used to learn specific Tantric sexual practices, and yes positions. I’m sure you recall the reference to it in the movie America Pie.
There is much to learn about Tantra and the beauty of it is that you can learn and apply as much or as little as you would like to your current sexual practices. Sometimes ancient knowledge does stand the test of time.
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