Tantra, an ancient practice rooted in Indian traditions, has become a topic of fascination and misunderstanding in wellness. Although it's often associated with sexual practices, there's so much more to Tantra. In this article, we'll explore the truth about Tantra, what it is and isn't, and how to use this practice for mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Jump to:

Tantra is an esoteric yoga tradition widely practised in India during the 11th and 12th centuries. It is a philosophy and practice linked to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Vedic philosophy. 

In Sanskrit, the word means "to weave" and comes from the term "tanoti", meaning "to expand," and "trayati", meaning "liberation".

The central tenet of Tantra is that nothing exists that is not divine. Rather than seeing the physical world as a barrier to spiritual growth, Tantra views everything as interwoven with sacred masculine and feminine energy. 

Tantric practices help expand human consciousness by working with the body rather than against it. Movement, breath, and a connection to others become a pathway to greater awareness. 

Every aspect of the senses, including pleasure, is celebrated within Tantra. Seemingly mundane activities such as eating and drinking include a spark of the divine, and pleasurable activities also offer a pathway to spiritual growth.

At its core, Tantra emphasises the weaving together of various spiritual practices to achieve a state of enlightenment or union with the divine. This can involve various methods, including meditation, chanting, ritual, and physical exercises. 

Tantra seeks to transcend the conventional dualities that divide the sacred from the profane, aiming to find spiritual importance in every aspect of life. 

Many modern interpretations of Tantra focus on its sexual aspects, but this is just one facet of a broader philosophy that emphasises the interconnectedness of all things. 

The goal in Tantra is to awaken the inner divine energy, often symbolised as Kundalini, and to recognise the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self and the cosmic self are one.

As Tantra focuses on integrating all aspects of the human experience, Tantric healing is a grounded and direct method that often focuses on the senses. 

Those who practise Tantra report feelings of wholeness, balance, and deeper spiritual connection to themselves and wider consciousness.

Depending on the chosen method, Tantra healing can be practised alone, in a group setting, or with an intimate partner. 

All Tantric healing is guided by the principle that spiritual meaning and growth can be found in every aspect of life. 

Healing on all levels is emphasised within Tantra, and participants are encouraged to embody its teachings rather than just understanding them on a mental level. 

Many misconceptions about Tantra negatively impact the reputation of this ancient philosophy. Let's explore the most common myths surrounding this practice. 

Tantra is sometimes misunderstood as a solely sexual practice that is associated with spiritual cults and involves power and control. In reality, Tantra is a complex and holistic philosophy guided by connection and integrity above all else. The focus is spiritual growth and a deep connection to oneself and others based on respect. 

The myth that Tantra is dangerous likely stems from misinformation and a lack of understanding of its true nature. In reality, Tantra is a safe practice that emphasises mindfulness,

self-awareness, and an integrated and embodied approach to spirituality. 

Tantra encourages an alignment between mind, body, and spirit, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance. 

Like any spiritual or physical practice, the key to safety in Tantra is proper guidance and understanding. It's important to work with accredited and recognised facilitators and educate yourself using the most trustworthy resources.

On any spiritual journey, your intuition is always the best source of guidance. Work with the teachers and resources that feel right for you. 

Most people think of Tantra and immediately associate it with eroticism and hedonism. The truth about Tantra is that it is far more than just a sexual practice. While sexual elements are indeed a part of some Tantric traditions, they represent only a fraction of what Tantra truly encompasses.

Tantra is fundamentally a spiritual practice that aims to weave together various aspects of the human experience to achieve a higher state of consciousness. This sometimes includes sexual practices, but not always. 

Rather than an indulgent practice, Tantra's sexual component is guided by a deep respect for this type of energy. Divine union with oneself and others is the highest state that can be reached within Tantra. 

Tantra is growing in popularity because of its potential to enrich many aspects of life. Here’s a wide range of benefits you might experience should you choose to follow a Tantric path. 

On a mental level, Tantra helps cultivate focus. Mindfulness is an integral part of Tantric practices, and by developing this skill, it's possible to reduce anxiety and enhance emotional well-being. By encouraging a conscious connection to the present moment, Tantra aids in releasing emotional blockages, promoting mental clarity and inner peace. 

There are also many physical benefits to practising Tantra. Most classes include specific breathing techniques and physical postures, which can enhance physical vitality and endurance. Common benefits include improved blood circulation, a stronger immune system, and increased flexibility. 

Tantra is an excellent practice for boosting health on all levels. By taking a holistic approach to wellness, participants can expect to feel stronger, healthier, and more grounded within themselves. 

Tantra is all about integration. By aligning the mind, body, and spirit, Tantric practices can support personal and spiritual growth.

Tantra is known to significantly enhance intimacy and communication by fostering a more conscious connection between partners. 

Although physical pleasure is a focus within Tantra, it's not the aim. The practice places far more emphasis on emotional connection, trust, and respect. All expectations of pleasure are dropped, and deep intimacy becomes the focus. 

Tantric practices such as eye-gazing, partnered meditations, and synchronised breathing create a powerful shared experience that moves beyond the physical body. 

As partners feel a deeper connection to each other, a pathway is opened to authentic communication. Partners are encouraged to communicate with authenticity and vulnerability in a safe and nurturing environment.

Tantra is an excellent way to create a stronger connection with your romantic partner. Before following Tantric techniques, all parties must express a willingness to grow, both on a spiritual level and within the relationship. 

Those practising Tantra will likely feel the spiritual benefits above all else. Working with the body, mind, and spirit creates a deep connection to universal consciousness which strengthens over time. 

By understanding the body as a sacred temple, human experiences offer a connection to the divine, and even simple activities such as breathing and movement become a pathway to spiritual growth.

Tantra cultivates a profound inner harmony, allowing practitioners to access deeper layers of their consciousness and experience a connection to something greater.

Tantric practices are beautiful in cultivating a holistic perspective where sexuality, love, and daily life are all sacred. 

What is Tantra, exactly? Tantra is an ancient philosophy and practice that views all aspects of life as a pathway to spiritual growth. Although Tantra does include some sexual elements, the discipline is far more than this one aspect. 

The truth about Tantra is that it is a powerful, respectful, and integrative practice that helps participants foster a deeper connection with themselves and others. If you feel called to a spiritual practice that focuses on the beauty of everyday life, it might be a good idea to explore Tantra. 

Our Tantra Diploma Course is an excellent starting point for those wishing to begin their Tantra journey. This insightful course will educate you on all aspects of this ancient practice, including the different elements of Tantra and how to integrate it into your daily life. Enrol today for just £29 (saving £98!) and take the first step towards becoming a Tanta expert or practitioner.