What is Tantra?
A legacy. A gift. A blessing.
Formally “Tantra” is a Yogic tradition which focuses on the esoteric and metaphysical aspects of Somatic Body Healing. Somatic Therapy is considered any form of guided therapy that utilizes the physical body and Sacred movement to address and remove deeply rooted emotional pain. It is most helpful as it relates to expelling emotional or mental trauma, which can actually live within our bodies on a cellular level long after the experiences have originally occurred.
In both the Hindu and Buddhist teachings of this Ancient art, TANTRA is considered to be a “tool, system, method, instrument, technique, or practice”.
In Sanskrit, the root word is “tan” meaning to “elaborate, propagate, or expand; loom; weave”. More importantly the suffix “tra” is a Sanskrit root suffix often described as “a means” and, adding this onto the end of a word then converts the word to a verb; Or defines the word as “a means of doing something”. So in this case, “tra” is a means of doing something (with the intention to save or protect). Therefore, Tantra is the systemic practice of expanding the physical mind to protect and save the emotional and spiritual bodies. In BDSM, it can be (and should be) incorporated before, during, or after a scene (relationship) as a means to shield or cleanse the physical body from the attack of degrading thoughts and negative reaction to an interaction and/or evolving dynamic.
In order to open the mind to the wonders of Tantra, one has to be open to the idea that Tantric practices exist beyond a strictly sexual realm. Although Tantra is referenced by many different names in Kama Sutra (an ancient Hindu text that teaches the art of sexuality and emotional fulfillment), it is far more intimate than that of the imagery promoted in modern day Western media. Some have the idea that one must travel to study with the Monks in India or learn from the most seasoned Reiki healers in order to learn the ancient art of Tantra. This is a fool’s logic. Although most people associate Tantra with sex or restrict their ideologies of Tantra to Yogic traditions, absolutely anyone committed to learning can study Tantra.
Tantra is a Sensual art that requires a devotional shift in thinking and daily living. It is habits of the mind that bind us to suffering and poor habits but, it is also habits of the mind that connect us to our higher consciousness. Everything in this universe is a pattern of frequency and the universe does not forget. Tantra teaches how to make high vibrational choices with the intentions to attract the highest energy for all involved.
Tantra teaches that the mind is a sophisticated tool that gives liberation and transcendence into unconditional living OR it can trap us in confusion and bondage. However, there are no limitations of the mind where there is continuous healing. Because Tantra is a form of Somatic healing, it is necessary for one to become familiar with their personal form of waking meditation. Tantra teaches the art of spiritual teaching through repetition. 60% of our habits are born and live in the subconscious mind. It takes 21 days to make or break a habit and approximately 40 days to 1 half a year of consistency to train the mind. During the hours that resonate most with you, practice daily devotional meditation to create the discipline required to represent an alignment without having to force the body to match the mind with the spirit’s natural needs for healthy living. Go inward and create a rhythm that flows with your body. One will know this is mastered when: meals are light but fulfilling and easy to digest; bowel movements are regular and taken around the same time, twice a day; showers become a ritual for removing negative energy; and prayer is done at the same time every day.
As a result of these little adjustments, day-by-day Tantra will become a regular stress relieving tool to the practitioner. One might find it easier to practice mindful breathing, mindful eating, and will be generally more compassionate and empathetic toward their fellow man. Tantra encourages one to consider all aspects of our physical existence as opportunities for enlightenment and therefore, anyone can practice and utilize Tantra as a tool for spiritual healing.
Most beginners are easily distracted during sitting meditations, so this can be done using sound healing techniques such as dancing to binaural beats, walking in nature, and mantra chanting. This can also be done using Orgasmic Meditation, the practice of intentionally using masturbation as a means to remove emotional trauma from the Solar Plexus and Sacral chakras while also manifesting sensual healing.
Click here to explore alternative methods to sitting meditations here =)
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