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If you have a deep interest in the art of meditation, yoga, or spirituality, chances are that you have heard about Tantra and tantric meditation. If these are not you areas of interest, then you’ve probably heard about tantric meditation in relation to sex.
In the western world, tantric meditation is most commonly associated with tantric sex, a form of slow meditative sex that aims to move sexual energy throughout the body for healing, transformation, and enlightenment. Unlike other sexual encounters, the goal of tantric sex is not to orgasm, but instead to enjoy the sexual journey and sensations of the body (4).
While there is nothing wrong with associating sex to this form of meditation, it is only but a narrow part of what tantric meditation is. In this article, we are going to take a deeper look into questions like ‘what is tantric meditation?,’ ‘how is tantric meditation different than others?,’ ‘the history of the tantric meditation concept,’ ‘tantric meditation techniques’ among many other issues.
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This is a practice that combines movement, breath, meditation and sound, to assist the chakras within us to open. Once the chakras are open, they allow energy to flow freely through the seven chakra system.
This divine energy ‘uncoils’ from the root chakra at the pelvis, moving up along the spine through the other energy centers until it reaches the Sahasrara aka crown chakra. This helps people heal from lifelong traumas, let go of stress and tension, increase awareness and insight, as well as helping them connect better with themselves and others around them (2).
Like yoga and other forms of meditation, the history of tantric meditation as well as its exact origin date remain a mystery and a hot topic for discussion. The only consensus is the place of origin, which has been traced back to the Indus Valley civilization – found an area of modern day Pakistan and Northern India.
When it comes to the exact dates, some scholars believe that it began between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago, when the earliest yoga texts, the Vedas, were written (7). On the other hand, others believe that the practice originated sometime between 300 and 400 CE, when the first Hindu and Buddhist Tantric texts were written down (9). Traces of tantric principles are also said to have been found in the Egyptian old kingdom, and today can be seen in mystical concepts of Islamic Sufism, Kabbalah Judaism, Christianity, and in traditions such as Chinese Taoism.
Like the chakra colors, tantra meditation also comes with its own set of colors all related to the practice. Most people in the West may only be familiar with red and white tantric meditation but there are two other colors; pink and black (8).
This is the most commonly known of all tantras and it is centered on sensuality and sexuality and is used in relation to tantric sex. Red tantric meditation can be done solo or with a partner. It involves deep breathing exercises to help you relax and immerse yourself into the experience, engaging all your senses by slowly touching yourself or your partner, gazing into each other’s eyes, taste, playing some sensual music and lighting candles to help set the mood and engage your sense of smell (6). This is often said to help bring partners together, heighten sexual experiences and strengthen relationships.
Unlike the red, white tantric meditation is not centered on sex. This practice is used to help you release deep subconscious blocks and heal your body and soul. Those who practice white tantric yoga claim that the effects of a day off of this form of exercise is equal to a year of meditation, and the effects felt on this day can be felt for up to 40 days afterward (12).
What are the steps of white tantric meditation/yoga (11):
Unlike other forms of meditation, white tantra is often a guided experience led by an instructor. It is said that white tantra helps purify and refine the heart so that we may be in perpetual love, even when in the presence of hateful people and evil activities. When we transcend these factors we become transcendental beings like Buddha or Jesus.
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This is a blend of both spiritual aspects and the sensual means. A combination of red and white tantras, if you may. Pinks help us love and accept our physical desires without the shame placed on us by society.
If black magic had a place in meditation, it would be found in the black tantra. Those who practice it are often said to harness heavy and dark energies to enable them to manipulate other people. Black tantra meditation practitioners go even further to use alcohol, meat, feces, and even human corpses to help strengthen and further their ill intentions (11, 8).
While many may speculate in the intricacies and techniques used in Buddhist tantric meditation, the truth is that most of the practices in it remain hidden. Those who practice it are often initiated by a guru. However, after the initiation, the rituals and teachings that follow remain a secret to the public (3).
In as much as they are a secret, Buddhist Tantra is a bit more complex than what is portrayed and practiced in the West (10).
Buddhist tantra is also known as Vajrayana – meaning “Diamond Vehicle” or “Thunderbolt Vehicle – or Mantrayana – which translates to “Path of the Sacred Formulas”. According to Britannica.com and initiate into tantric Buddhism has to go through the following process to achieve enlightenment:
The first stage involves external ritual acts, and the second combines these outward acts with contemplation. The third stage involves only contemplation, and the fourth is the unification of all dualities in the sexual act, symbolically or effectively. It should also be noted that these Vajrayana practices have been condemned by some Buddhists and some modern scholars as degenerate.
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Unlike other forms of meditation that can be done alone, tantric meditation often requires a certain level of awareness that can be hard to achieve by yourself. In light of this, it is best to find a guru or guided meditation guide to help you understand and do it right (5).
This can be done through online classes with your local tantric meditation groups, or though apps available on both Apple and Android devices.
Here are some positions to help you foster deeper intimacy between you and your partner (1).
It means cuddling with a little direction. It is a form of emotional energy tantric meditation as you are pushing your nurturing feelings and energy into your partner.
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This is the most known position for tantric meditation and tantric meditation sex. Here is how to do it with a partner:
You could also do it by yourself:
Unlike other forms of meditation that are well accepted by Buddhists, the practice of tantric meditation is shunned due to its use of rituals and is considered as a degradation. The actual practices of Vajrayana meditation are also shrouded in secrets that only those who are initiated can know and are not allowed to reveal.
While tantric meditation is commonly known for its benefit towards a more explosive and intimate sex life, it clearly embodies more than this. It is a wide spectrum that covers more than intimacy and delves into personal enlightenment can also be dangerous if one chooses to try black tantra.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!