Understanding Tantra: It’s Not What Most People Think
In the Western world, there is widespread confusion about what Tantra actually is. Most people think it’s some sort of spiritual euphemism for sex or something wild and freewheeling. But it’s not quite that simple.
Traditional Tantra is really a profound spiritual practice—imagine a hybrid of yoga and meditation. It combines many different practices such as mantras, visualizations, mudras (symbolic hand poses), and breathwork.
The aim:
To reach a deeper connection with yourself and achieve liberation by working the physical body.
If you enjoy yoga, meditation, or spirituality, it’s well worth checking out Tantra. Once past the general misconceptions and truly learning what it’s all about, you’ll begin to notice how Tantric meditation can really take your spiritual practice to the next level.
What Is Tantra Meditation?
Tantric meditation is an antique spiritual discipline with roots in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It’s been around since at least the 7th century.
Key Elements:
- Movement
- Breath
- Sound
- Stillness
- Spiritual initiation
These elements engage the chakras—your body’s energy centers.
Meaning of “Tantra”:
- Sanskrit for “loom” or “weave”—refers to sacred dialogues between deities.
- Sometimes called a “web of light”—describing the energetic bridge between male and female energies.
Purpose:
To become aware of the spiritual energy in your physical body—your personal web of light.
Tantric Buddhism: A Path to Enlightenment
Also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, it originated in India and Sri Lanka between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. It is closely linked with Tibetan Buddhism.
Core Teaching:
The body contains the universe and is the gateway to enlightenment.
Practices Used:
- Mantras
- Mudras
- Mandalas
These tools help practitioners embody divine power through deity identification.
Kundalini Yoga and Tantra
Roots:
Tantra and Shaktism
Main Goal:
Spiritual awakening by activating the dormant kundalini energy at the base of the spine (root chakra).
Practices Involved:
- Postures
- Breathing techniques (kriyas)
- Mantras
- Mudras
- Sound
- Color
- Sacred syllables
- Yantras
- Vibration
The awakened kundalini travels up the spine through each chakra to the crown, resulting in complete spiritual awakening.
Tantra Yoga: Subtle, Spiritual, Deep
Compared to Kundalini yoga, Tantra yoga is:
- Slower
- Gentler
- More focused on spiritual growth
Components:
- Mantra chanting
- Gentle movement
- Visualization
- Breathwork
- Mudras
Misconception: Tantra is only about sex.
Reality: It’s about using all energy (physical, emotional, spiritual) for greater awareness.
Key Idea:
The body is sacred—not something to be transcended, but a path to enlightenment.
Benefits:
- Self-love
- Emotional healing
- Deeper connection with self and others
Top 10 Tantra & Kundalini Books to Explore
- Best Overall – Kundalini Tantra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
A depth-filled classic with practical advice. - Best Practical Guide – A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya
A user-friendly course on Tantra and yoga. - Best for History – Tantra Illuminated by Christopher D. Wallis
A detailed, accessible guide to Tantric philosophy and history. - Best Guided Practice – The Power of Tantra Meditation by Artemis Emily Doyle
Includes 50 guided meditations with clear instructions. - Best for Advanced Students – Tantra: The Supreme Understanding by Osho
A mystical, deep exploration—ideal for experienced readers. - Best on Kundalini Energy – The Serpent Power by Arthur Avalon
A 600-page classic on chakras and Kundalini energy. - Best Short Read – The Psychology of Kundalini Yoga by C.G. Jung
Psychological insight into Kundalini—great for beginners. - Best on Hindu Tantrism – Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy by Georg Feuerstein
Academic, myth-free explanation of authentic Tantra. - Best on Chakras – The Chakras: Kundalini Yoga As Taught By Yogi Bhajan
A comprehensive chakra guide. - Best on Yantras – Tools for Tantra by Harish Johari
A practical resource for using geometric symbols in meditation.
Classical Tantric Meditation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Nyasa Practice:
A traditional technique involving body awareness, mantras, and visualization of divine energy.
Steps:
- Sit comfortably with a straight spine and take a few deep breaths.
- Bring awareness to your breath and body.
- Gently touch each body part (starting at the feet) while visualizing golden light filling that area.
- Move gradually: ankles → calves → thighs → hips → abdomen → chest → arms → neck → face → head.
- Inhale golden light; exhale and release it outward.
- Rest in the calm energy before concluding.
Want a deeper version?
Try Tioka Yoga’s 15-minute guided Nyasa meditation.
The Importance of Sound in Tantra
Sound is central in Tantra—it is energy itself.
Key Tools:
- Mantras: Align with chakras (e.g., “Om” opens the crown chakra)
- Seed Mantras (Bija): “Lam”, “Vam”, “Ram” to awaken individual chakras
- Nada Yoga: Meditation using sound—from external tones to internal rhythms (like heartbeat)
Personal Insight:
Sound, whether through chanting or instruments like singing bowls, adds a deep layer of peace and insight to the practice.
Red Tantra vs. White Tantra
White Tantra:
- Solo spiritual practice
- Meditative, reflective
- Focused on self-realization
Red Tantra:
- Rituals with a partner
- Deepens intimacy through sacred connection
Note:
Dark/Black Tantra are modern Neo-Tantric terms focused almost entirely on intimacy, not rooted in traditional Tantra.
Presence and Mindfulness in Tantra
Core Practice:
Being fully present—here and now.
How to Start:
- Notice your breath
- Observe your body
- Tune into your feelings
- Bring mindfulness into everyday activities (e.g., eating, walking, cleaning)
Why It Matters:
This awareness leads to inner clarity, deep peace, and a true understanding of self and connection to the world.
Final Thoughts
Tantra is possibly the most powerful—and most misunderstood—spiritual path.
Even without aiming for enlightenment, you can gain:
- Greater self-awareness
- Deeper self-love
- Stronger, more authentic relationships
When practiced with intention, Tantra becomes a meaningful way to reconnect with your body, your energy, and your soul.
Leave a Reply