Traditional Tantra Yoga vs Neo/Western Tantra
We feel it’s important to make the distinction between traditional Tantra Yoga and Neo/Western Tantra.
When most people hear the word ‘Tantra’ these days, they generally associate it with the modern day expression of Tantra related to sexuality only, commonly referred to as Neo/Western Tantra or well disguised services from sex workers in name of “Tantra”. Traditional Tantra Yoga is very different from Neo Tantric practice.
Neo Tantra tends to focus solely on exercises and processes related to the lower one or two chakras. These practises are usually limited to improving sexual and intimate relationships. The exercises and processes are geared purely towards sexual activity, better intimacy and the benefits that arise from increased awareness in these areas. Teachers/therapists are more massage healing service oriented instead of Yoga teaching (Postures, conscious breathing, meditation, etc.)
Traditional Tantra Yoga focuses on āsana as a baseline practise from which to build a holistic awareness of our own being through balancing and integrating all seven chakras, instead of only two. Traditional Tantra yoga encapsulates processes for the whole being, not just parts. The result is a much more rounded expression of self, as well as a more integrated understanding of the whole. Traditional Tantra Yoga teaches us the reintegration of the whole, and highlights life from a wholesome perspective. Teachers are actual Yoga practitioners and follow yogic life style.
When one is fully balanced and integrated from the inside out, there is no need to engage in practices or processes that focus solely on ‘fixing’ one particular, or limited aspect of our being, ie sexuality only. When one is expressing from one’s true nature, that is, pure divine consciousness, then one’s sexuality is a spontaneous and natural expression of their wholeness.
This is not to say that those who practice traditional Tantra Yoga don’t place an important emphasis on their sexuality, quite the contrary. Tantra teaches the enhancement of sexuality from this wholesome sense so as to optimise living. Most everyday religion ignores or actively represses sexuality. This repressed sexuality can cause anomalies in life (cf. sigmund freud). Many students come to Neo Tantra to learn techniques to cover up for a perceived sexual inadequacy.
Genuine Tantra yoga addresses sexuality as sacred, a way that leads one to salvation, (mokṣa). Therefore, Tantrics are serious about their sexuality and their relationships. Indeed, sexuality is not a merely physical act to a Tantric. It is the basis of their spiritual science. However, in Traditional Tantra Yoga, these are not mere techniques that focus on the lower chakras, but integrated processes of a much more advanced nature which can take years and a traditional initiation for one to master. First, a foundation must be laid which balances the entire being.
Traditional Tantra Yoga āsana provides that foundation, and that is what we offer in my classes and workshops.
