Tantric Yoga

Often there is a misconception about tantric yoga as many perceive this particular type of yoga as the ‘yoga of sex’. In reality that is clearly not the case as the literal meaning of tantra has anything to do with sex. As a matter of fact, the literal meaning of tantra (whose origin is the language of Sanskrit) is a combination of two words ‘tan’ and ‘tra’. ‘Tan’ means expansion and liberation while ‘tra’ is taken in the interpretation of a tool. So basically the literal meaning of tantra is a liberation tool and hence tantric yoga provides sources and tools for liberation. There are specific dimensions of the liberation, which is the central idea of tantric yoga. These dimensions speak about the idea of freeing oneself and achieving a level of independence and experiencing freedom from certain restrictions – such as freeing oneself from shame, repressed feelings, fear and anxiety from the idea of intimacy, social pressures, boundaries and desires. This could be achieved by expanding the degree of consciousness. This expansion took place in response to the expansion of breath, thoughts and energies of a sexual nature. The basic purpose behind the practice and existence of Tantric yoga is to experience the intimacy of the contact that the theory of life has with the “Web of Existence”, the intricate nature of its continuity going beyond to reach the stars and the cosmos, being the common source of link between the stars in the sky and the depths of the earth and between them the flow of life. This illustration conveniently answers the question as to what is tantric yoga.

In all sincerity, Tantra (tantric) Yoga is by far the most misunderstood type out of all types of yogas. Many of the people think of Tantric yoga to have possessed a completely sexual nature. It is not completely wrong but it is not completely right as well. Yes, sex is part of this particular type of yoga but the key principle of practicing Tantric yoga is the principle of consecration. This basically refers to the idea of doing everything with pure devotion and dedication, giving it a sacred and holy status. In other words, the essence of Tantric yoga encourages a pure approach to life, making us draw our attention towards all of the actions that we are involved in, whether consciously or unconsciously.

The elements, which are essential for practicing Tantric yoga, are purity, devotion and courage. Through the support of tantric yoga positions and other tantric yoga techniques, one would succeed in allowing the union of the physical, spiritual, emotional and sexual energies. In addition to that, it would also lead the person to accept and enjoy all of the senses and the desires that they generate.

This very branch of yoga also enables its practitioner to honor feelings and celebrate the ultimate purpose of the body. With the help of tantric yoga exercises, the devotees of this type of yoga also find themselves playing their part in the physical and spiritual union with their partners. The demonstration of these techniques and exercises could be found in tantric yoga videos, which show all the necessary poses and postures, which are significant in fulfilling the objectives of tantric yoga.

Besides videos, there are pictures that describe the tantric yoga positions. These tantric yoga photos are complemented with guidelines that outline the purpose and inner meaning of each posture and position, fully explaining as to what is tantric yoga. While tantric kriya yoga is action-oriented, the kundalini dimension of tantric yoga is the awakening of unleashed primitive force, which leads to the unlimited source of energy, which plays a great role in the continuity of life.

In short, Tantric yoga aims to expand our senses by going beyond the regular limitations and consequently transforming all of the dimensions and aspects of body and mind.