Tantric lessons. Tantric yoga

02.11.201927.05.2017

Preachers from Europe called the word Tantra various teachings and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon, new religions and New Age cults. TANTRA- in Hinduism - collections of ancient texts of worshipers of the female hypostasis of Trimurti-Shakti, the wife of Shiva. The term "Tantra" is quite complex and ambiguous. Translated from Sanskrit, it means "fabric", "connection", "generalization", "consent" and so on. However, there is also a decoding of this word with a slightly different connotation - “extension”. Otherwise - the expansion of consciousness, the acceptance of the world as a whole, in all its integrity, not splitting into black and white. Tantra is not yoga, it is not a religion, it is not a philosophy. It is a fusion of all three of these elements, but at the same time something more.

We can say that Tantra combined yoga, religion and philosophy. However, it is more than just a mixture of all these elements.

The term Tantra is a large number of various interpretations inherent in different schools and associations. Such a number of understandings often gives rise to some misunderstandings. Because even in India and Tibet, the term tantra refers to completely different concepts, from magic to the path to enlightenment.

In Hindu terminology, Tantrism is the doctrine of the dual nature of the world, in which the male and female principles are outlined, of the integral union of bliss and emptiness of both the male and female principles.

In Tibetan and Bon terminology, tantra is formulated as a system of practices for achieving the highest realization, and is a feature of Vajrayana Buddhism (or Tantric Buddhism), which includes Tibetan Buddhism and the East Asian school of Shingon.

In the currents of the new age, tantra defines a system of paired, including sexual, practices devoid of religious overtones, which would be more correctly called Neotantra.

Tantra, in addition, quite often refers to sessions of sexual therapy, which are composed for the purpose of relaxation and removal of complexes.

Among the martial arts, in turn, there are tantric ones: taijiquan and aikido. In them, maximum attention is given to working with the energy of Ki (qi) and yin and yang.

Tantric schools

Tantric schools can be symbolically divided into two "wings": Indian and Tibetan tantra.

Hindu Tantra is recognized to be considered a more "pure" teaching, in which philosophy takes precedence over yogic practices. The fundamental principle of Hindu Tantra is rituals, worship of deities, theology.
The Tibetan line of Tantra is much closer to the primary tantric teachings, more “practical”, distinguished by a thorough and thoughtful system of yogic practices aimed at working with the body and its energy.
There is also a third line of Tantra - Chinese, in which the tantric practices brought from Tibet closely merged not only with Buddhism, but also with the teachings and practices of Tao.

The main goal of tantra is to change the “average” state of a person, that is, the state in which he arrives in a normal environment, his reaction to the surrounding reality and the way he interacts with it.

Tantric techniques

A characteristic property of tantric techniques is their complex impact on a wide range of manifestations of a person as a living thinking being. As a result of the practice of tantric techniques, the range of characteristics of the conscious functioning of the body and mind of a person expands.

Due to this, at a certain stage, the practitioner experiences that the habitual conditionally “normal” state of consciousness from the point of view of today's psychiatry is only one of a huge number of other states in which the presence of self-awareness is possible, but the mechanism of interpreting information from the senses by the mind is transformed.

As a result of the successful practice of tantric techniques, the practitioner loses the certainty of his personality and experiences himself as a boundless, impersonal conscious being, whose existence takes place outside the concepts of duality (I - not I, name - form), whose nature is indistinguishable and organic from the abstract from the point of view of materialism world consciousness.

What is Tantra Yoga

Tantra Yoga represents special practice prepared for the birth of new vitality in a person. This technique helps to establish and improve all the processes in the body. Nevertheless, this species yoga seems to be just one of the ways to develop the spirit and body.

Tantra yoga classes help a person gain additional confidence. They open up the prospect of comprehending oneself and relationships between people. The result of classes is the acquisition of spiritual freedom and joy. In addition, Tantra yoga also provides an opportunity to productively improve health and tighten appearance.

It can be said that Tantra yoga symbolizes the path of unification of the masculine and feminine principles that are present in every person. These practices free from complexes, mental and unconscious blocks. Through them, you can liberate your inner potential.

Tantra yoga deals with "Z" energy. This energy flows diagonally. It is recognized that the diagonal energy provides an opportunity to comprehend the Will of God. The essence of Tantric practice is the use of the senses. There are quite a lot of versatile methods in Tantrism: mantras, yantras, concentration on shabda - ultra-fine internal sounds, pranayama and asanas. Some Tantrics also actively use a technique called Maithuna. It represents the awakening of the Kundalini through ritualized, controlled sexual intercourse.

Tantra yoga classes are most often paired with a partner, usually of the opposite sex. Partners in asanas help each other to perform stretching exercises or bending more successfully. These physical exercise It is very important to combine with proper breathing.

Types of Tantric Yoga

The emergence of Tantrism is rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and is associated with the cult of the Great Mother Goddess. Tantrics define their creed as a comprehensive religion of all people, from which other religions have evolved and draw their spiritual strength.

The idea of the identity of the microcosm and the macrocosm, of man and the universe, is affirmed as the basis, because everything is built towards the unity of two principles - female and male. Depending on which beginning is chosen as the leader, tantra is divided into “right” and “left”.

Tantra of the "Right Hand" dominates in India, it declares the leading masculine, active principle.
Tantra of the left hand the first recognizes the feminine, reflecting female wisdom and acceptance.

The lotus is considered a symbol of wisdom and emptiness, the feminine principle. The veneration of the lotus came to Tibet from India, where this flower represents purity, beauty and perfection. The throne of each of the Tibetan gods is an impressive lotus flower - this is a sign of communion with the vajra ("diamond", "lightning") - a small ritual rod. Vajra is a symbol of Enlightenment itself, which occurs like a flash of lightning; a symbol of truth, steadfastness of Buddhist teachings, wisdom.

Another symbol of the feminine principle of the universe is the bell. The masculine principle symbolizes hardness, not inferior to a diamond, so numerous Buddhist deities are depicted with a vajra in their hands.

There are three types of Tantric yoga: red, black and white.

Red Tantra Yoga involves physical sexual practices.
Black Tantra Yoga gives a person the ability to control others. For this, mental strength is involved, which a person must continuously improve.
Yoga of White Tantra does not include both of these variations. This yoga can only be practiced in groups or couples under the direct guidance of the Mahan Tantrika. Yoga of White Tantra involves the controlled use of group and personal energy. This energy is generated through mantras, posture, concentration and communication between participants and the group. All this must be done under the protection of the aura of the Mahan Tantrika. Yoga of White Tantra represents the attainment by a person of the purity of the subconscious. This purity is achieved through close synchronization of individual polarities with Infinity. It is recognized that in this type of tantric yoga, the created energy purifies the physiological and mental bodies of a person.

tantric sex

Tantra- a system, the purpose of which is to achieve spiritual ecstasy, which expands knowledge, consciousness, promotes understanding of the natural world. Tantra polishes the senses, improves the ability to comprehend and feel. The means to achieve the goal of tantra is sexual pleasure, and on preliminary stage- special physical and mental exercises. Tantra favors the rejuvenation of the body and mind of partners.

In addition, from a sensory point of view, the process of sexual intercourse in Tantra has significant advantages over the style of intercourse typical of the West. Orgasm in the vast majority of Western men occurs on average 2-5 minutes after penis insertion.

With such a duration of contact, it is rather difficult to fully experience pleasure. Tantra promotes the duration of sexual contact (from insertion to orgasm) from half an hour to 1.5 hours, a greater degree of pleasure and extraordinary strength of orgasm.

Tantric sex is one of the secret tantric practices, the main content of which is the intimacy of partners. Ritual tantric sex in tantric literature is called maithuna. But, contrary to popular belief, maithuna is the final part of the ritual called "Panchamakara" (pancamakara - Five letters " M"), so called by the first letters of the names constituent parts ritual:

madya - madya (wine);
mamsa - mamsa (meat);
matsya - matsya (fish);
mudra - mudra (fried grains) and
maithuna - maithuna (ritual intercourse).

Another designation for the ritual is Panchatatva (pancatattva - Five Truths).

Tantra and yoga have much in common and are manifested by complete psychophysical systems aimed at the physical and spiritual development of a person (therefore, the term “tantra yoga” can be used instead of “tantra”).

In each of them there are a number of ways to achieve goals (and their goals are similar - achieving spiritual ecstasy, that is, ultimately understanding the unity of all that exists): in yoga - through activity, knowledge, love for God, mental exercises; in tantra - through sounds, visual images, sexual intercourse (sexual intercourse is the most effective method goal achievement).

Why do Westerners in tantra pay so much attention to sexual contact between a man and a woman? Why do they highlight this particular aspect?

First, there is a ban on sex (as something shameful, dirty), guilt, shame. There is much less sex in traditional tantra than in the "ordinary" life of Western people. In tantra, all concentration is directed to the opening of higher chakras and states.
Secondly, sexual relations are able to open the door to the subconscious (albeit for a rather short time).
Thirdly, in a state of the highest sexual ecstasy, the barriers of their own individuality are erased in partners, the ability to realize the unity of everything that exists in the Universe is revealed. Consciousness expands (the word "tantra" seems to be derived from the Sanskrit root "tan", meaning expansion), and the flow of knowledge overflows the mind.

Those who wish to practice tantra yoga, sign up for or.

The 20th century gave people the opportunity to fight for personal happiness in the most intimate area of \u200b\u200blife. Incompatibility in bed, fatigue from sexual monotony, dissatisfaction - all these are reasons sufficient for the occurrence of neurosis and depression. In court, they can be the main argument in favor of divorce. But most people are not ready to end relationships because of sex. They either quietly suffer, or look on the side for what they do not find in the family. But some, once admitting to themselves the existence of a problem, try to do something to solve it. In the first half of the 20th century, they turned to a psychoanalyst - psychotherapy is now one of the most popular forms of self-improvement. Starting from the 60s, in enlightened Europe and liberated America, sex therapists began to practice, and after a few more decades, such specialists appeared in Russia. And all more people arm themselves with books or attend seminars titled Spiritual Sex, The Art of Sexual Pleasure, and Tantra: The Art of Conscious Love.

Most often, the authors of such books and the leaders of the seminars claim that they will not only help sexual liberation, but sexual relations can become both a spiritual path to liberation and enlightenment. It is this idea of tantra that attracts some people to it and repels others. The first, even if they have a full sex life, seek to find a deep connection with each other. Others consider tantra to be sectarian, and dangerous in nature, associated with something similar to ritual intercourse. Denial often comes from ignorance or from communication with people who, under the guise of tantric teachings, pursue completely different goals.

Meanwhile, tantra in India has deep roots. This ancient spiritual tradition underlies many practices, including hatha yoga. The Western interpretation of tantra, which has spread in recent years, is a fusion of teachings that uses Taoist and Middle Eastern techniques described in extensive Indian texts on the art of sex (including the Kama Sutra); as well as methods of sexual psychotherapy.

Charles Muer, a former yoga teacher, was one of the first in America to organize tantra workshops in this synthetic, Western version. Charles believes that, like yoga, tantra is reborn from century to century, changing depending on the problems and views of people living at one time or another.

The collapse of his first marriage forced him to look for new ways to solve interpersonal relationships. Muer began to study the ancient tantric texts, increasingly including these techniques in yoga seminars, and since 1980 the topic of tantric sex has become the main topic in his lessons. After 20 years, he and his wife Caroline are one of the most famous teachers of Western tantra.

At one of the Mexican resorts, participants of a week-long seminar called "The Art of Conscious Love" gathered. First evening. Men and women sit in a circle in pairs. Many try to look at ease, others do not even try to hide their fear - tension literally hangs in the air. Tom, a charming man, a psychologist by profession, and his girlfriend, a smiling brunette named Leslie, sit in an embrace. Next to them are Bill and Susie, a married couple with 25 years of experience, both of them grew up in a small town, he is in a military family, she is a Baptist minister. Susie is shackled so that her back is stretched into a string, and Bill is hunched over, as if trying to take up as little space as possible. Stan and Liz are a sweet old couple. They are 67 years old, they live in one of the rich suburbs of Southern California. “We are getting married soon, this is the second wedding for both of us. But we tell people that this is our first real marriage." Anja, a healer from Denmark, and Merle, her American friend, smile placidly and look relaxed against the background of the rest.

Several entrepreneurs, an architect, a secretary, a teacher, an accountant, a pensioner who was in the public service. And there are a lot of people involved in healing: a doctor specializing in alternative medicine, a psychologist, a social worker, an art therapist, four chiropractors. Many of the seminar participants quit their jobs to devote themselves to Eastern spiritual practices. The doctor practices Zen Buddhism, for several years every two months he retired for a week to devote himself entirely to meditation and other practices. Anja led a yoga school for 17 years, then left to open another - esoteric energy healing, and ended up living alone in the forest for six years, devoting herself to personal spiritual practice. At her companion Merle own school manual therapy. He practiced vipassana for several years.

Workshop facilitator Charles Muer asks each couple to share what brought them here. It turned out that two of those sitting in the circle had already taken part in a similar seminar, but with different partners. Anja vowed she would find someone with whom she could practice tantra after visiting tantric temples in Khajuraho, central India, where she was struck by carved reliefs depicting hundreds of lovers entwined in ecstasy. Merle was found after 12 years. But most of those who participate in the seminar are not ready to answer such a question - this would mean revealing the secrets of their sex life. Only much later Susie admits: “For a very long time, my sex life did not give me any pleasure. What we did was very much like a not-so-great first sexual experience. I learned about tantric seminars from a friend, and at first I was not very impressed. But one day I thought: if I can reconcile sex and spiritual relationships, maybe I will feel love again. And we decided to give it a try."

Charles and Caroline Muer begin the lecture with things everyone understands. They compare respectful, conflict-free relationships between a man and a woman, which were accepted in ancient Indian culture, and Western sexual traditions and knowledge. “Most of the knowledge about the intimate side of life we gleaned from a storehouse of wisdom and experience - our parents,” Charles says with bitter irony. - Outside the house, we collected information bit by bit from conversations in the locker rooms and whispering with peers. We absorbed the most controversial opinions about love and sex - everything we heard from adults, priests and from pop culture. How can you not get confused when you are simultaneously told: “Sex is cool” and “Save yourself for the one you love?”.

Caroline continues. She says that even in childhood and adolescence, many are faced with all sorts of sexual harassment. And the vast majority experience emotional trauma from the first conscious experience - due to illiteracy on the part of a partner who is just as scared. “Have you thought about the fact that many of us do not know how to make love? Caroline asks rhetorically. “We may have learned to orgasm, but we don’t know how to bring more love into relationships through sex.”

The Muers believe that ancient cultures, especially Indian culture, are examples of healthier relationships. Caroline says that Hindus revered sex as a sacred gift of the creator, considering it both a revelation and an art, extolling it in art and literature, and passing on its secrets to their children. Sex was a kind of meditation, allowing lovers to connect with the divine energy of the universe. “During this week,” she says, “we will learn how to make sex sacred again.” The Muers also tell workshop participants that tantra and its study is important not only for their own benefit, but also for their children and grandchildren, to whom they can pass on a smarter, healthier attitude towards sex.

Charles talks about what will be taught at the seminar: “We will learn a lot of techniques that allow you to recharge your batteries and have fun. Many of them I call "white tantra" - these are practices that can be performed individually, like asana, pranayama, chanting a mantra. Others - red tantra - require the connection of your energy with the energy of a partner.

These techniques are designed to enable lovers to gain the ability to give and receive each other's energy. “You will find that you do not need to learn new actions. All you have to do is relax and allow yourself to express your nature. Relationships are a spiritual journey. Everything you need to know can be learned from relationships with each other. Undoubtedly, tantra is meditation. Orgasm is a universal meditative experience that is present in all cultures. At the moment of orgasm, you are completely absorbed in the present. Time disappears and you will know eternity."

Already in the morning of the second day, exercises of an unambiguously sensual nature appear. Students are taught about touching, kissing and oral sex. They are taught to use the breath to intensify and prolong orgasm, to strengthen certain muscles for greater sexual pleasure. One of the classes for men only - here they teach methods of delaying (and increasing, and prolonging) ejaculation. Using toy yoni and lingam (Sanskrit names for male and female genitals), Charles and Caroline show how to please each other. Then - how to bring endless variety to sexual relations by changing the speed, depth and angle of penetration. Fully clothed, the Muers teach sexual positions, showing in detail how to use support pillows. problematic back how to flow gracefully from front to side and back, and from woman on top to man on top and back again without losing contact and intimacy for a second.

Charles and Caroline also devote a lot of time to esoteric techniques. They conduct hatha yoga classes, paying special attention to the chakras. “All chakras,” Charles says, “contain dormant energy. Tantra aims to awaken this hidden energy and learn to control it. The purpose of performing asanas is not to improve the figure, but to know and reconcile yourself with your body, as it is. Charles and Caroline teach workshop participants to maintain the energy of the body through breathing. For example, during forward bends, they bring energy up with inhalation, from the feet, through the legs and torso and exhale through the crown, and then begin a new cycle from the feet. The Muers also teach pranayama, starting with simple breathing exercises and moving to more advanced practices, including using bandhas (energy locks). They teach to hold the energy in the body, amplify it, or direct it upward into the space between the third eye and the upper chakra through rapid, deep exhalations, a technique called Kapalabhati, or the Circle of Fire. The members of the group recite various bija mantras. It is believed that the vibrations of these mantras are able to awaken each chakra. For the same purpose, they visualize yantras - graphic images used for meditation practices and concentration, and put their fingers in sacred mudras - powerful forms that create special energy flows. Students are taught to breathe together. First, they harmonize their inhalations and exhalations. Then they catch the exhalations of the partner, and with them his energy. Thus the breath is used to connect the bodies in circular flow energy.

But the main practice of the seminar is the stimulation of the sacred point. In the course of this intimate experience, which each couple takes in a private setting, the man gives the woman love, intimacy and touch throughout the evening that can heal old wounds and help discover hitherto unknown facets of sexuality (they change on another day, and the woman performs in the role of the giver).

According to tantra, arousal and orgasm in women open channels for connection with shakti - the fundamental forces of the universe, which are then acquired by both partners. It is believed that men have a more limited supply of sexual energy and it decreases with each ejaculation. Therefore, men must learn to experience pleasure and save energy without dissipating it during ejaculation. The Muers argue that any woman is naturally capable of experiencing endless multiple orgasms, both explosive clitoral orgasms and deeper, longer, undulating vaginal ones that can be accompanied by ejaculation.

The key to awakening female sexuality is the gentle stimulation of the sacred spot, a sensitive area located on the front wall of the vagina, about 5 centimeters from the entrance to it (in Western sexology, this area is called the "G-spot" after the gynecologist Ernst Grafenberg). But stimulation of this point can not only open up new facets of pleasure, but also remind you of sexual failures, harassment and pain. Such memories are stored both in the mind and in the memory of the body, especially in the zone of the second chakra (genital area), namely, it is considered in tantra as an inexhaustible source of energy. And there is no other way to the joy that unlimited sexual energy brings in itself, except to “work through” and let go of past suffering.

The Muers spend several hours explaining the upcoming practice. It is important for them to make sure that the students understand what needs to be done to combine the emotional experiences caused by mutual tenderness with the passion of sexual arousal. Stimulation of the sacred point should not be done for the sake of getting a firework of sensual pleasures. This is a process that allows a couple to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of trust, intimacy and care.

Charles then takes the men away to give them a separate session. He teaches sexual healing: how to decorate a room, how to light candles, how to pick flowers, how to dress nicely, how to have a special dinner. How to prepare a bath, make a massage. “Then,” he insists, “tell her what you love and appreciate most about her. Feel free to invite God - whatever that means to you - into your bedroom."

Charles teaches men to focus all their attention and love on a woman in order to support her in any experiences that may come to the surface of consciousness. “Genuine support is much more important than physical skill,” he assures. Don't think with your head, feel with your heart. This evening is a sacred meditation, a unique experience of empathy.”

Charles warns couples: “For many of you, tonight will be the most important night of your life. About a quarter of couples get an ecstatic experience from the practice of sacred point stimulation. Another quarter face remnants of emotional trauma that need to be healed. Others have a mixed experience."

For Susie, the stimulation of the sacred point proved to be painful both physically and emotionally: “From the first minute I felt discomfort, all my problems surfaced. I cried and screamed, raved and cried again. Bill was crying too. However, it is a lifesaving experience. You can't change everything in one fell swoop. It was only the first dose of the medicine." Susie turns to Bill and continues, “I am so grateful that you supported me. I have long wanted to be free from the past. I used to think that I should break up with you. Now I know that I can trust you."

Bill smiles back, touched: “I should have been a giver, but I have gained so much. After a couple of hours it dawned on me that I should no longer calm my mind, it had already happened on its own. For the first time in my life, I felt that I could help another person.”

It's the last morning of the seminar at the Mexican resort. It does not seem that any of the participants were concerned with the question of whether he had embarked on the path of enlightenment. They are all too busy with each other. The tension and stiffness that were read on the faces of the first evening were replaced by smiles. Everyone takes turns talking about how much this week means to them. Stan, 67-year-old grandfather and groom, recites a poem dedicated to the bride, moving to tears. One of the students says that she discovered a simple truth for herself: "There is nothing more important than knowing how to learn how to love each other even more." It's Bill's turn, and his speech is reduced to the poetry of numbers: "The past week has torn down walls that took us 25 years to build." Looking at the couple, at the furtive glances they give each other like shy teenagers who have just discovered love, Caroline says, "Great, you two win the grand prize."

Yoga practices have been known all over the world for a long time, but a special surge of interest in these ancient teachings has been observed in recent decades. This is largely due to the spread of modern yoga as a special direction in fitness - simplified and adapted to the needs of a person from Western society. However, there is also a deeper interest in the esoteric Indian teachings. One of the most mysterious and often misunderstood ancient teachings is tantra yoga.

Determination of direction

Like many other religious and philosophical movements, tantric yoga is a conglomeration of numerous ancient traditions, a system of knowledge and concepts that originated about 2 thousand years ago in the territory of present-day Tibet, as well as its surrounding countries - Bhutan, Nepal and India.

This one is used by different religious groups - Buddhists, Hindus and some others. It got its name from the name of the sacred texts - tantras. In the European tradition, this direction is often called Tantrism and is not always perceived in its historical and philosophical context. In an adapted, simplified and updated form, Tantrism became very popular around the world only in the last century, especially in the wake of the American “sexual revolution”.

Features of the current in Hinduism

For Hindus, tantra yoga is a special esoteric secret rites and rituals that are not associated with the main religious direction. They are based on ancient sacred texts - tantras.

This trend in Hinduism has its own characteristics that distinguish it and characterize it in a special way. The schools of this direction are dominated by representatives of the lower castes, as well as people from numerous heterogeneous tribes of non-Aryan origin. Most of the basic rituals, ceremonies and services have nothing to do with the Brahminist traditions and the norms and orders adopted there. The tantric yoga practiced here is associated with the cult of the goddess Shakti, who personifies the sexual energy principle. Most of the rituals have deep esoteric roots and are distinguished by the widest use of techniques and yogic practices.

It is impossible to detect asceticism in this direction, on the contrary, self-knowledge here is based on the release of energies hidden inside a person, especially those associated with the sexual principle. For this, secret mystical rites are practiced, directly related to sex as a way to release hidden energy. Orgasm is equated with the esoteric liberation of the spirit from the body shell and the frailty of being.

In this direction, much attention is paid to the body as a repository of the spirit, therefore, since ancient times, the sages have been looking for a way to extend the life of the body. To do this, they used not only a variety of life elixirs, which is very typical for the Western medieval religious tradition, but also developed special rites and rituals, often associated with sexual activity.

The adherents of the current themselves refer to their faith as the most ancient universal religion, which originated in time immemorial from the cult of universal worship of the Mother. There is a division of tantrists into "left" and "right". With a certain degree of simplification, one can characterize the “right” supporters of the doctrine as traditionalists, and the “left” as experimenters. In the latter direction, the strangest and most mysterious rites and ritual actions from the point of view of modern Western man exist and are practiced.

The specifics of the direction in Buddhism

Tantric yoga in the Buddhist tradition is especially common in Tibet, where part of the beliefs and knowledge came from India. Here, all local deities sit on a lotus flower, which is considered to be a symbol of the feminine, a symbol of ideal perfection. This symbol also came from India, combined with the local female symbol - a special bell. The designation of the masculine principle is a special wand.

The practice of Tantrism in Tibet consists of the following points:

Identification of oneself with the divine principle by contemplating the image of God.
The use of mudras - a series of specific fixed gestures - also comes from India.
Reading special spells or prayers - mantras.

This direction in the Buddhist tradition of Tibet has four classes:

1. Kriya - action. Here, perfection is achieved through special rituals.

2. Charya - fulfillment. It is characterized by the use of both ritual actions and meditations.

3. Yoga - based on meditation.

4. Anuttara yoga is the highest yoga, aimed at realizing the unity of the beginnings of the opposite direction.

The connection between this type of yoga and sex

For most uninitiated people, tantra yoga is associated with a special kind of sex. This is a very simplified, even primitive understanding of the practice of this direction. There is practically nothing carnal in sexual contact here. For Tantrics, sexual contact is the highest manifestation of the divine principle, when at the moment of orgasm something is born that believing Europeans would call "a spark of God." In these seconds, the partners not only merge together, but also feel like a part of the general system of the universe, that is, they come into direct contact with the universal Mind.

Tantric yoga, for all the ambiguity of its rituals for us, has nothing to do with the unbridled sexual orgies attributed to it. It must be remembered that this trend is focused on achieving higher enlightenment, and not on satisfying base needs.

Understanding Tantrism in Modern Western Society

Due to its peculiarities, tantra yoga has always attracted people who, as they say, were "out of touch". Based on knowledge of medieval religious cults that practiced sex among members of the community as one of the types of religious rites, they approached this type of yoga as a set of postures and peculiar exercises to prolong sex and get maximum pleasure. Despite the fact that tantric yoga does not reject the pleasure of sexual intercourse, it is still focused more on spiritual orgasm than on bodily. In some modern yoga schools, Tantrism is taught too simplistic, relying only on the bodily, physical side of the process.

This direction attracts many people with its mystery and mystery. Since this religious and mystical teaching has always been the lot of closed groups, it was extremely difficult for outsiders to penetrate them, almost impossible. Modern teaching in Western countries it is more open and accepts everyone. If we ignore the very primitive interpretation of this type of yoga, then in the West you can find schools where it is taught, albeit in a simplified and carefully adapted acceptable form for the European tradition, but still without distorting its basic meaning and practices, rituals.

These schools include the establishments opened by the British singer Sting and his wife Trudie Styler. This married couple itself can serve as an illustration of the benefits of Tantrism. Beautiful appearance for their age, intense personal life, psychological balance, healthy beautiful body, four children and an active life position - this is a clear example of what an ancient and mysterious practice can give a modern Westerner with a reasonable approach to it and the correct interpretation of ancient rites and mystical rituals.

Do you think tantra and other oriental wisdom is needed only for geishas? No matter how! Time-tested techniques will help and modern woman. Even having mastered the basics, you can prolong youth, improve health and become damn attractive to men.

It is a harmonious, self-confident woman that a man perceives as beautiful and attractive - regardless of external data. Where do you get these qualities, you ask? In yourself, of course! Our body generates enough energy so that we can carry out our plans, enjoy life, improve and enjoy every moment. And the key to the inexhaustible source is techniques from tantra, yoga and Taoist practices.

Divine Approach
The birthplace of the "Kama Sutra" India gave the world not only a practical guide to bodily love, but also a theoretical doctrine of the union of male and female principles - Tantrism. Translated from Sanskrit, "tantra" means "continuity", "connection". When in the West they talk about sex, they mean physical pleasure from the contact of bodies, and in the East it is believed that every act of love is a sacred union of two deities. An example to follow is the athletic god Shiva and his feminine beloved goddess Shakti. So it is recommended to treat your partner as a deity, no more, no less. It is not necessary to copy images from Hindu mythology. Just imagine that Apollo suddenly turned out to be your spouse! Yes, and you yourself would certainly want to be reincarnated as Aphrodite ... In a word, boldly dream, the main thing is that the mental image be beautiful in every respect and evoke the most quivering, lofty feelings in you. Thoughts are material, therefore, entering into union with the deity, you will experience more vivid sensations. You can tell your partner about your innocent fantasies - he is unlikely to be jealous of the gods, and a comparison with ancient Greek athletes will even flatter him. And don't forget that you are also the perfect goddess of love!

Tantra Workshop
Pragmatic Westerners simplify the ancient teaching to applied New Age Tantra: tantra yoga, kundalini yoga, steam yoga and others. They use bodily, respiratory and mental techniques. Sounds serious, but in fact they are all ways to increase sensitivity, sensuality and control over perception. And that means enhancing the pleasure of almost everything you do.
Don't expect from tantric exercises magic - at one time in yourself and your relationship with a partner, it is unlikely that something will miraculously change. But over time, repeating the mini-practice described here or continuing classes in a yoga studio, you will surely become freer, more confident and more joyful. And perhaps the most important thing is to understand: no matter who your tantra partner is (spouse, good friend, just acquaintances), you work primarily with yourself and your feelings. No wonder they say that you always need to start with yourself, because only when you discover and open your own resource, you can share it with others. That is, learn to hear yourself - hear those around you, love - get the opportunity to give love to someone else.

Paired Meditations
The first step to tantra is meditation. It helps to "relax" the mind and learn to feel your body. Don't be afraid, it's not difficult, you just need to observe your breathing and sensations. Try it and be careful, because this is a great opportunity to get to know yourself and your partner better.

Exercise "Magnet"
A partner can be either a man or a woman. A person you trust will do. For relaxation, it is advisable to turn on quiet, calm music. It's good if these are three or four compositions lasting 3-5 minutes, because the exercise consists of several parts, and the beginning of the song will mark the transition to the next phase.

1. Sit opposite at a short distance, cross-legged in Turkish or in any way that suits you. Close your eyes and try to feel the presence of your partner. Feel if there is an attraction between you and track where it is concentrated in your body. Try not to evaluate your feelings, but simply immerse yourself in them. Notice the desires that you have (for example, approach your partner, hug him), but do not follow them.
2. Now that you've got to know your "magnet", try to feel it in a counterpart. How strong is its attraction, where does it come from? If you feel like laughing or tears come to your eyes, don't be surprised and don't hold back. Let your feelings out and try to relax.
3. Concentrate your inner magnet in the center of your chest, near your heart. Imagine that your partner has it in the same place, exactly opposite. Since heart energy is a very powerful unifying force, you will most likely be overcome by a feeling of joy, happiness, unity with the world.

After 10-15 minutes, open your eyes and thank your partner. It is very important to keep the resulting pleasant state at least during the day. You will notice that even while doing your normal activities, you continue to feel connected to your meditation partner.

Benefit: This shared practice will add confidence in each other and provide mutual moral support. By doing it with your loved one, you will strengthen your union.

Exercise "Leader - follower"
Before starting, distribute the roles in pairs: one should be the leader and the other the slave.
Stand next to me and hold hands. The follower closes his eyes, tries to feel the leader and tune in with him. To avoid the temptation to peep, it is better to blindfold with a thick cloth. As a sign of readiness, he nods to the leader, and he begins to carefully drag him along. Talking is not allowed - contact occurs only through the hands. Move carefully and smoothly. The leader should not make sharp turns. Its task is to ensure a pleasant joint passage of the path.
As a follower, you will feel how the unknown sharpens perception and stops the internal dialogue, allowing you to hear the voice of intuition. Your goal is to achieve a state of simultaneous concentration and relaxation in the process of walking, as well as to trust your partner as much as possible.

The leader during practice learns tactile control. This role also requires attention and relaxation at the same time, because the follower feels the slightest tension and regards it as a signal of danger. After 5-10 minutes of "journey" you can stop, switch roles and repeat all over again. Benefit: This practice seems like a game, but it significantly builds trust between partners, develops the ability to cooperate, respect each other's feelings and needs. Sexual energy strengthens health and prolongs youth.

Yoga for tone
Tantra yoga exercises help to recharge your energy. They act primarily on the pelvic organs and train the pubococcygeus muscle. It is worth working on it: when it is activated, all nearby erogenous zones become even more sensitive. Perhaps these are the most pleasant workout that you can only imagine. And besides, for women's health the active movement of blood and lymph in the genital area is very important. It is provided by all asanas (body positions) that work out the pelvic region, and the so-called inverted (legs above the head). They are very useful because they relieve tension from the lower body, preventing the development of genitourinary diseases and hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins veins. And of course, regular training will make your sexual relationship brighter, increase the frequency and duration of orgasms.

Exercise "Butterfly"
Doing this exercise is like flapping the wings of a butterfly. Sit on a mat with a straight back, pull your feet as close to your groin as possible, spread your knees to the sides so that the soles touch. Interlace your fingers into a lock and clasp your feet with them. Imagine that your bent legs- these are the wings, and "wave" them, raising and lowering your knees. Gradually increase the speed of movement and swing, maintaining a deep and smooth rhythm of breathing. After one or two minutes of "flight" stop and relax. If at first you find it difficult to perform a full butterfly, start with one "wing", pulling only one leg towards you, and straighten the other freely.

Benefits: "butterfly" activates blood circulation in the pelvic area, serves as a prevention of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, strengthens the muscles of the thighs, relieves leg fatigue.

Contraindications: pregnancy, knee diseases.

Exercise "Birch"
We remember the stand on the shoulder blades from physical education classes, and in yoga this body position is called "sarvangasana" and with correct execution considered one of the most versatile.
Lie on your back, raise your legs and lower back, bend your arms at the elbows, supporting your back with them, preferably closer to the shoulder blades. Body weight should be on the shoulders and elbows, not on the neck. Inhale and exhale as much as possible stretch up straight legs. Strive to ensure that the back, pelvis and legs are in the same vertical plane. Hold this position for 5-10 breaths - exhalations. Gradually lower your palms to the shoulder blades, stretching the spine more and more up. Breathe freely better belly to relax your lower back. At the slightest discomfort, if you feel an unpleasant tension in your neck or lose your balance, gently lower your back onto the mat and lie down, trying to relax.

Benefits: the oblique muscles of the abdomen are strengthened, which form the feminine curve of the waist, tension in the pelvic area is relieved, pressure is reduced.

Contraindications: disorders in cervical region spine, weak tone muscles (to strengthen them will help regular classes under the guidance of an experienced instructor).

air element
Difficulty breathing is a sure sign of disharmony. After all, it is it that awakens our energy centers and fills us with vitality. The health of the whole organism depends on how free the air, and hence the energy circulates through the body.

Exercise "Breath of love"
Standing, sitting or lying down, hug your partner, try to breathe with him in the same rhythm for several minutes, imagining that the air passes through your body. It is as if you are inhaling through the perineum, and exhaling through the heart center or between the eyebrows. After several cycles, change the direction of visualization: "inhale" through the forehead or heart, "exhale" through the lower abdomen. Try to "color" the practice by imagining multi-colored air currents. This is how you activate different levels energy. For example, orange enhances sexual desire, green - love and tenderness, blue - creativity, silver - intuition. Breathe in all the colors of the rainbow in unison with your loved one.

Benefits: the exercise helps to tune in to the partner’s energy, to feel each other as one.

Geisha's Secret
Taoist techniques, including sexual ones, are the so-called Chinese branch of tantra. In the East, the art of development intimate muscles owned not only geishas. After all, sexual energy is equal to the energy of life, it even affects the prosperity and prosperity of the family. And the ability to control the necessary muscles not only increases the pleasure in intimate life, but also improves health and prolongs youth. Taoist masters believe that menopause begins when a woman has used up her personal energy reserve. The body refuses the reproductive function as not necessary for survival and distributes energy to other vital organs. And then the woman ages dramatically ... But it is in our power to postpone this process! Enough to master simple exercise and do it regularly. In the Western world, it is called the tough word "wumbling", and initially it was called much more flirtatious ...

Exercise "Blink"
To feel the work of the vaginal muscles, you need to hold urination for a few seconds. Once you've become familiar with the right effort, try doing it daily while you're commuting, sitting at work, or standing in line. Every day, increase the number of repetitions, gradually bringing it up to one to two hundred times a day. And it is best to practice before a date, then your chosen one will definitely pay attention to the exciting sparkle of your eyes. After all, after performing "blinks" it is quite natural to feel a slight excitation.

Benefits: prevention of inflammatory diseases and vaginal prolapse, strengthening of the urethral sphincter. The development of intimate muscles helps to accumulate vitality, sexual desire increases, the onset of menopause is delayed, skin elasticity and feminine body shapes remain longer, which means you look younger and more seductive. Q.E.D.

Expert opinion - Natalia Bortnichenko, yoga instructor
Tantra yoga techniques purposefully strengthen the muscles of the perineum and vagina, develop the sensitivity of the body. After training, it is easier to achieve orgasm, it feels brighter, stronger and longer. And if you devote enough time and diligence to practice, then you can get closer to the so-called tantric sex, when a woman, being at the peak of sensations, dissolves in an endless merger with her partner. If you are still alone, the exercises will activate blood circulation in the genital area and relieve sexual tension by distributing the accumulated energy throughout the body. Thus, tantra yoga allows you to be less dependent on the presence of a partner and other vicissitudes of fate, makes it possible to gain peace, harmony, self-confidence and magnetic attraction.

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Today, almost everyone knows what Yoga is, and this is good, it was these Eastern teachings that made adjustments to our empty life, because thanks to them you can easily cope with stress, find peace and balance, learn to listen to your body, and this is of interest not only to women but also men. That is why it is necessary to know Tantra Yoga, which is performed with a partner or partner. Thanks to such teachings, both partners can discover their sexuality from a new unexplored side.

Thanks to modernity, one can understand that Tantra Yoga is the union of two strong principles - male and female. But you need to understand that all exercises with a partner are of great importance not only physical plane how much spiritual. Thanks to these practices, a new vitality and inexhaustible energy wakes up in every person.

For exercises, it is better to choose a partner of the opposite sex. It is paired exercises that are much more effective, as there is mutual support and some poses can be reproduced more accurately. In addition, it is the emotional barriers that are erased and the complexes, and the innuendo just goes away.

Everyone who has used it can assure that it is Tantra Yoga that can significantly improve relations between people, sexuality increases, and the most important mutual understanding comes to such a union. But it is necessary to regularly perform the required exercises with a partner in order to achieve the desired result. It is thanks to this that love and attraction come to the couple.

The first thing to learn is to do paired meditations. The most important thing is to properly relax both partners, and settle on the right note of sexual and spiritual tunes. This is the main teaching for beginners, so that everything goes on correctly. This is not difficult to do, you need to get away from worldly fuss and listen to your body and partner's breathing.

The first thing that is quite suitable for beginners, we sit on the floor opposite each other in comfortable posture, the main thing is that the back is straight. Meditation begins and fifteen minutes is enough to make it easier to supplement everything with light music. After that, you need to feel what is happening inside and understand if you feel good.

Everyone should know that it is Tantra Yoga that will help not only to get closer to your person, but also to significantly improve your health. Exactly daily exercise normalize blood circulation, improve metabolic processes in the body and, in general, the state of the whole organism returns to normal.