What Is Tantra?

As you may or may not know, I’ve been a certified Tantra educator since 2006 through Source Tantra, and a certified Tantra educator through Ipsalu Tantra since 2008.

The word Tantra today is used quite loosely, and the word is sometimes associated with polyamory, swinging, and a variety of alternative sexual experiences and lifestyles. Without casting judgment, I would perhaps be inclined to call some of those experiences Neo-Tantra, or not even Tantra at all.

For me, Tantra is the practice of Tantra Yoga, which has been around for thousands of years. Dating back to ancient India, Tantra is one of the limbs of the tree of Hatha Yoga which includes Asana (physical poses), and Pranayama (breath practices). I would even be inclined to say that Tantra, by definition, includes Asana and Pranayama, as the preparation and training of the body and lungs is fundamental to the ability to hold and run increasing amounts of energy, which is the true essence of Tantra.

Tantra involves the conscious cultivation of presence, breath and intention, and from that foundation, includes the exploration and enjoyment of sexual energy, which is not the same as sex. Obviously, the conscious cultivation of sexual energy merges quite well with expanding your sexual/genital pleasure; however, it’s the expanded experience of divinity and aliveness and loving connection that is the “goal” of Tantra, not sexual pleasure or orgasm.

This distinction between sexual energy and sex can be difficult to understand. People often ask me what books to read to learn more, and to that I would answer, reading a book to learn about Tantra is like reading a Miles Davis biography to learn about jazz. If you haven’t already heard jazz, descriptions of syncopation and alternative chord progressions will be meaningless. Likewise, watching a video of actors “doing” Tantra can’t convey what’s really going on, because what’s really going on is the flow of energy which can’t be seen, only felt.

To be understood, Tantra must be experienced, but where do you start? With the word Tantra thrown around to describe just about any alternative sexual practices, who can you trust to provide a safe, and sacred introduction?

Allow me to introduce my dear friend, and long time colleague and collaborator, Lindy James. She offers monthly 3-hour evening intro classes, as well as intermediate and advanced experiences. For over twenty years she has been doing her magic work as a “sacred permissionary” creating a conscious, welcoming container to safely explore and play with energy. For a schedule of her offerings, please visit her website: www.LindyJames.com
Lindy James

For those of you with Tantra experience, Lindy and I will be leading a sacred sexuality retreat in Santa Cruz, October 5-7th. If you’re interested in attending, please contact me directly for more information. Email: lucas@lucasroylehman.com

In not completely unrelated news, my long forthcoming book “7 Principles of Sex & Money & Power” is finally done! Please watch this space for the launch date in mid-October. I will be offering a 99 cent launch date special, and would very much appreciate your support on that day to make it an Amazon bestseller! Thanks in advance!

Till next time…

Namaste!

Lucas