An Introduction To Tantra And Sacred Sexuality

1. Sacred sexuality unites spirituality and physical intimacy

Sacred sexuality is about experiencing levels of ecstatic bliss and unconditional love (usually only attainable through prolonged practice of advanced meditation techniques) and, most importantly, bringing these experiences into our daily lives.

Holistic union. Sacred sexuality merges the spiritual and physical aspects of human existence, elevating the sexual experience beyond mere physical pleasure. It involves bringing full consciousness to the act, engaging all aspects of our being - physical, energetic, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Transformative practice. By approaching sexuality with reverence and intention, practitioners aim to access profound states of ecstasy and unconditional love. This practice isn't confined to the bedroom; its ultimate goal is to integrate these heightened states of awareness and connection into everyday life.

Beyond technique. While sacred sexuality may involve specific techniques, its essence lies in the attitude and awareness brought to the experience. It's about recognizing the divine in oneself and one's partner, fostering a deep sense of connection and presence that transcends ordinary sexual encounters.

2. Ancient practices offer wisdom for modern sexual experiences

Science teaches that our physical bodies are not as dense as they appear and that there is more space within our bodies than there is density. Sacred sexuality is about sharing and exploring an intimate relationship with this inner spaciousness beyond the dense, material body.

Historical foundations. Ancient traditions like Tantra, Taoism, and Western mysticism have long recognized the profound potential of sexuality as a path to spiritual growth and healing. These practices offer a wealth of wisdom that can enrich modern sexual experiences.

Energy awareness. A key concept in many ancient sexual practices is the recognition and manipulation of subtle energies within and between partners. This includes techniques for circulating and transmuting sexual energy throughout the body, leading to more intense and prolonged states of pleasure and connection.

Modern integration. Contemporary approaches to sacred sexuality often blend insights from various traditions with modern understanding of psychology and physiology. This synthesis allows for a more comprehensive and accessible approach to sacred sexuality that can be adapted to diverse lifestyles and belief systems.

3. Self-awareness and healing are foundational to sacred sexuality

To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.

Inner work. Sacred sexuality begins with self-awareness and personal healing. This involves exploring one's own beliefs, traumas, and inhibitions around sexuality, as well as developing a loving and accepting relationship with one's own body and desires.

Breaking patterns. Many people carry unconscious patterns from early sexual experiences or cultural conditioning that limit their capacity for intimacy and pleasure. Recognizing and healing these patterns is crucial for experiencing the full potential of sacred sexuality.

Responsibility and boundaries. As individuals become more self-aware, they naturally develop clearer boundaries and a stronger sense of responsibility in their sexual interactions. This creates a foundation of safety and trust that allows for deeper exploration and vulnerability with partners.

4. Foreplay is essential and multifaceted in sacred sexual encounters

Foreplay is, as the word implies, play-fullness before intercourse. Therefore, it should be experienced as such—fun and spontaneous, yet enhanced by tools and techniques to stimulate arousal.

Multisensory preparation. Sacred sexual foreplay engages all the senses and involves multiple aspects of connection:

• Creating a sacred environment
• Ritual cleansing
• Deep communication and eye contact
• Sensual touch and massage
• Breath work and energy circulation

Beyond physical stimulation. While physical arousal is part of foreplay, sacred sexuality emphasizes emotional and energetic connection as well. This might involve meditation, prayer, or conscious intention-setting to align partners' energies and create a sacred container for the encounter.

Playful exploration. Foreplay in sacred sexuality is seen as a joyful, creative process of discovery rather than a mere prelude to intercourse. It's an opportunity to explore various forms of touch, sensations, and connections without goal-oriented pressure.

5. Intercourse becomes a divine dance through mindful presence

Being fully aware of the present moment is one of the most effective ways to access the soul.

Presence over performance. In sacred sexuality, the focus during intercourse shifts from achieving orgasm or performing specific techniques to being fully present with oneself and one's partner. This presence allows for a deeper connection and more intense sensations.

Energy circulation. Many sacred sexuality practices involve consciously circulating sexual energy throughout the body rather than allowing it to concentrate in the genitals. This can lead to whole-body orgasmic experiences and prolonged states of ecstasy.

Divine recognition. Partners are encouraged to see the divine in each other during intercourse. This perspective transforms the act into a sacred union, a microcosm of the cosmic dance between divine masculine and feminine energies.

6. Orgasms transcend the physical, reaching emotional and spiritual realms

A soul-level orgasm occurs in one of two ways. The first way involves the building up of a physical, energetic, emotional, and spiritual connection until all sensation of the body disappears and the soul rises to the foreground.

Multidimensional release. Sacred sexuality recognizes various types of orgasms beyond the physical:

• Energetic orgasms
• Emotional orgasms
• Mental orgasms
• Soul-level orgasms
• Spiritual orgasms

Expanded experience. These non-physical orgasms can be more intense and longer-lasting than conventional orgasms. They often involve altered states of consciousness, profound emotional release, or experiences of unity with all of existence.

Healing potential. Different types of orgasms can serve specific healing purposes. For example, emotional orgasms might release trapped trauma, while spiritual orgasms can facilitate mystical experiences and deep insights.

7. The afterglow is crucial for integration and deepening connection

The afterglow is as much an essential part of the sacred sexual experience as any step leading up to this moment.

Sacred completion. In sacred sexuality, the moments after sexual activity are considered just as important as the buildup and climax. This "afterglow" period is a time for integration, connection, and grounding.

Key elements of afterglow:

• Remaining present and connected
• Expressing gratitude and appreciation
• Gentle physical touch and holding
• Open, loving communication
• Rituals for cleansing and closure

Integration practices. The afterglow is an opportunity to integrate the energy and insights from the sexual experience into daily life. This might involve meditation, journaling, or specific grounding exercises to anchor the experience in body and mind.

Last updated: August 8, 2024