I performed three public interviews last month, all of which kicked off with the same question: What is tantra? After ten years of studying, practicing and teaching tantra, I'm still pondering the same question. It's like that Zen koan: What's the sound of one hand clapping? But with the question of tantra, people tend to accept partial answers which lead to the common assumption that tantra must be some kind of sexual yoga. Isn't it? Of course, I could easily spout off my favorite text book definition: The Sanskrit prefix tan means expansion and tra implies liberation. Thus, tantra is interpreted to mean liberation through expansion of consciousness. Sure, it's a poetic answer, but it's too intellectual a definition. Mere words on a page cannot convey the depths of the tantric experience.
My tantra quest has led me through a vast continuum of practices from goddess worship to shadow work; from mind altering meditations to transcendental lovemaking, from erotic massage to chanting in cemeteries; from sex magic to self inquiry. After many encounters with various branches of tantra, my beloved and I quested after the source by going on pilgrimage to India.
We were astounded to discovere that the mere mention of tantra to a common Indian villager connotes something akin to black magic or witchcraft. At first I thought this was a misunderstanding or a pious fear of sex. But the more we sought, the more we understood that advanced tantric practices can produce siddhis (or supernatural powers.) Today, there are tantrikas throughout India who are like hired wizards, witch doctors or shamans. They are sought after only to cast love spells or burn down someone's farm. There are both beautiful and horrible applications of tantric alchemy.
Not wanting to incur more karma, we kept our focus off of black tantra and continued to search for white (spiritual) or Red (sexual) or pink (spiritual and sexual) tantric teachings. We traveled through temples, ashrams and cults practicing a variety of secret rituals which seemed to be nearly lost by history and only recently rekindled by popular demand from western travelers. We found the guru-disciple hierarchy oppressive. Beautiful rituals like the chakra puja were laboriously prepared and austere in practice.
Ultimately my partner and I concluded that tantra is more alive and integrated in Southern California than in its country of origin. California Tantra also has a vast array of influences. Some of these branches include: Tibetan tantric Buddhism, Kashmirian tantra practiced by Muslims and Hindus alike, Left handed tantra as taught by Rajneesh, Kundalini tantra as taught by Sikh yogi Bhajan, Quodoshka practiced by native Americans and Shamanic tantra practiced by aborigines across the globe.
Of course our study is in no way exhaustive or complete, but we can conclusively say that Tantra is not a religion. We encountered Muslims and Hindus alike practicing tantra. (Some Christians even argued that Jesus practiced tantra with Mary Magdalene.)But regardless of the beliefs of your church, tantra is a personal path towards the embodiment of your divinity.
Instead of continuing to research the history of tantra it seems more practical to ask yourself: What is my nature? Am I more spiritual and meditative, sex and body centered, or do I want to open my heart more? Then seek out the style of tantra that suits your nature. This vital inquiry is not to be conducted with your head alone, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the experience of each. Ultimately, it's an intimate and personal choice and I want you to enjoy living a spiritual path that allows for variety, sensuality and play, even if it is not easily defined.
This excerpt is from Kamala Devi's new book: Sacred Sex for Profit. If you are interested in deepening your exploration of: what is tantra? We invite you to purchase Kamala Devi's book Don't Drink the Punch: An Adventure in Tantra by going to www.partnerplayshop.com Or if you're in San Diego, come to any of the following events:
B) What is Tantra? Potluck and MeetUp Social! THIS Saturday July 14th from 3-6pm at the Emerald Temple in PB Cost: FREE This month we'll kick off our monthly potluck with the time honored question: What is Tantra? We've started a NEW Meet Up San Diego group to explore, experience and discuss Tantra. To Join, go to: http://tantric.meetup.com/21/ We'll come together at least once per month to connect, network, cuddle and play. At 4pm we'll offer icebreakers and introductions. Then we'll open a discussion about tantra in a panel format. We'll eat at 5pm and may even have some live comedy improv. Performance art is always welcome. Bring an open mind and a yummy dish and meet new friends or re-connect with the tribe! NO alcohol, Drugs or Red Meat please. Clothing is optional in the hot tub, please bring a towel. To RSVP write Kamala@blisscoach.com
C) Tantra & Polyamory Playshop: THIS Sunday July 15th 1-6pm Emerald Temple PB Cost: $49 We welcome you to a community of beings who are actively exploring or practicing either tantra, polyamory or both as paths towards self realization. This day-long event will use tantric energetic exercises to help you explore your core beliefs about love, jealousy, sex, letting go of control, poly-geometry and compersion. We’ll be sharing experiences and techniques to help you resolve old hurts and transform fears. Learn to live without guilt and shame. Try out new communication tools. Connect with other open minded lovers. Experience more love and less pain. All levels welcome. Kamala@blisscoach.com RSVP required. (Space is limited --love is not) http://www.partnerplayshop.com/tantra_Polyamory.html
D) Calling all Creative Peeps: Artist's Way Open House Thursday July 19th 6:45-8:45pm at the Emerald Temple in PB Cost: Free Come to this no-obligation interactive experience to boost your creativity and meet other artists. This one evening guarantees a Quantum leap forward in your Artistic expression! You will also get a taste of what it would be like to join a Transformative 12 week coaching course. The Artist's Way will unblock your limiting beliefs and patterns to allow your full spiritual and creative expression. Join Kamala Devi and other like minded artistic souls in a spiritual course based on the book by Julia Cameron. This is a powerful path towards Self Realization that will change your life! Dates: *Course runs Thurs. Nights Aug. 9, 16, 23, Sept. 6, 13, 20 Oct. 4, 11, 18 Nov. 1, 8,15 The date for the graduation party will be decided during the final class.http://www.partnerplayshop.com/artists_way_group.html
E) Women Healing Men w/Rundy Saturday July 28th 2-5pm in SD Cost: $35 (Discount if you register for multiple classes.) Last time Rundy came to San Diego he touched and transformed a full house of tantra enthusiasts. The subject was how to sexually satisfy a woman. Afterwards, we were dying to hear his philosophy and experiences on healing and massaging MEN!? Now he's offering a 3 hour workshop for men, women, couples and singles. Women will learn new tools on how to touch a man and men will learn to develop a super healthy vital sexuality. This is a very interactive workshop with lots of group sharing and delving deep into men's sexual issues. The class will help you better understand the male psyche, how to use conscious sexuality towards healing and how to hold a safe and sacred space for men to facilitate an internal prostate massage. Why is prostate healing so important? Because, as the mystics teach us, most trauma lies hidden in a woman's g-spot. The prostate is the male equivalent. A prostate session helps men unlock and open their bodies on all levels and experience true vulnerability which ultimately leads to personal growth, intimacy, health and empowerment. There will be no nudity or explicit sexuality in this class. For more info go to http://www.partnerplayshop.com/page/page/4652174.htm or RSVP kamala@blisscoach.com
F) Nude Couples Puja with Rundy Sat. July 28th 7:00-10pm in SD Cost: $35 per person (Discount if you register to multiple classes.) For Couples Only. Every now and then there must be some really juicy, hot, and fun events for couples. I mean come on, relationships aren't always easy. So this is a great event for couples to come play and really let go. I want to make it very clear that this is not an orgy, swinger event or anything like it. It is sacred, erotic, high energy play with the couples partnering exclusively with each other. The participants systematically open each chakra one by one using tantric breathing and techniques, archetypes, movement, transformative music, theatre, and play, falling more deeply in love with each breath. You are naked; the room is private, warm, clean, and very, very dimly lit. All the couples are in their own worlds. This promises to be a very steamy and erotic event. Sat July 28th 7-10pm. For more info go to http://www.partnerplayshop.com/page/page/4652174.htm or RSVP kamala@blisscoach.com
F) Speaking Your Needs in Relationship w/ Rundy Sun. July 29th 11:00-2pm in SD Cost: $35 per person (Discount if you register to multiple classes.) For singles and couples. How can couples improve relational and sexual intimacy? This workshop is a system designed to help human beings transcend limitations and reach higher levels of integration. We'll utilize a variety of techniques such as contemporary psychology, communication and ancient yogic techniques to enhance bonding and create richer relationships. These workshops awaken essential instincts necessary for a healthy, creative and vibrant life. Participants are guided to feel powerfully energized, desire and the pleasure of their sensuality and to learn to relate and bond with others. For more info go to http://www.partnerplayshop.com/page/page/4652174.htm or RSVP kamala@blisscoach.com
For details call858-272-2254 orKamala@Blisscoach.comWe try to return calls within 72 hours. Because of the high volume of calls, if you don't hear from us in a timely manner, please try again. Kamala is the author of Don't Drink the Punch, Sacred Sexual Healing and a intimacy and creativity coach leading people Toward Success & Self Realization!Zendow, Inc. Copyright 2009
