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UNDERSTANDING TANTRA - IS IT REALLY TABOO?


What is Tantra

Welcome to a journey of enlightenment and self-discovery as we look into the profound teachings of Tantra. In a modern world where Tantra is often synonymous with sexuality, it's time to shed light on its deeper spiritual essence. Hopefully, I can unravel some of the mysteries of Tantra, transcending the confines of mere physical pleasure to explore its transformative power on the spiritual journey.


Exploring Misconceptions of Tantra


At a certain point in our lives, we inevitably ponder the question of our identity. In this pursuit, the path of Tantra emerges as a profound avenue worth exploring.


However, in the modern times we live in, Tantra has often been obscured by misconceptions and misinterpretations, masking its true essence.


Common misconceptions have portrayed Tantra as solely a realm of sexuality. While ancient Tantric texts do indeed touch upon sexual practices, their purpose was not mere carnal indulgence, polyamorous relationships, and wild orgies, but spiritual elevation. Unfortunately, this skewed emphasis has relegated Tantra to the realm of taboo in many Western societies, overshadowing its rich tapestry of non-sexual teachings.


The Spiritual Fabric of Tantra


The term "Tantra" itself, derived from the ancient Sanskrit language, translates to "loom" or "weave," symbolizing the intricate interweaving of various threads to form a cohesive whole. It's a tool for expanding our consciousness from the mundane to the extraordinary.


A Holistic Approach


Classical Tantra encompasses a holistic system that permeates every facet of life, delving deep into the essence of one's being. It's akin to a scientific exploration of self-realization, rooted in centuries of wisdom and introspection.


An Ancient Legacy


Originating possibly as far back as the 7th or 8th century, who can say for sure, Tantra's legacy spread across different cultures and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. While it found expression in various traditions like Kashmir Shaivism, Tibetan Tantra, and Taoism, Tantra itself transcended religious boundaries, focusing on the synthesis of mind, body, energy, and spirit.


Modern Resurgence in the 21st Century


The resurgence of Tantra in the modern era, especially in the West, can be attributed to figures like Osho Rajneesh, who reintroduced its practices in the 1990s. Neo-Tantra, with its emphasis on self-awareness, healing, and empowerment, carries forward this legacy, albeit often misconstrued as purely focused on sex and sexuality.


Diverse Paths


Tantra offers a spectrum of paths, each catering to different inclinations and beliefs. Whether following the "right-handed" path of meditation and energy work or the "left-handed" path embracing sensual experiences, individuals are encouraged to discover their own truth rather than adhere to rigid dogma.


Embracing Love - It's What Makes Us Human


Central to Tantric practice is the recognition of love as our inherent human nature. By dismantling barriers and embracing vulnerability, Tantra guides us to reconnect with our innate capacity for love, fostering deep self-acceptance and authentic relationships.


Transcending Duality


Moreover, Tantra transcends dualistic perceptions, embracing both light and shadow aspects of existence. Imperfection is not shunned but embraced as integral to the human experience, leading to a profound sense of unity and consciousness.


Practical Integration


Practical integration lies at the heart of Tantra, with practices ranging from meditation and energy work to rituals and Tantric bodywork and massage. These techniques aim to cultivate non-judgmental awareness, facilitating a deeper understanding of our essence beyond transient identifications.


Journey of Self-Discovery


In essence, Tantra is not about achieving a predetermined goal but surrendering to the present moment and embracing our multidimensional selves. It's a journey of self-discovery and unconditional love, inviting us to explore the depths of our being with reverence and wonder.


Invitation to Acceptance


As Osho aptly summarizes, Tantra invites us to accept our multidimensional nature and navigate life's currents with mindfulness and love. In doing so, we unveil the profound mystery of our existence, transcending limitations to embody our true essence.






The information contained above is provided for entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice on your personal situation and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. The Writer and this Website disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.


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