Tantra: Beyond the Misconceptions

In light of my upcoming Tantra workshop, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of shedding light on Tantra’s true origins and history. In the West, Tantra is often reduced to sacred sexuality, but that couldn’t be further from the full picture.

Classical Tantra is a vast and sophisticated spiritual tradition that emerged between the 5th and 12th centuries A.D., primarily in the Indus Valley and Kashmir. Rooted in esoteric scriptures and deeply meditative practices, Tantra introduced a revolutionary shift in spirituality—one that embraced the physical body, the senses, and everyday life as pathways to the divine. Unlike the earlier Vedic tradition, which was largely reserved for priests and ascetics, Tantra offered a householder’s path, making deep spiritual transformation accessible to all.

Tantra arose after the Vedic period, which had been centered around strict rituals and renunciation. Instead of seeking transcendence by withdrawing from the world, Tantra welcomed the richness of life as sacred. The body was no longer seen as an obstacle to enlightenment but as a divine instrument for awakening.

This shift was profound—it not only challenged rigid caste structures but also empowered women, recognizing them as equal participants in spiritual practice. Many of the concepts we associate with yoga today, such as the subtle body, chakras, and practices like Yoga Nidra, have their roots in ancient Tantric texts. Tantra’s embrace of non-duality—the union of Shiva and Shakti—celebrated the dynamic interplay of energy and consciousness, ultimately merging into one. This represented the essence of non-duality, where the divine is not separate from life but woven into every moment of existence. In fact, many tantric sutras instruct one to meditate on the world around us, such as the vastness of space, the light of the moon, and even the joy we experience from eating food.

Over time, as these teachings traveled and evolved, Tantra took on new forms. Hatha Yoga emerged as a later offshoot, incorporating Tantric influences into a practice focused on asanas, the body’s energies, and breathwork. When Tantra reached the West, it morphed into what is now known as Neo-Tantra, often blending New Age philosophy with sacred sexuality. While Neo-Tantra holds its own value, it’s important to recognize that Classical Tantra was never just about sexuality—it was, and still is, a profound system of spiritual awakening.

As I lead this upcoming workshop, I want to honor the depth of Tantra’s origins while also acknowledging its modern adaptations. By understanding where these teachings come from, we can engage with them more fully and respectfully, integrating their wisdom into our lives with clarity and reverence.

So What Can You Expect from My Couples Tantra Workshop?

Here’s a preview of what we’ll explore:

• Traditional Tantric Breathing Techniques: These practices help cultivate energy flow and enhance awareness, deepening your connection with your partner.

• Partner Eye Gazing: This technique focuses on cultivating Dharana (concentration), one of the limbs of yoga, through sustained eye contact that fosters emotional and spiritual closeness.

• Affirmations and Blessings: We’ll focus on affirmations and blessings that target the seven chakra points in your partner’s body.

• Asanas (Body Postures) Including Yab Yum Partner Posture + Gentle Stretching: Physical closeness plus gentle movement with your partner will cultivate intimacy and deeper physical connection.

We will close the workshop with a gentle massage and sharing!

To finalize this blog, I want to share some book recommendations from my personal library because what’s a deep dive into Tantra without a few great reads?

These books cover everything from philosophy to breathwork, energy practices, and meditation. Highly recommend if you’re curious about Tantra beyond the usual misconceptions!

• Sri Vijnana Bhairava Tantra – The Ascent by Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati

• The Shiva Sutras by Ranjit Chaudhiri

• Tantra Illuminated by Christopher D. Wallis

• A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya Yoga by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

• Kundalini Tantra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

• Yoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati