A Short History of Tantra, and The Theory Behind the Exercise
In the ancient language of India called Sanskrit,
the word tantra means "to weave". Tantric yoga got its
name because it weaves together our inner energy with
our outer, everyday lives. It's teachings, including
sexual practices and techniques, are in a series of
ancient Indian books more than two thousand years old.
They were passed down by generations of monks, yogis
and many others.
The exercises in tantra can help us to have happier
lives by improving the physical state of our body.
They can enhance all types of expression, from art and
music to dance and martial arts. Some of them teach
proper breathing methods called pranayamas.
Many of these tantra exercises can also improve our
sexual energy and enhance our intimacy with our
partner. Most people have fears and shame about their
sexuality, but tantra can help us be more aware of our
real potential for intimate expression. The exercises
can transform our intimacy into a more fulfilling,
shared experience of our feelings.
Doing these exercises helps to balance the energies
within us. Tantra teaches that every adult has all
their natural childlike energy within them, always
waiting to be activated and help us be more creative,
experience love, and feel happiness.
In tantric teaching, these same energies flow through
all creation, thus making every one of us a miniature
universe. Tantra is the connection between us and
these energies.
In our bodies, this energy is at the lower end of
the spine. Doing tantra exercises helps the energy to
gradually rise up higher and higher. As it rises, it
enhances the feelings in our energy centers, called
chakras, so that we feel better and more fulfilled.
- The first, at the base of the spine, represents basic survival instinct.
- Second, halfway between the first and the navel, representing creativity.
- Third, at the solar plexus (just above our navel), representing our power and life force.
- Fourth, at our heart, representing balance in our energies.
- Fifth, at the throat, representing intuition.
- Sixth, between the eyebrows, representing conscience.
- Seventh, at the top of the head, representing truth and reality.
The seven chakras are not actual physical places on our spine, however. They represent different types of energy that are waiting to be awakened and help us.