The Benefits of Tantra
Robert
Frey, M.A.
Having taught a blend of traditional and modern Western Tantra for
nearly twenty years, I am well aware of the many benefits available
to its students and practitioners. From my experience and
perspective it is much more than a non-essential luxury item. In
response to common curiosity about Tantra, here then is an overview
of some of its most notable benefits.
● Tantra, the ancient sacred approach to sexuality, has much to
offer modern men and women. Tantric teachings are both a spiritual
approach to sexuality and a sexual/sensual approach to spirituality.
As such we can learn to use our natural sexual energy to enliven and
heighten our spiritual awareness. Also Tantra offers a
well-developed spiritual orientation to sexuality that is based on
respect, honoring, openness, and love.
● Tantra offers easy, effective, reliable methods for meditating,
quieting the mind, and reaching positive states of consciousness.
These methods often work well for Westerners who either haven't been
able to learn to meditate or who are beginners. Tantric meditations
utilizing breathing, undulation, and energy awareness, especially
when coupled with sensual or sexual arousal, have been measured to
consistently produce alpha and theta brain wave shifts more
significantly and rapidly than any other traditional or
non-technological technique.
In short,
Tantra is a great way
to learn to meditate!
● Substantial healing of most sexual problems is a common side
benefit of practicing Tantra. Relief and often complete resolution
can happen for men who prematurely ejaculate as well as for those
who would simply like to last longer. Further relief is offered men
who have suffered from performance anxiety as Tantra serves to
de-emphasize the goal orientation of performance sex. Men who
practice sufficiently enough to learn to have and enjoy full-body
non-ejaculatory orgasms are nearly always very pleased and
satisfied. Tantra is also excellent for the health of the prostate
gland, and at least one study seems to indicate that regular
practice of certain techniques helps to prevent prostate cancer.
● Women who are "pre-orgasmic" or who haven't been able to orgasm
often become multi-orgasmic through Tantra. Sometimes PMS symptoms
or menstrual cramps are alleviated or completely disappear when a
woman diligently practices Tantric energy work, alone and/or with a
partner.
● Couples who have been in relationship or marriage for many years
and have lost the sexual "spark" often regain it through Tantra.
● Tantra offers a marvelous and satisfying resolution to the age-old
dilemma of "Should I have sex (even though it doesn't feel right for
me) to keep this person's love and interest, or should I say 'No'
and risk losing the connection and the romance?" With Tantra many
other enjoyable, intimate options are possible, creating and
sustaining plenty of sensual pleasure, heart connecting, and shared,
turned on, blissful states -- all without penetration if so
desired.
● Practicing Tantra is wonderful for developing self-love,
confidence, and trust in oneself, both sexually and in a more total
sense. Learning to know and command how energy and awareness move
through one's body can be both delightful and very empowering.
Likewise becoming familiar with one's own unique sexuality and
sensual personality creates an ease and acceptance of self, as does
having a repertoire of skills for lovemaking. One of the most
common healings I see in the workshops is the way Tantra can free
people from sexual guilt and shame, allowing them to embrace and
confidently love and enjoy their natural passion and sensuality.
● The techniques of Tantra teach lovers to guide their sexual energy
from their heart, to meet in heart-centered, honoring ways. The
methods also train the powerful sexual passion energy to generalize
from the genitals, moving up to open the heart, the mind, and the
spiritual centers. There they can see the presence of the divine One
life force in each other, and thus merge into ego-free states of
unconditional love for extended moments.
● The practices also allow trained practitioners to make love and
explore shared bliss states for hours at a time. It's not unusual
for a Tantric love making session to last two to four hours, or even
more. And the experience is usually both relaxing, invigorating, and
mutually satisfying. In fact women are generally much more satisfied
with Tantric lovemaking than with typical Western sex (usually over
all too soon!).
● I've seen many back problems diminish or disappear, and if nothing
else this is certainly one of the most pleasurable of all aerobic
exercises!
● As a footnote, almost everyone agrees that they learned Tantra
best by beginning with one or preferably several workshops before
turning to one or more of the many excellent books on this inspiring
topic.
So if any of the above areas interest you I encourage you to
continue to investigate Tantra in whatever form you can find it and
allow yourself to benefit as other Tantricas in many cultures have
for centuries. Perhaps this article about "the basics" will also be
useful to share with curious, interested friends, or perhaps it
will serve to remind you to dive deeper into your own Tantric
practices and discover your own rewards and ecstasy. May your life
be filled with passion, and may you be guided by your heart and
soul!
I’ve posted this
article of Robert’s with deep honor and respect. Whenever Robert has
come to mind, this personal experience of him has also:
Robert’s integrity was so big, it entered the room before he did.
Pam Babbitt,
Editor-Sex Coach
