Tantric Sexuality
Some people define Tantra as a cult with a spirit of free love, the remains of the psychedelic era of the sixties. Others think of Tantra as a spiritual form of New Age sex therapy, something out of the 1990s pop culture of California. Tantra was very widespread in India from 320 to 650 AD, even flourishing. However the Western world of the modern era has only recently discovered and revived the practice, reinterpreting it as the traditional Buddhist and Indian practices, but in a New Age version, which is being called “Neotantra.”
Definition of Tantra
“Tantra” is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Hindu language. The rough translation is “to weave energy” or “web.” It describes a system of being directed at bringing together the contradictory aspects of ourselves, like femininity and masculinity, light and dark. Tantric practices are meant to bring together our opposing forces, hastening our journey to spiritual enlightenment. Such practices include meditation, yoga, holistic health, Ayurvedic medicine, deity worship, plus a spiritual full-bodied involvement in sex.