FORMS OF TANTRIC PRACTICE Tantra has taken many forms of expression in virtually every culture in the history of this planet. If you are curious to know details of the history, mythology and practices, there are many books avail- able. This knowledge will not, however, change the quality of your consciousness or allow you to share this experience. Here is a brief review of a few forms, for historical perspective. • Hindu Tantraism revolved around worship of Shiva and Shakti, deification of the Male and Female principles. The male and female sexual organs (lingam and yoni) were honored and celebrated in art and ritual. Tantrikas believed that they could achieve release from the cycle of birth and death (Moksha) by using the power of sex in Tantric ritual. Tantra began gaining popularity in the early days of the Christian era. From 700 AD to 1300 AD itwas widespread throughout Asia, engulfing Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as other religions. Its great appeal was that it promised libera- tion through enjoyable ritual, instead of requiring a lifetime of ascetic practice. This form has practically disappeared. People go to India in search of “authentic tantra” and can’t find it. If it is happening, it is underground and not readily available to a visitor.Note: Further references to Shiva and Shakti are only as archetypes, symbols of polarized energy and aspects of every individual. They are honored here, as are all cosmic principles, but not worshipped as personal deities. • Red Tantra. Ancient tantric scripture encouraged rituals where all the rules were suspended, where all behaviors were considered holy. Maithunas and chakrapujas were held where people ate meat, drank wine, made love with wild abandon and indulged in the “soma” from the poppy. These were behaviors severely prohibited in that culture. In these earlier days, some communities dedicated to the Vama Marga, the left-handed path, took the scriptural injunctions very liter- ally, their rituals often deteriorating into Bacchanalian feasts and orgies. This was common during the 18th century.Modern attempts to replicate this practice fall embarrassingly short of the original intention. This is a vastly different culture, with different values and perspectives. What passes for red tantra today usually turns into an orgy without the redeeming spiritual values of yesteryear. These practices are not the focus of Ipsalu Tantra Yoga • White Tantra. Some Tantrikas, dedicated to Dakshina Marga (the right-handed path) interpreted Tantric scripture as symbolic and their practice was more abstract and mental. Men and women meditated together, according to highly disciplined techniques, but maintained a celibate life. The Kundalini Yoga teachings of Yogi Bhajan are in this style and still prominent today. • Pink Tantra. Ipsalu Tantra would strike a middle-point between the “red” and “white” orientations. It is less concerned with breaking the rules in order to break down one’s conditioning, less intent on escaping from the temptations of life by rigorous solitary practice. It is more concerned with coming into the heart energy, surrendering to unconditional love. A couple can make the journey together but the work also has incredible value for a single person. • Black Tantra – Sex Magic. Tantric rituals in India often invoked the “dark” energies, the subconscious creative power that can be accessed during sexual arousal. Currently in India, tantra is consid- ered synonymous with black magic since many practitioners there have become mired in the quest for power, seduced by the enormous creative force in sexual energy.Some tantra teachers in the west are tapping into the potential of Sex Magic, which can be a great tool for personal growth. It can also easily be distorted into using sexual energies to control their environ- ment, to manifest their wishes. This is unfortunate as it supports people in thinking small, rather than leading them toward true empowerment by remembering their magnificence. • Heart Magic – Synergy. When you are in your heart, you want what is best for all, realizing that you are one with all. You make yourself available as an instrument by which changes can be wrought, in conformance to Divine Will. Then the real magic begins • Sacred Sex is currently the most popular version of tantric practice. Most Westerners are so damaged in expressing their sexuality that they require a great deal of healing: learning to overcome inhibitions, deal with guilt and abuse, activate the energies that have been turned off for a lifetime. These processes are merely a starting point to tantric practice. You might call these activities sexual healing or relationship therapy, rather than tantra. It is remedial work, prerequisite to the actual sacred practices.Many Westerners are drawn to Tantra because they think it will improve their sexual satisfaction. It does that, beyond your wildest dreams, but not by bringing more of what you already know. It takes you into a whole new level of experience. In ancient times in India, tantric practice for hedonistic reasons was severely frowned upon. In modern America it is often as much as people can understand. It’s a beginning. Don’t get stuck there. 1) Tantra is Liberation through Expansion. 2) Tantra is an Interweaving of Parts. 3) Tantra is Balancing of Polarities. 4) Tantra Acknowledges the Divinity in All People and All Paths. 5) Tantra is the Yoga of Expanded Sex. 6) Tantra is a Path of Surrender. 7) Tantra is Working with Subtle Energies. - Bodhi Avinasha; The Ipsalu Formula ~ A Method for Tantra Bliss
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