Tantric Sex Explained: Key Principles and a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Tantric sex, with its promises of extraordinary orgasmic experiences, prolonged lovemaking sessions, and transcendent states of consciousness, has gained considerable attention lately. This is no surprise considering the current state of sexuality in modern-day society where orgasms are fleeting, sexual dysfunctions such as frigidity and erectile dysfunction are rampant, intimacy is lacking, and sexual boredom is common.

We are all aching for more – more meaning, more pleasure, deeper connections, and perhaps even something more mystical or spiritual in our sex lives.

Tantric sexuality appears to fulfill our deepest desires and redeem our natural birthright to sexual liberation. And indeed it does – as long as authentic teachings are at the forefront of this extraordinary practice.

This, of course, begs an important question: How does one identify genuine tantric sex teachings or recognize whether they have been diluted and adapted in order to appeal to the masses?

After reading this article, you will know exactly what distinguishes authentic Tantra from new-age adaptations as well as gain a step-by-step guide on how to implement some basic tantric sex practices into your life starting today!

In this article you will find:

• What is Tantric Sex?
• 5 Tantric Sex Essential Principles
• A Step-by-step Guide for Tantric Sex Practice
• Tantra Sexuality: A Small Part of a Greater Whole
• What Does Tantric Sex Ultimately Lead To?
• Be Careful of Imposters

What is Tantric Sex?

Tantric sex is derived from ancient tantric teachings of India, which presented a unique view on and practice of sex and sexuality.

Tantric sexuality incorporates the use and control of energy as well as the cultivation of transcendent states of consciousness. To the tantrics, sexuality and spirituality are not at odds with each other but, in fact, are essentially one and the same.

A couple’s lovemaking is the physical manifestation of the divine union with God, or the Supreme Consciousness. The tantric teachings themselves provide a map for serious practitioners to learn how to harness and propagate sexual energy to reach unprecedented spiritual heights.

The tantric sexuality principles are referenced in texts written thousands of years ago, demonstrating clearly that this is not a new-age, modern invention. These principles have deep spiritual roots, tried and tested practices, and verifiable results that should not be ignored.

5 Tantric Sex Essential Principles

Here are a few remarkable characteristics that distinguish tantric sex from ordinary sex and authentic tantric sex teachings from neo-style adaptations.

These five principles are considered tantric sex fundamentals and are the basis of the ancient teachings. It is safe to say that if these fundamental principles are not at the basis of any teachings declared as tantric then it is not authentic and you are learning neo Tantra.

1. Conservation of Sexual Energy

In Ayurveda, it is known that frequent sex can exhaust ojas. Ojas is an energy in its subtle form which each of us is born with in a finite amount. When the ojas is exhausted it can result in premature aging, disease and illness, low energy, sexual dysfunction, early menopause, disorders of the nervous system, and many others.

However, tantric sex practices teach a practitioner how to conserve this precious life force energy. By practicing energy retention or “continence”, as it is called in Tantra, health is maintained and a man or woman can remain vital and strong into old age.

Men learn how to orgasm without losing their sexual energy and women discover deeper and more profound orgasms that are not discharging and explosive in nature. Thus, neither men nor women lose ojas when engaging in tantric lovemaking.

One could go so far as to say that there is no Tantra or tantric sex without the conservation of sexual energy. It is an essential that is often ignored in neo-adaptations of tantric knowledge.

2. Energy is Fundamental

As already mentioned, Tantra is a comprehensive spiritual system rooted in energy. It is the science and study of energy, put simply. Therefore, every single branch under the tantric umbrella has energy at its basis, including tantric sexuality. Tantric lovemaking opens your heart and mind to an untapped and rare sexual dimension, and the use of energy is a key to reaching it.

Sex is not tantric without the conscious control and integration of energy in a precise way, as defined by the ancient tantric texts. When genuine tantric sex practices are involved, people become more aware of subtle energies within themselves and their partners as well as the universe as a whole. As a tantric practitioner, you begin to realize energy is not just a vague and abstract concept but is tangible and perceivable.

Tantric sex techniques train you how to move energy in both yourself and your partner(s). Sensations during the act of lovemaking become exponentially enhanced due to the simple addition of energy. Energy was present all along, but now that you begin to recognize it, become aware of it, and consciously control it your energetic sensitivity and power are elevated to a whole new level and so is your lovemaking.

3. Mastering Energy

Here Somananda demonstrates the power of energy mastery in a Tantra Massage demonstration and the full body energy orgasm.

There is a saying that if you don’t control your mind, your mind will control you. It is the same with sexual energy. This energy in particular is a powerful and mighty force that is used to run amok and behave in any way it pleases. Believe it or not, sexual energy is a major unconscious driving force for most of your actions, emotions, and behaviors in daily life.

To reach tantric dimensions in sex one must learn how to master energy. The sexual energy must be understood, controlled, directed, and ultimately mastered. Only here can this phenomenal innate force of nature propel you to achieve extraordinary things in life, and you are no longer a slave to it.

4. Practice Makes Perfect

Becoming a tantric lover is not only about lovemaking and the physical act of sex. Old habits need to be unlearned and new techniques adopted.

Additionally, it is vital to understand the principles of how sexual energy works in yourself and the opposite sex. Step one is to learn how to control your own sexual energy first and foremost. Eventually, with practice, you can also learn how to master energy in your partner during tantric sex practices as well and take you both to high sexual dimensions. Do note that learning how to preserve, harness, control, and direct sexual energy takes time and diligent effort though.

A practitioner does not become tantric overnight in the same way an average person does not become a bodybuilder in a matter of days. A bodybuilder must eat incredibly clean and healthy, count calories, take supplements, weight train daily, and essentially devote his or her whole life to a serious goal for months or years. Becoming a tantric man or woman sexually speaking requires the same drive and determination.

5. Spiritual Tantric Sex

Authentic tantric sex teaches you how to transform ordinary sexuality into a transcendental spiritual experience.

To the modern mind, it may be difficult to grasp the divine connection between sex and spirituality. At face value, these two concepts appear to be an odd couple – oxymoronic and even at opposite ends of the spectrum of life.

However, tantric sex bridges this gap, and a deeper look into its ancient heritage and potent practices reveals that it is far more than just a provocative tool to spice up your sex life.

Tantric sex is one of the tantric paths that can bring a person to spiritual illumination. It embodies the principles of Tantra transforming regular sex into an integral, potent, and healing form of lovemaking that can bring about wondrous effects on all levels of the being – physical, energetical, mental, emotional, sexual, and spiritual.

Sexual energy, if harnessed and propagated correctly, can transform a human being from the inside out and provide a gateway to connect and communicate directly with God himself. 

A Step-by-step Guide for Tantric Sex Practice

While one of the best ways to comprehensively gain tantric sexual knowledge is through attending an intensive course or training, you can already infuse some simple Tantra sexual practices into your lovemaking today.

Preparations for Tantric Lovemaking

• 

  In preparing for tantric sexuality transform your room into a sacred space.
  You can light candles, use incense, dim the lights, and play soft background music that resonates with the heart chakra.

• Try to create a relaxing and peaceful environment free of any distractions such as cell phones, television, etc.
• Shower or bathe together with your lover. Using essential oils such as lavender or sandalwood can help to relax the mind and body and calm the emotions.
• Massage each other using natural oil such as almond or jojoba oil. You do not need to have any formal training to massage your partner. A sensual, devotional, and loving touch can go a long way.
• If you are trained in Tantra Massage, this can be an excellent prelude to tantric sex.

Setting Intentions

• Now would be a good time to offer the fruits or merits of your sexual union to something higher than yourself, such as Shiva, God, the Universe, or Supreme Consciousness. This can come in the form of a prayer or consecration, for example. This devotional act opens your spirit up to divine channels and grace. It can also provide a level of spiritual support to guide your actions and intentions during the lovemaking process.

Breathing Techniques

• Breathing will help to circulate the pranic energy and enliven the physical and energetic bodies. A simple technique of pranayama – yogic, rhythmic breathing – is alternate nostril breathing. Here you simply block off the right nostril while inhaling slowly, deeply, and fully into the left nostril first. Try to breathe at full capacity, “sipping” in as much air as you can. Hold your breath for as long as possible. Block off the left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Relax in the exhalation as long as possible. Then, inhale through the right nostril slowly, deeply, and fully, until you cannot sip another drop of air. Hold here for as long as possible. Block off the right nostril and exhale fully out of the left nostril. At the bottom of the exhale hold your breath as long as possible. This is one round. Continue with this pattern for 5 or 10 minutes.

Tantric Sexuality Meditation

• A couple’s meditation is one of the key ways to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for a blissful tantric sexuality experience. Here are some techniques that can be used:
  • If you have previously attended a Somananda Tantra School course or retreat and are familiar with tantric meditation techniques such as Laya Yoga using the Shiva mantra, meditate together with your partner for 15 minutes using this technique.
  • Alternatively, you can meditate upon Sahasrara, the crown chakra. Sit with your spine straight in a comfortable seated position. You and your partner can face each other or sit side by side. It is not recommended to lie down in meditation. Next, close your eyes and simply bring your attention and awareness to the top of your head, your crown chakra. Meditate upon this for 15 minutes.
  • Try this guided tantric meditation for love. Somananda’s hypnotic voice melts you into a state of selflessness and compassion at the level of the Anahata chakra, the heart chakra, in this meditation.
  • Sit across from your partner in a comfortable seated position. Props such as pillows or a meditation cushion can be used to ensure you are relaxed and not bothered by any physical discomfort. Hold hands with your partner and gaze into each other’s eyes. Imagine a white light at the center of your chest and begin sending energy from your heart to the heart chakra of your partner. Try to visualize white light radiating out from the center of your chest and bathe your partner in this light. This tantric sexuality meditation can also be done with the eyes closed. Connect at the level of the heart for 10-15 minutes.

Activate the Senses

• Using food items that are known to be natural aphrodisiacs such as honey, chocolate, and cream, seductively feed and tease your partner in a playful and sensual way, cultivating and building your sexual energy.
• Caressing your partner’s skin with silk and feathers can wonderfully stimulate the sense of touch, thus activating the heart chakra and more.

Be Romantic

• Take turns sharing your deepest desires with your partner.
• Whisper into each other’s ears.
• Read each other poems, such as those by the famous poet Rumi or others that are especially devotional and loving.

Additional Tantric Sex Tips for Couples

• Tantric sex on an empty stomach can prove to be beneficial in controlling sexual energy and channeling it to higher energy centers. A full stomach can lead to heavy energy that is difficult to control and move.
• Natural aphrodisiacs such as ashwagandha, ginkgo biloba, and red ginseng can be used in the case of skilled tantric lovers. While these medicinal substances have the potential to arouse and strongly amplify the innate sexual energy, this can bring about negative consequences according to Tantra, namely the loss of ojas, or the vital fluids Therefore, it is highly recommended that before incorporating such herbs into your regimen as a natural solution to any sexual dysfunctions, you first learn the art of Spiritual Tantra Sexuality and become proficient in sexual continence.

Spiritual Tantra Sexuality

Part of Tantra Sexuality Module

Learn more

Tantra Sexuality: A Small Part of a Greater Whole

Tantric sex is believed to be the essence of all tantric teachings, but this is a mistaken view.

It is only one of the magical and mysterious branches of the larger system of Tantra.

If we represent Tantra as a whole pie with eight slices, then tantric sex is merely one slice. Tantra is not sex, but rather a comprehensive system of spiritual knowledge for the purpose of human and soul evolution.

Defined most simplistically, Tantra is the science and study of energy. It is also a whole and complete spiritual system that answers life’s greatest mysteries, while at the same time granting the practical tools and techniques to develop our inner world, live a happy and harmonious life, and bring us closer to the secret forces of nature that rule our reality. This all-encompassing practice has the potential to help us become the masters of our own destiny and unequivocally understand our true purpose as human beings.

Tantric scriptures describe astrology, astronomy, energy, cosmology, birth, death, reincarnation, karma, philosophical doctrines, Yoga, meditation, the sacred process of conceiving a child, marriage, health, purification, spirituality, and yes, even sexuality. It is important to note that the tantric sex teachings represent only 5-10% of the entire Tantra.

What Does Tantric Sex Ultimately Lead To?

As with all the branches of Tantra, including tantric sexuality, the ultimate goal and destination is always spiritual transformation and illumination.

Tantric sex is one of the tantric paths that lead toward spiritual awakening. In the ancient times of India, tantric masters and enlightened gurus used sexuality for sincere spiritual purposes. By utilizing sexual energy in a specific way, they were able to generate an elongated orgasmic state and thereby an enlightened state, while riding continuous waves of bliss and ecstasy. They used this energetic force found in the manifested world – sexual energy – to reach unmanifested spiritual dimensions that most only dream about.

Here’s an analogy: Normally, we human beings utilize only about 3%-5% of our brain’s potential. Imagine if you had the practical knowledge and techniques to begin to utilize 30%, 50%, or even 80% of your brain’s capacity. You would become superhuman on every level. It is the same with sexuality. Today, modern people only tap into about 5%-10% of their true, innate sexual potential. Spiritual tantric sex is the means to access 30%-80% or even more of this potential – that is how powerful it can be. It can shift your mind, your body, your spirit, and your life completely!

Be Careful of Imposters

Up until a few years ago, tantric sex was not the household term it has become today. It is now widely integrated into the sexual landscape of all major cities worldwide and is a frontrunner in Google searches.

What is prevalent now may appeal to the masses but is hardly representative of the original roots and philosophy from which tantric sex was derived. Devoid of its true heritage, the fruits of this practice and its potential to bring about transcendental sexual experiences and spiritual transformation are no longer guaranteed.

Practiced properly and with the right guidance, tantra sexuality is an almost formulaic beaten path; sincere efforts bring profound results. Because it is part of a bigger, broader system with ancient, spiritual, and energetic roots, if authentic teachings are involved it will always elevate a practitioner to a higher level of being – more detached, wise, and devotional – and will inspire a more panoramic perspective on love and life.

When searching for authentic Tantra teachings, look for teachers who align with a traditional lineage and follow the original teachings over the modern adaptations of those who claim to have improved on old traditions.

Become a True Tantric Man or Woman

Here at Somananda Tantra School, we believe in the importance of not only having access to authentic tantric teachings but also correct practices to ensure success.

Our Spiritual Tantra Sexuality course provides a powerful opportunity to transform yourself into a true tantric man or woman using potent tantric sex practices, expert guidance, and in-depth practical knowledge. Luckily, these sacred practices are not reserved for the spiritual elite only.

We are eager to meet you and share these remarkable teachings.