Tantra Yoga Demystified

Mantra, Yantra, Tantra – are these different? For starters, they encompass the offerings within yoga. These three are systems or tools within the massive body of knowledge that we call Yoga.  Let’s differentiate the three systems.  Mantra is a structured arrangement of sound, usually associated with a form, repeated several times to create the effect the mantra was designed for.  Yantra is a machine or a tool, usually in form of a energized solid form (as in a deity), created for specific purposes, whose presence in a home or in a temple enhances peace, wellbeing etc.  Tantra is a set of practices or technology that is a combination of asanas (poses), breathing practices, mantra, holding of mudras, bandas, to enhance wellbeing of the body, mind, emotions and energies.

Tantra is commonly misunderstood as being sexual. In fact, it is a powerful technology to harness every basic instinct (including the sexual instinct, emotions, and the intellect) to build up the energy system and take it to highest level possible. It is about building the energies to the fountain-head of the uppermost dimension of the energy system, so that one’s energies connect to the universal energies. Using tantra for uninhibited sex causes harm to the system and does in no way lead to spiritual growth.  If physical intimacy is what we desire, a loving relationship with a significant other fulfills that need.

Yoga is about union – a union of our body, mind, emotion, and energy – with the universal energies. Union of this kind connects us not only to ourselves but also connects us in an intimate way with everything and everyone around us.  Tantra works with the subtle energies in our body to elevate us physically and spiritually. It allows us to explore the power within and eradicate mental and physical blocks that stop us from achieving our best.  According to tantra yoga, by harnessing the energies in this way, we can move through the world with more confidence and contentment. Essentially it provides the needed lubrication to make our life into an effortless possibility.

There are specific tantra yoga poses done on a empty stomach to activate one’s energies.  Doing these poses has many benefits.

• Removes toxins from the system.
• Improves/maintains digestive and reproductive health.
• Good for getting rid of backaches.
• Body and skin begin to look younger, reduces wrinkles.
• Improves posture, flexibility and stamina.
• Better relationships with other people.
• Enhances consciousness.

The video goes through basic Tantra Yoga to remove resistance and blocks.