As a tantra teacher, I have often been asked whether tantra is nothing but the absence of sexual repression. After all, a tantra master trains his disciples in overcoming of sexual inhibitions, guilt and fear. Does this then mean that a student of ancient tantra is nothing but an uninhibited Bohemian capable of astounding sexual feats?
Nothing could be further from the truth. Under the guidance of a genuine tantra teacher, the student becomes highly disciplined. This is true not only in the area of sexual intimacy, but in all aspects of life. Such a person certainly does not engage in indiscriminate sex, nor does he or she boast of ‘special gifts’.
A student of the tantric arts attains a worshipful attitude to all beings – most especially towards an intimate partner. This worshipful attitude is guided by extreme mindfulness – which is tantra meditation, and sacred acts of love – which are the tantra rituals.
To the untrained perceptions, a disciplined individual is nothing but repressed. The Freudian school of thought seems to teach such a philosophy. The popular perception today is that we must give in to our desires, or else we become emotionally crippled. This is a lie. In all of us lies our animal nature, and the only thing that differentiates us from beasts is our power of intelligence and discernment. We are able to make thoughtful choices.
However, even if we were completely at the mercy of our untutored animal nature, we would not engage in wanton sexual activity. After all, which animal does? Even in the animal world, sex is a highly self-regulated activity. No doubt, sex is as pleasurable to animals as it is to humans – but they do not engage in it just for mere thrill seeking. As human beings with the gift of intelligence, we must aspire to reach an even higher level of discipline.
Yes, your tantra master will teach you to understand and overcome your sexual blocks. And yes, you will experience joy and gratification that you never thought possible in sexual intimacy. But you experience these because you have learned to rein in your desires and give them a divine form and shape. You will not experience them because you have left all discernment and discipline behind.
The tantric man or woman is a spiritually advanced being. Such guided people understand and accept the role of sexual intimacy in their lives as both a divine gift and a divine responsibility. They are not repressed – they are evolved. Are you ready for this evolutionary leap? Are you willing to accept the spiritual path of the tantric? The path is open and available to all who seek a genuine tantra master to guide their path. And remember that there is a very significant difference between control and repression.
