Tantra Sadhana » The Ancient Art of Tantra: Preliminary Tantra Postures

The Ancient Art of Tantra: Preliminary Tantra Postures

Posted under Enlightenment, Practice tantra, Tantra, Tantra Kriya, Tantra Master, Tantra Meditation, Tantra Ritual, Tantra Student, Tantra Teacher, Tantra Technique, Tantra Yoga, Tantra class, Tantra course, Tantra instruction, Tantra instructors, Tantra lessons, Tantra online guide, Tantra practices, Tantra school, Tantra workshop, Tantric Art, Tantric Master, Tantric Ritual, Tantric Sex, Tantric Technique and Tantric Yoga by Subhojit Dasgupta on June 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm

By practicing Tantra postures, you are fundamentally inviting powerful forces of self-realization into your life. It is extremely important that you obtain expert guidance from an experienced, authentic Tantra teacher while practicing these ancient Tantra mudras.

Tantra JanuSirsa Mudra:

To begin this Tantra posture, sit up straight with legs extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This Tantra position will be difficult at first; don’t force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually the knee will move further back, keeping the foot correctly positioned.

Then proceed into the full Tantra position as below:

Having positioned the foot and knee correctly, stretch the left leg out, keeping the leg firmly on the mat. Settle the heel firmly and stretch the toes up (the heel should pull gently away from the ankle.) Now inhale and bend forward over the straight leg, catching the foot with both hands if possible. Beginners to Tantra exercises should bend only as far as they can without rounding the back. When this Tantra posture is done correctly and completely, the body will roll forward over the extended leg, absolutely flat from the tail bone to the head. Breathe normally for as long as you can. Inhale, release the handhold, come up smoothly, straighten the bent leg and relax. Repeat this Tantra posture on other side.

You will know that you are doing this Tantra posture/mudra incorrectly if your heel is not positioned against its own thigh. The knee has not been pushed back as far as possible to form an obtuse angle. The back is humped and curved because the pelvis is jammed and unable to lift properly. Instead of a smooth, complete stretching of the spine, the lumbar is over-stretched and the rest of the spine constricted. The left leg is not flat on the floor.

Tantra TriangMukhaipadaPaschimottan Mudra:

This Tantra posture generally follows the previous one. Sit with your legs stretched in front. Bend the right leg so that the right foot is near the right hip. The toes should point back. The right calf presses against the right thigh. The body will tilt in this position, so put a small folded towel under the left buttock to keep the hips level and the forward stretch even and extended. Hold the left foot with your hands, inhale and bend forward, keeping both knees together as you stretch forward over the straight leg.

Many students in my Tantra class find it difficult to even take hold of the foot of the outstretched leg in this Tantra posture. If you do, do not despair. Just hold the knee, shin or ankle and sit, breathing deeply in whichever position represents your best extension. Your back may be tight and spine inflexible, so take your own time to adjust. Release the hold and straighten the bent leg. Repeat this Tantra posture on the other side.

When these ancient Tantra techniques are practiced under expert supervision, they have the potential to channel immense Tantra energy into your life.

Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra teacher and offers Tantra lessons to select pupils.