Understanding The Principles Of Tantra Yoga

Most of my students express surprise when I explain to them for the first time what the word ‘yoga’ really means. Patanjali, the great Indian saint who developed the art and science of yoga, in fact describes it as the suspension of all functions of the mind. It is definitely a task for a tantra teacher to explain this profound concept to his students, since all human activity seems to be focused on thinking. It is a hard concept to grasp, and even harder to follow.

Tantra yoga requires the aspiring student to first understand the concept of thought suspension, then to accept them and then to practice them. It does not require the curbing of mental functions until the vital importance of this is clearly understood. Once it is understood, it must be practiced – and to suspend mental activity always requires a major leap of faith.

In the modern world, there is a lot of importance given to mental acuity and prowess – being able to dispute, hold one’s own in an argument and to use one’s intelligence to overcome obstacles. However, in tantra yoga, the student must renounce all illusions of intellectual mastery and become unquestioning, accepting and driven by faith alone. None of the powers we associate with tantra yoga come from mental activity – they come from acceptance and faith.

The mind engrossed in its constant thought processes is a wild, uncaged animal. It permits no peace to its owner and in fact becomes the owner’s master. Since the mind drives the body, the body is also in a constant state of stress and readiness for battle. It is not possible for such a mind/body to experience the peace and harmony that tantra yoga brings. However, in meditative repose, the mind becomes peaceful and teachable.

It is axiomatic that the human mind, being what it is, cannot bring itself into such a harmonious state without outside help. Throughout the centuries, people have attempted to do so by means of drugs and other intoxicants. The deleterious results of such efforts to bring the mind into a peaceful state are well known. In fact, the natural means to rein in the mind, consequently attaining control over the body and achieving blissful harmony have always been available. They do not involve intoxicants, but spiritual guidance.

The tantra teacher is more than an instructor – he is a spiritual guide. He is the person in whom we must repose a great deal of faith. This is because in the course of tantra yoga instructions, the student must learn to accept profound spiritual truths and to suspend the mental barriers that normally prevent the assimilation of such truths. By learning to suspend our mind’s intellectual turmoil under his instructions, we make ourselves vulnerable. But only through this vulnerability can we attain the great powers of tantra yoga.

If you have set your sights on mental peace, ultimate physical health and spiritual progress, you are ready to be instructed in the powerful secrets of tantra yoga. If you have found a genuine tantra master, you can be assured that you will attain your goals. Practice great faith while listening to his instructions, and don’t be afraid of ‘losing’ your mind. You will not lose it, but in fact confront it for the very first time. Do not be scared of losing control. By practicing tantra yoga under the guidance of a true tantra teacher, you will gain a degree of control over your mind and body that you never imagined possible.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with deep knowledge of traditional Indian sciences. Visit his tantra online guide for Tantra Lessons from this young Tantra Master.

The Benefits Of Periods Of Celibacy

You may wonder how such an article can come from a tantra teacher. Isn’t tantra all about having more, better sex? Where does the concept of abstaining from sex – or celibacy – fit into the tantric sciences?

The fact is, there is absolutely no contradiction. Tantra is not the science of sex, but the science of spiritual awakening. When sex takes place in a state of higher consciousness, it becomes a celestial experience. However, tantra is definitely not just about sex. In fact, celibacy during the initial period of tantra instructions is a definite advantage to the tantric student.

In India, the concept of ‘brahmacharya’ endures to the present day. What is brahmacharya?  It refers to a period in a young man’s life during which he devotes himself to the study of scriptures. During this period, strict celibacy is a pre-requisite.  In fact, most monastic schools of thought also adhere to the belief t in tantra, the period of celibacy is limited only to the time it takes to learn the basic tantra lessons and understand their spiritual basis.

Since tantra is a spiritual science, it must be approached with an attitude of learning. Once the basic tenets and teachings of this ancient science have been fully understood, their powers can become manifest in the physical realm far more effectively. I also advocate a period of celibacy to students whose ideas and impressions about intimate relationships have become warped and toxic – either because of familial or social conditioning of because of leading a perverted lifestyle.

In such cases, unlearning the toxic beliefs and gaining fresh perspectives is of paramount importance. Engaging in sex during this period hinders the cleansing process, because it is likely to reinforce the old beliefs.

A period of self-imposed celibacy has special physical benefits for men. It is no secret that the seminal fluid is a very potent mix of powerful nutrients. Excessive ejaculation – either in the course of sexual binges or because of continuous self-gratification – willreduce the presence of these vital nutrients in the body. The effects of continual and excessive loss of these nutrients can especially be seen in reduced nervous endurance and mental acumen.

By the same coin, conserving them gives rise to renewed clarity, vitality and vigour. The body’s stores of these nutrients are replenished. I have often heard my male students report astonishing results after a two-week period of celibacy and intensified learning of the tantric scriptures. Finally, a period of celibacy between intimate partners can also rekindle the dying embers of fading sexual appetite. If the partners are also undergoing a tantra for couples course in this period, they stand to benefit significantly.

Therefore, do not be surprised if your tantra teacher advises you to undergo a period of sexual abstinence. By all means, ask him how long this period will be and what will happen in the interim. It is important that you understand every aspect of your tantric instructions, and your tantra master will be most willing to clarify all your doubts.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide for Tantra Lessons, kriyas and mudras from this young Tantra Master.

A Tantra View Of Mismatched Sexual Energy

No matter how well you have absorbed and practiced the tantra lessons taught by your tantra teacher, you will discover that there are times of sexual energy mismatch. In other words, the cycles of your own sexual desire and that of your intimate partner will not always be in perfect synchronization. This is perfectly natural and serves its own purpose, but can be a source of confusion and disillusionment to many.

Tantra does not promise that students of the tantric arts will become sexual dynamos, ready to rev up and generate erotic energy at the drop of a hat. In fact, tantra adheres seamlessly to the immutable laws of nature that govern our existence. These laws require periods of abstinence from sexual encounters for various reasons – regeneration, a greater need for meditation, the ‘spaces in your togetherness’ that Kahlil Gibran so wisely advocates, etc.

As a tantra master, I often find myself having to explain the need for occasional abstinence from sexual activity to my students. No two human beings will ever be perfectly in tune with each other, because every human being is a unique expression of the Divine. The tantra god and tantra goddess are divine beings, but they are very much subject to the natural ebbs and tides of tantric energy. It is not the objective of any tantra teacher to overcome these inalienable rules, but to bring his students into tune with them.

So what can you do if your desire overflows but your partner’s seems to be at ebb? There are, in fact, several options which ancient tantra advocates at such times. First of all, be aware of what you are really feeling. The simple need for touch and togetherness is often misinterpreted as sexual desire. This is especially true for men; women tend to be more in touch with their feelings and invariably know the difference.

If all you really seek is physical touch and togetherness, there is almost never a time when your intimate partner will not oblige to provide it. Do not underestimate the power of simple cuddling, which is a highly underrated bonding tool. If you really do feel sexual desire while your partner does not, you should be able to ask him or her for seemingly one-sided solutions such as oral or manual pleasuring. This is not an imposition and you would be surprised at how willingly it will be provided in most circumstances.

Self-gratification is also a perfectly acceptable method of stilling non-reciprocated sexual desire. Hopefully, your tantra teacher would have helped you unlearn the irrational biases that have kept you from using this route whenever you need to.

Finally, the erotic energy mismatch may be the result of an overt or hidden conflict between you and your intimate partner. In such a case, you should not expect him or her to feel exactly as you do. Conflict between intimate partners, while natural, must be resolved at the earliest because it represents an imbalance – a lack of spiritual harmony – between two essentially divine beings. The resolution of such conflict is a matter of separate study of which I will write at a later date.

Acharya Subhojit Dasgupta is a Tantra Teacher with an in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian sciences and Sanskrit literature. Visit his tantra online guide for Tantra Lessons, kriyas and mudras from this young Tantra Master.