AMERICAN TANTRA - - - WHAT IS IT?

When I first started studying cross cultural shamanism over 20 years ago, I vaguely heard about Tantra. Since I wasn’t interested in the Far East at the time, I didn’t worry about it. I studied Sacred Sexuality in European and Middle Eastern Traditions.

However, there was a point in my readings and research when I realized that the LIVING TRADITION of Sacred Sexuality in Europe & The Middle East had been lost. I was studying ancient texts and modern commentaries. I wanted to find a living tradition of Sacred Sexuality so I began to research Tantra.

I did my Tantric Training in Northern California. Along the way, something started to feel a bit weird or missing. So I did my own readings and research. I was shocked to discover that what I was learning as Tantra, had a merely kissing cousin relationship to the “real thing” in the Far East. Not bad. Just considerably different.

Here IN THE U.S. TANTRA FOCUSES ON EXPANDING PLEASURE, bliss, and sexual orgasm as a goal in itself, and/or as the portal to the Divine. In Asian Tantra, the goal is unconditional loving union with The All. In the East sexuality is a small or non-existent part of the Tantric Path. In the US, it is the main focus.
I found that many Tantric teachers were polyamorous (having many lovers or partners). Therefore, they consciously or unconsciously, structured their courses to have individuals interact with many partners emotionally, sensually, and/or sexually.

Most American Tantric Educators stem their lineage (training) back to Osho. Osho was a brilliant, radical, irreverant, humorous, inspiring, guru from India. He himself, while sourcing from some ancient traditions, also broke with them. You can find more about Osho at http://www.osho.com/ I use the Osho Zen Tarot deck, regularly for insight & inspiration.

AMERICAN TANTRA IS A JAMBALAYA of each teacher’s training and experience. It can include some Hindu or Buddhist practices. It can include Taoist Sexual Healing techniques. It can include “energy work.” It can include “Emotional Breath Release.” Or dancing. Or massage.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: Let the Buyer Beware. When choosing your Tantra teacher ASK QUESTIONS prior to taking the course. Is it for couples? Will I be encouraged or expected to share emotions or sensuality with people other than my partner? Will I be expected or encouraged to be naked?

American Tantra is loosely connected to Hindu or Buddhist Tantra. It is a horse of a different color. If you like the color, it can be wonderful. If you would like to study Tantra as a more spiritual path, I recommend Buddhism. If you wish to study Sacred Sexuality without immersing yourself in the lingo of the Far East, I recommend studying Goddess Traditions of Old Europe or the Middle East. The Divine is in YOU!