Tantra Yoga and Sexuality, what is the connection?

Is tantrism necessarily sexual?

When tantra yoga is mentioned, many questions arise. Indeed, this term tantrism, which has been used abundantly – sometimes outside its initial purpose – gives rise to fantasies and questions. Our Judeo-Christian way of thinking has difficulty conceiving that in Eastern philosophies sex can be a subject of discussion and an element that contributes to the overall development of the individual.

Yet in many traditions, sex is found as a central subject and as a path to happiness. This is the case in Hinduism, which promotes channeled sexual activity to achieve enlightenment.

What we commonly call “libido” is considered a sacred energy, a powerful manifestation of the creativity that all of us, men and women, carry within us.

What is tantra yoga?

When the individual is not awake, it is because he is asleep. The sacred texts of yoga explain that the vital energy, the kundalini , is represented in the form of a coiled serpent, at the base of our spine. Certain life experiences and certain techniques, such as kundalini yoga and tantrism, aim to awaken this energy and stimulate it. The kundalini then rises in undulating motions along the spine, crossing the different chakras.

Tantra yoga is one of the ways to access this phenomenon of awakening the kundalini. Postures performed alone or as a couple allow it to be activated in an appropriate way to achieve the desired goal.

When it comes to sexuality, tantrism can borrow postures from the kamasutra , which is an emblematic collection of Hinduism.

Although sex allows in some way the fusion between the two partners, many exercises focus on the energetic level and can therefore be practiced "in all good honor". For example, one of the synchronization techniques consists of sitting face to face, looking at each other to establish eye contact at first. Then, the partners place their hand on the heart chakra of the other person, trying to remain in a state of observation and reception. The breaths harmonize, the heartbeat can slow down slightly to enter a sweet trance, an intuitive and sacred communion.

What is the purpose of tantrism?

The purpose of tantrism is therefore not orgasm, but unconditional love and self-acceptance, in mutual understanding and in the opening of the heart. Tantrism applied to sex and daily life allows one to know oneself more intimately, to calm down and to gain vital energy.