Table of Contents
What’s this
When we talk about Tantra yoga we touch a sphere that often comes associated with sex or intimate dimension, but in fact it is a very ancient tradition that includes many aspects. It is based on sacred texts as often happens in the yogic tradition, the so-called Tantrāloka, written in Sanskrit, composed in the 10th and 11th centuries by the philosopher Abhinavagupta. The radical tradition on which the text is grafted is Kashmiri Shaivism. The text deals with aspects symbolic, philosophical, ritualistic written in verse, which join the Tantrasāra, which is instead in prose.
In the text there are many references to time, to cosmic energies, to space understood as macro and microcosm. It is a secret tradition, made up of specific initiations and practices. Many of these include the body and are based on the conception of the divine couple, of thesexual act as an approach to forces of extreme power connected to the origin of everything. In union with the person there is also union with the Whole, with the Being, with the major forces that govern the cosmos.
In fact, the word “tantra” comes from the root “Tan” which means expansion, totality and it has to do with the concept of fabric. Everything is united, each action refers to another and the path of pure desire represents one form of union divine level (the so-called Shiva / Shakti dance, the two complementary energies). Tantric practices aim to channel divine energy into the body.
Tantra yoga conceives 3 main routes, also called paths:
- Kaula, a system of external rituals;
- Mishra, a doctrine made up of internal and external practices;
- Samaya, a profound way to get in touch with the creative force of the universe (or the Shakti).
The body is not conceived in Tantra yoga as an obstacle to reach other levels, but rather as a tool for get closer to the divine. In the tantric massage – a practice among many of the Kashmira doctrine – the two individuals come together in specific techniques that include breathing, rhythm, blowing on the body of the other.
Benefits
Surely the practices of tantra yoga allow you to explore a deep contact with your body and how much sacred exists in it. The whole body melts, the spine aligns and the sensations in the body increase. The tendons stretch and the muscles are relaxed. The proprioception increases and the sense of appetite also changes. Contact with the outside and with each other improves. It is also understood that contact is part of sex and that it should not be limited only to the penetration or mechanical performance of certain functions.
The whole body is revitalized, all the senses. Much is due to the exercises of pranayama, breath control, which allow you to center and reposition yourself. These practices are also useful in everyday life, in carrying out any action. It also achieves a certain emotional well-being which helps manage emotions, even intense ones. The important thing remains to be down-to-earth, to understand that matter and spirit merge, to avoid fanaticism, feelings of being superior or similar exaggerations. The practice of Tantra yoga increases power general but must still be considered an ancient tradition that requires years and years of constancy.
Main positions
Let’s see 2 main positions of Tantra yoga that you can practice alone or with your partner.
Sukhasana with breathing technique
The position sitting with crossed legs in the world of asanas it is called Sukhasana or comfortable pose. You do not have to force this position, if the knees are very high compared to the hips, it is necessary to put a pillow or a yoga brick under the sacrum to make sure not to inflame the adductors and to maintain the long and aligned column. The hands are in gyan mudra (also known as jnana mudra) with the tip of the index finger touching the tip of the thumb. When this position is practiced in pairs, the respective backs are brought together and full breaths are taken, trying to lengthen the exhalation. The duration of the practice gradually lengthens and the resulting sense of mental well-being increases over time.
Cross-legged sukhasana with partner
This basically represents the classic position with which you begin the massage session and tantric practice, only heated oil is often used in the massage. In this way instead it represents a first contact with the position that allows you to create a deep contact without going into the maneuvers or techniques. Begin by assuming a relaxed position a legs crossed and the person between the two who has a larger build is the base, is below. The lightest partner in terms of weight then sits on the thighs and cross your ankles behind the other person’s back. The spines are stretched upward and you breathe deeply, creating contact with your fingers on the point between the two eyebrows of your partner or partner. Subsequently the hands go on the respective breasts, above the heart. In this position, take several deep breaths, making sure to lengthen the exhalation well. The whole body relaxes and great relaxation is achieved at the cellular level. Proximity helps create a deep and meditative contact. Then you can make small circular movements as if you want to help the kundalini inside the column. You can stay with your eyes closed or choose to look yourself straight in the eye with calm and inner stillness.
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