Tantra is an ancient set of techniques and rituals for unifying your physical body and soul with the divine universe. It is a path to serenity, calm, and enlightenment. However, this sacred path has been misunderstood and misused around the globe as an excuse to indulge in mindless lust and debauchery. People think of tantra and imagine naked bodies and wild sex. When in reality, the truth is far away from these misconceptions.
Tantra is a diverse practice and sex makes only a small part of it. In fact, it’s not a requisite for expert tantric yogis as there are numerous other methods to attain the end result. In this article, we will discuss the most destructive myths surrounding Tantra and debunk them.
Debunking the top 8 myths surrounding Tantra Yoga
- Tantra is Sex and Sex is Tantra
“Tantra is sex” – the most infamous myth about the spiritual practice was distributed by people who lacked the guidance of an able Tantric Guru or failed to get their hands on the ancient texts.
It is a belief also made famous by the new-age tantric therapists who preach sexual messages and crazy positions instead of the real essence of Tantra.
In reality, it is a process of balancing your chakras through mental, emotional, and physical energy. To harness these energies, it comprises a range of calming yoga asanas, creating sacred geometrical patterns, meditation, mantras, breathwork, visualization, and finally, sexual energy.
In Ancient India, sexual energy was considered a powerful force of positive energy that helps you achieve higher forms of consciousness if practiced within the realms of tantra yoga. While sex is a part of Tantra for couples who want to experience divine bliss together, it is definitely not confined to the bedroom and is not the utmost necessity that must be followed.
- Tantra yoga is impossible without a partner
Your spiritual awakening is a solo journey. You are already an important part of the universe and complete in yourself. Hence, having a partner by your side during your enlightenment journey is not a necessity.
Tantra Yoga can be practiced alone, with a partner or a group. The universe has made you whole and it’s high time you realize that. However, the importance of a teacher who guides you in establishing a harmonious relationship with the universe is undeniable.
- Tantra yoga is black magic
How often do you meet a person in your workplace who has experienced Kundalini awakening or enlightenment? None, right? The human mind perceives what we see daily as normal and the things that we have seen once in a lifetime or never experienced as abnormal or “magic”.
As tantra requires creating sacred geometrical patterns, it’s feared by the unawares as “voodoo” or black magic. It’s not meant to and doesn’t involve hurting anyone, attracting negative energies, or making sacrifices. But it sure does feel magical, as it helps you experience a loving otherworldly positive feeling.
- Not everyone gets access to the “secret” knowledge
Another misconception about Tantra Yoga is that it’s a secret society knowledge. While it’s true that most of this ancient information was lost over the centuries, the mediums to learn and adapt the practice are multiple today.
There are numerous books, websites, and Tantra experts available online who can help you begin this practice. All it requires is dedication and consistency.
- Tantra Yoga induces harm and negative consequences
Beginners in yoga and weightlifting require expert guidance – someone who can teach them the correct postures to do asanas and lift weights. In the lack of proper form and guidance, a novice can hurt themselves.
As described earlier, Tantra Yoga also requires a set of techniques. Some can perform it themselves by reading instructions and others might need an instructor else things can go south. Instead of declaring this spiritual practice as a threat, it’s vital to remember that every technique requires a teacher or a set of definite instructions for it to be successful.
- Tantra Yoga makes you a superhuman
If having supreme consciousness and an elevated loving relationship with the universe makes you feel like a superhero, then congrats! You can say Tantra gives you superpower.
But if you think it’s going to give you the ability to move things with your mind, be invisible, or fly, then you are wrong. Tantra Yoga opens your energy centers and strengthens them. It helps you understand who you and the universe really are but doesn’t give you physical wings to flap.
- Tantra Yoga cuts you off from the world
A common misconception about being a Tantric Yogi is that you have to leave your worldly life, say goodbye to your family, and move to the Himalayas.
You can carry on your responsibilities, chase your dream life, and marry your dream partner, all the while practicing this holistic approach. The essence lies in integrating spiritual practices into your daily existence. Rather than isolating oneself in a remote setting, Tantric Yogis believe in transcending dualities and finding the divine within the ordinary.
- Tantra Yoga is a religion
Tantra Yoga is a philosophy, not a religion. It is a set of techniques through which you feel closer to yourself, your true nature, and your supreme being. It doesn’t require you to abandon the current religion you may be following.
It’s just a way of life that elevates your sense of self, facilitates spiritual growth, and helps achieve a sense of unparalleled joy and streams of energy. This is the reason why different nationalities around the world are adopting this practice in their daily lives.
Way to go…!
Tantra yoga goes beyond misconceptions—it’s not solely about sex but a profound spiritual practice. It views the human body and the material world as vehicles for spiritual transformation. It involves a holistic approach to self-realization, emphasizing the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual elements. Although vast and intricate, it leads you closer to your true nature with repetitive attempts and practice.
