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From: (nagasiva@luckymojo.com) (nagasiva)
Newsgroups: alt.magick.tantra,alt.fan.kali.astarte.inanna,alt.magick.tyagi,alt.magick.sex,alt.sex.wizards,alt.religion.sexuality,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: alt.magick.tantra FAQ
Followup-To: alt.magick.tantra,alt.magick.tyagi
Date: 8 Sep 1999 21:32:32 -0700
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Summary: A FAQ for alt.magick.tantra that answers the common
questions that arise in the newsgroup and which we've
received daily in e-mail.
Keywords: tantra, karezza, sexuality, mysticism, magic, magick,
sex, faq
Replaces: 1999/04/14
Url: http://www.luckymojo.com/altmagicktantrafaq.html
X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.1 (NOV)
Xref: univ-lyon1.fr news.answers:169453
Archive-name: magick/tantra/
Updated: 1999/07/30
Posting-frequency: monthly or by inquiry
---------------------- The alt.magick.tantra FAQ ---------------------
CONTENTS
1.0 TANTRA, KAREZZA, AND USENET
1.1 What topics are fit for discussion in alt.magick.tantra?
1.2 What topics should not be discussed in alt.magick.tantra?
1.3 What distinguishes the newsgroup alt.magick.tantra from
the newsgroup alt.religion.tantra?
2.0 PHILOSOPHY AND HISTORY
2.1 What is Tantra Yoga?
2.2 Do you have to be a Hindu or a Buddhist to
practice tantra yoga?
2.3 Can a person with no religious affiliation practice
tantra yoga?
2.4 What is karezza?
2.5 What is Taoist sex-alchemy?
2.6 What is meant by "neo-tantra"?
2.7 What is meant by references to "Western, non-religious
tantra yoga"?
2.8 What is sex magic / sex magick?
2.9 Is a sex religion like tantra yoga the same as ceremonial
or folkloric sex magic/k?
3.0 TECHNIQUES
3.1 What are the tantra yoga techniques that prolong
intercourse?
3.2 How do tantra techniques differ physically from karezza
techniques?
3.3 Are tantra yoga and karezza techniques the same as extended
sexual orgasm (ESO)?
3.4 Will refraining from orgasm harm one physically in any way?
3.5 How can one interest one's partner in tantra or karezza?
3.6 Can a solitary person practice tantra or karezza through
masturbation?
3.7 Do tantra teachers advocate any sort of "standard practice"
religious ritual or physical techniques? If so, could
you outline them?
3.7.1 Yoni puja and linga puja
3.7.2 Control of orgasm
3.7.3 Avoidance of orgasm
3.7.4 Passive copulation
3.7.5 Eye-gazing
3.7.6 Breath-control
3.7.7 Circulation of subtle or aetheric energies
3.7.8 Antinomianism
3.7.9 Lifestyle
3.7.10 Deity worship
3.7.11 Meditation
3.7.12 Use of asanas (postures) and mudras (hand gestures)
3.7.13 Use of mantras (chants) and yantras (symbolic images)
3.8 What are the goals (stated) and effects (stated and not)
of tantra and karezza?
3.9 Is it possible to learn tantra yoga or karezza without
a guru or teacher?
3.10 How can a gay practice tantra? Where is their kundalini?
Isn't it the case that for tantric experiences a male and
a female are required?
4.0 REFERENCE MATERIALS
4.1 I would like to learn more about these subjects, but am
extremely wary of "teachers" and especially so in this
context. There are a lot of fakes out there. Can you
provide references that I can read to learn more?
4.2 Is the Kama Sutra of any real significance to tantra
yoga? It seems like an ancient marriage manual more
than anything else.
4.3 Are there tantra videos, courses, or seminars?
============================================================
1.0 TANTRA, KAREZZA, AND USENET
1.1 What topics are fit for discussion in alt.magick.tantra?
This newsgroup is for the discussion of tantra yoga,
Taoist sexual alchemy, karezza, ceremonial sex-magick,
sexual folk-magic, neo-tantra, the archaeology of
neolithic sex-worship, the biological basis of
sex-mysticism, Austin Osman Spare, T.O.P.Y., human
sexual anatomy as it relates to cosmological schemas and
religious practices, Hermetic sex-magick, and related topics
bound together by their common emphasis on sexuality,
spirituality, religion, and magical practices.
1.2 What topics should not be discussed in alt.magick.tantra?
Flaming or disparaging others is never appropriate. In
particular, the assumption that one's own path is the only
"correct" way is offensive in a group as diverse as this.
Remember when you post and read the newsgroup that while
the specifics of Indian tantrism are of great interest to
many of the people who post to alt.magick.tantra, they are
of lesser or only general interest to others. Likewise, sex
magic, sex-mysticism, and magical rituals including sex
acts in the Asatru, Christian, Jewish, Gnostic, ceremonial
magick, Thelemic, Hermetic, hoodoo, or neo-pagan traditions
are of great interest to some readers in alt.magick.tantra,
but of lesser or only general interest to others.
Advertisements for personal sexual services (e.g. massage
or sexual surrogacy) are unwanted, although announcements
of classes, courses, and new publications are acceptable.
Sexual (im)personals are harshly frowned upon, although
requests to meet other practitioners of in a given geographic
region are fine. The line of demarcation between the former
and the latter can be extrapolated from these fictional
examples:
:) OK:
35 year old man, new to Boston, hoping to meet members
of the local tantra yoga community. Please e-mail me
if you are out there.
:( NOT OK:
35 year old single white male, good looking and
well-endowed, in search of 25-30 year old blonde
tantra goddess in the Boston area. E-mail replies
only as I don't read the newsgroups. Send a picture
with your reply.
;-( REALLY, *REALLY* NOT OK:
Tantra - Yoga of Sex. Join our Tantric Club -
a place for hot people who value and enjoy sex
naturally. You will have an access to the best
porno sight you have seen - with real couples! -
and will have a great discounts on all our products.
FREE to join and be a member. [URL deleted]
1.3 What distinguishes the newsgroup alt.magick.tantra from
the newsgroup alt.religion.tantra?
The creation of this newsgroup was a natural development to
avoid the spamming of all usenet newsgroups with the keyword
"sex" in their names that hit the net in 1996. Traditional
tantrism, karezza, and various forms of sex magic(k) were
being actively discussed in alt.magick.sex at the time; the
name alt.magick.tantra was decided upon by a consensus of
the members then posting to and reading alt.magick.sex.
When alt.magick.tantra was created there was no usenet
newsgroup extant for the study of tantrism as a religion and
the creator of alt.magick.tantra (Josh Geller) did not seem
to see a need to create such a group. When alt.religion.tantra
finally was created -- in 1999 -- it filled a need for a more
specialized venue where the specifically religious aspects of
Indian tantrism could be discussed without reference to other
forms of sex worship and sex magic throughout the world.
The difference between alt.magick.tantra and alt.religion.tantra
is one of content and approach:
Alt.religion.tantra has as its sole objective the discussion of
specifically Indian tantric religious practices.
Alt.magick.tantra includes discussion of traditional tantra, as
well as many other forms of direct sex-worship (e.g. veneration
of the sexual organs or metaphorical constructions seen in their
place) and other religious, mystical, and magical practices
(e.g. contemplation of the absolute; homage, prayer, or service
to a deity; invocation of powers, principalities, or spirits;
etc.) in which sexuality or the sex act may form a part of a
worship-service. In some cases posters deal with tantrism from
the standpoint of comparative religion, treating as one of many
historical and pre-historic religious, mystical, magical,
and/or philosophical systems in which sexuality is recognized
as a prime factor.
____________________________________________________________
2.0 PHILOSOPHY AND HISTORY
2.1 What is tantra yoga?
Tantra yoga is a general name for a confluence of mystical
and religious systems developed in India over the past
several centuries in reflection of certain traditional
texts, called 'Tantras,' often attributed to divinities
or mythological beings.
Tantric systems maintain a variety of cosmological
presuppositions, sometimes biological in metaphor (e.g.
disks or wheels -- chakras -- of energy or 'prana' that may
be found throughout the body and in particular along the
spine), sometimes religious in character (e.g. the
disciplines which attempt to influence the deities Siva
and/or Sakti, thought to be resident to the human body).
Typically yoga is an ascetic set of disciplines recommended
by a historical or tutelary guru or instructor and is
presumed to aid the practicer in purificatory, conscious,
or moral development.
Tantra (sometimes "tantric") yoga in particular often
includes a context of sexual symbolism, if not actual sexual
activities, which are described as constituting this aid.
Often there will also be an ultimate aim supposed (e.g.
"moksha" or "liberation") which serves to bolster the
practices based on a presumed cosmology (e.g. better
rebirths or an escape from rebirth into the world).
For a further historical description of some the varied
traditions of Indian tantra yoga, see also
http://www.hubcom.com/magee/tantra
This site provides an overview of a variety of Tantras
[texts], including many techniques and basic ideas. It
also includes a bibliography that will point you toward
more sources.
2.2 Do you have to be Hindu or Buddhist to practice tantra yoga?
Generally tantric yogis or yoginis are Hindu, and by this
generalization we may presume that they accept a cosmology
or have been assimilated by a culture which is Saivite,
Saktiite, or, in some unusual cases, Vaisnavite. Some
schools of Buddhism (but by no means all) endorse tantra
yoga or tantric practices; this is especially true in
Tibetan Buddhism. In addition, there are Taoists who
incorporate tantra-like disciplines into their teachings,
although they are not likely to use the term "tantra."
It is assumed by most scholars that both the Buddhist
and Taoist forms of tantra derived from Hindu sources
centuries ago. However, with the popularization of books
as sources of mystical disciplines, it is possible that
some of the instructions provided by these cultures may be
followed by interested people quite outside Hindu, Buddhist,
or Taoist traditions.
For a comparison between Hindu tantra yoga and the sexual
mysticism of other cultures, see also
http://www.luckymojo.com/tktantradefinition.html
2.3 Can a person with no religious affiliation practice tantra yoga?
Tantra yoga is a Hindu and Buddhist religious practice. Even
stripping away the Asian parts of it will not remove its
essential religious nature. The loose use of the term tantra
these days to signify any sex-positive, sex-mystical, sex-
magical, or sex-religious discipline is deplorable. Tantra
includes and often transcends sexuality; preparation for
sexual tantra includes serious work that is not sexual in
nature, and tantra practices are diverse and conflicting
on this topic even in their native cultures.
For further study of classical tantra yoga, see the newsgroup
news:alt.religion.tantra
2.4 What is karezza?
Karezza is a term derived from the Italian (meaning "caress")
which is applied to Western religious or spiritual practices
in which slow, mindful sexual union (or masturbation) creates
a path to the experience of spiritual ecstasy. Some of these
Western practices arose during the 19th century, apparently
by spontaneous discovery -- although one American
popularizer of Western sacred sex, Alice Bunker Stockham, is
known to have travelled to India to study Hindu tantra yoga.
While karezza shares certain common sexual techniques with
traditional Hindu tantra yoga, it fits conveniently into
Christian, Jewish, or Transcendentalist conceptual
frameworks, obviating the need for the practitioner to adopt
a culturally "foreign" religion.
For a further historical description of karezza, see also
http://www.luckymojo.com/tktantradefinition.html
2.5 What is Taoist sexual alchemy?
Taoism is a Chinese philosophy and religion which
has been influenced by Chinese animism and Buddhism.
It integrates a polar and complementary symbolism and
ambiguous scripture to mystical and semi-scientific
ends (life-extension, enhancement of consciousness,
the transmutation of matter). Its anarchistic and
revolutionary elements are balanced by an arguably
quietist approach to nature-worship.
The alchemy of Taoism focusses largely upon extension
of human life (especially in concocting the Pill of
Immortality), and the methods which are used to create
it sometimes include specifically sexual activities in
order to prepare the one who will be ingesting the Pill
or to inspire the creation of some internal condition for
which the Pill is merely a metaphor.
There are complex systems of physical and/or psychic
developments described within Taoist alchemical texts,
often purely through implication (called "shadow
language"), but sometimes in terms that are unequivocally
sexual. Such texts at times seem to make explicit references
to copulation, though interpreters differ in their instruction
as to how much the reader ought take literally and how
much to understand as solely symbolical. Features such as
inner furnaces and crucibles, mythical animals such as
dragons and phoenixes, and living species like tigers and
tortoises become references to internal and external mystical
and sexual elements only decoded by those who have the proper
keys.
2.6 What is meant by "neo-tantra"?
"Neo-tantra" is a term coined recently to distinguish
between traditional Asian tantra yoga and modern syncretic
techniques for spiritual sexuality being taught in "workshops"
and through periodicals and books in Europe and the
Americas. Neo-tantra typically makes use of the
traditional tantra yoga asanas (positions), breath
control, and meditation, but it is taught outside the
framework of Hindu culture and religion. It differs from
karezza in that its emphasis is not so openly eclectic and
mystical. Unique to neo-tantra is a modern or New Age
tendency to include massage (so-called "tantric massage"),
Reichian body-work (e.g. "bio-energetics"), and even
counselling (e.g. "sexual healing") to the course of study.
Some prominent neo-tantra teachers (all of whom,
regrettably, claim they are teaching tantra yoga) are
Lori Grace, Margo Anand, and the Muirs.
2.7 What is meant by references to "Western, non-religious tantra yoga"?
"Western, non-religious tantra yoga" is an oxymoron. Tantra
yoga is always Asian in origin and always religious in nature.
The term "Western, non-religious tantra yoga" may be naively
applied to the syncretic Western form of sex-mysticism that
is more properly called neo-tantra (see above), but even
the most heterodox neo-tantra strives to preserve mystical
and "spiritual" teachings, clothed though they might be in
New Age self-help paradigms. Very often the label "Western,
non-religious tantra yoga" is just a cover for what were
previously called "swingers' parties" or "promiscuity." As
such, this term capitalizes on the paltry education provided
to modern adults regarding sexuality in order to sell itself
as a mystical tradition. These posers call what they are doing
"tantra" merely because it involves sexuality. Spiritual
and religious elements are removed in favour of strict sexual
instruction. While there is nothing wrong with instruction
on the techniques of sexuality, categorizing this as
"tantra," "sex mysticism," or "karezza" robs these important
references of their deeper meanings.
2.8 What is sex magick / sex magic?
Ceremonial sex magick (often spelled with a k) is the ritual
utilization of sex -- or a context in which sexual energy is
used -- to produce magical effects. It is often considered
in a two-fold evaluative system divided into low magick (i.e.
mystical, spiritual, or religious) and high magick (i.e.
materialistic, sometimes selfish). The energy from the sexual
activity, which is sometimes supplemented with ritual
incantation or imagery, either facilitates or is applied to
the change desired, and often sexual effluvia are used within
sigils, consecrations, or spells so constructed.
In folkloric terms, sex magic (never spelled with a k) is any
use of a charm, incantation, amulet, talisman, ritual, herb,
oil, potion, sigil, sachet powder, incense, sexual effluvia,
candle, and/or bath to obtain magical results in the sexual
sphere. Typical results might be to obtain sexual desires
(e.g. "love-drawing"), to stop another from enjoying
complete sexual freedom (e.g. "hoodooing a man's nature"),
or to control and dominate another through sexuality
(e.g. by constructing a nation sack).
2.9 Is a sex religion like tantra yoga the same as ceremonial sex
magick or folkloric sex magic?
Ceremonial magick is a Hermetic enterprise which assimilates
what it can from a number of global mystical disciplines as
it is able to apprehend them. Tantra yoga has preceded
ceremonial sex magick (of various types) by centuries, but it
is often re-interpreted within the Hermetic framework to add
mystery and draw membership.
Folkloric sex magic has roots that go back to the neolithic
period. Insofar as tantra yoga is thought to derive from a
prehistoric form of goddess-worship, it shares some imagery
and beliefs with folk magic, such as the notion that there
are special magical consequences attendant upon contact
with menstrual blood or other sexual effluvia. However, the
distinguishing characteristics of yoga -- body postures,
breath control, and meditation -- are generally absent in
folk-magic.
Tantra yoga is usually undertaken with the guidance of a guru
in a religious group and often presumes the "inferiority" of
practice which includes mere sexuality. Ceremonial sex magick
is more often engaged by individuals who are members of an
occult group and often presumes the "expertise" or "power" of
physical (rather than merely symbolic) sexuality as a part of
the ritual. Folkloric sex magic is most often embarked upon by
solitary practitioners or by professionals (e.g. a root worker)
on behalf of a client and often presumes the efficacy of an
object (herb, mineral, charm) or an incantation (spell or
prayer) in the manipulation of sexuality.
For further comparison between sex magic and spiritual sexual
practices see also
http://www.luckymojo.com/tksexmagic.html
____________________________________________________________
3.0 TECHNIQUES
3.1 What are the tantra yoga techniques that prolong intercourse?
Traditional tantra yoga techniques include visualization,
selection of certain positions, breath control, various forms
of manual pressure on the genitals, and muscle relaxation.
More remains to be written, but for now, see
http://www.luckymojo.com/tknorthaustin.html
3.2 How do tantra techniques differ physically from karezza techniques?
Tantra yoga places more emphasis on visualization, asanas
(body positions), and breath control than karezza does. In
addition, each tantric school's style is relatively fixed
and even dogmatic, whereas karezza is eclectic.
More remains to be written, but for now, see
http://www.luckymojo.com/tktantradefinition.html
and
http://www.luckymojo.com/tktechniques.html
3.3 Are tantra yoga and karezza techniques the same as extended
sexual orgasm (ESO)?
Some of the physical techniques are the same, but ESO and other
so-called "sex-positive" teachings do not contain a mystical or
magical component. Interestingly enough, however, people who
learn the techniques of ESO often report "spontaneous" mystical
experiences. A theoretical model explaining the biological
basis of this phenomenon can be found at
http://www.luckymojo.com/tkbiologicalbasis.html
3.4 Will refraining from orgasm harm one physically in any way?
Apparently not, but overemphasis on avoidance of orgasm may
lead to a special form of "performance anxiety" or to some
temporary physical discomfort, especially in men.
3.5 How can one interest one's partner in tantra or karezza?
That would of course depend on the type of person one's
partner happens to be. Those who are open to sexuality and
mysticism are more likely to be persuaded to study or
experiment, and, personal tastes being what they are, the
presentation, style, or education of instructors may or may
not conform to one's partner's tastes or ethics.
A good place to start is by sounding out in discussion what
the partner's interests and possible limitations might be in
the investigation of sexual mysticism. If sexuality turns them
off, then more ascetic and symbolic disciplines may become
valuable introductions to the subject matter. If mysticism
brings goose-bumps, then framing the enterprise as an
exploration and study of consciousness (and the outer limits
of ecstasy) may prove to be more palatable.
The important thing is not to push too strongly or put such an
emphasis on the study of the subject that it becomes tantamount
to an unintentional ultimatum. Sometimes talking about matters
of intimacy is much more frightening than actually *exploring*
them, and with the right level of patience, understanding, and
flexibility, combined with a sincere desire to make it the
project of a *combined* effort, any obstacles may be overcome.
3.6 Can a solitary person practice tantra or karezza through
masturbation?
To "practice tantra" is not the sole privilege of the
partnered or polyamorous. Firstly, the wide range of
descriptions for the practice and its goals allow a variety
of possible objectives, and secondly, the exploration one
does on one's own easily becomes invaluable groundwork for
what one does with any future lovers.
Masturbation serves in a two-fold manner as an effective
tantric practice. It combines, especially within a
puritanical culture, the violation of the cultural
dissuasion against self-pleasure with an ecstatic
experience that can develop mystical results.
Some find the ritualization of masturbation to be
liberating, some integrate it into their devotionals
(fucking their god, for example, or dedicating their
pleasure to a deity as an offering), some explore the
parameters of their sexual excitation and arousal cycles,
and others try to integrate an attitude toward themselves
and their aesthetic relish that has the propensity to lead
to very important life-transformation.
3.7 Do tantra teachers advocate any sort of "standard practice"
religious ritual or physical techniques? If so, could you
outline them?
There are no universal standards for ritual work in tantra
yoga. However, the following techniques for inducing ecstasy
are used by many teachers in tantric, neo-tantric, and
non-tantric schools of sex-worship and sex-mysticism:
3.7.1 Yoni puja and linga puja
Worship of the generative organs is found in many
schools of tantra yoga. This can take the form of
presenting offerings of flowers and/or food to the sex
organs of a living man or woman, to a statue of a deity,
or to a simple effigy that symbolizes the yoni (vulva)
or lingam (penis). In karezza, such worship is modified
and subdued, but is found in the form of offerings of
flowers, poetry, and other tokens of affection to the
lover. In neo-tantra, meditative sexual massage is
sometimes seen as a form of puja.
3.7.2 Control of orgasm
Volitional control of the male orgasm is taught in all
branches of tantra yoga as well as in some tantra-like
practices of non-Asian cultures, such as karezza and
neo-tantra. Karezza writers also advocate volitional
control of the female orgasm.
3.7.3 Avoidance of orgasm
Male avoidance of orgasm is central to certain branches
of tantra yoga as well as some tantra-like practices of
non-Asian cultures, such as "male continence." Karezza
teachers recommend avoidance of both male AND female
orgasm except at specific times (e.g. when the woman
is menstruating or when the couple wishes to conceive).
The degree of emphasis placed on orgasmic avoidance
varies from teacher to teacher. In some radical Indian
lineages of tantra yoga, irreversible genital mutilation
of the male has been practiced to ensure the complete
impossibility of ejaculation.
3.7.4 Passive copulation
By this is meant very slow, mindful penis-in-vagina
intercourse. Depending on the school of tantra and the
individual preferences of the partners, this may involve
no movement by either party, minimal movement by both
parties, or no movement on the part of the man but some
on the part of the woman. Passive copulation can be
undertaken in any number of positions. One classic is
the Hindu and Tibetan pose in which the woman sits in
the man's lap, commonly known by its Tibetan name,
"yab-yum" (which means "father-mother"). Among those
who practice karezza, more conventional Western sexual
positions such as lying side-by-side or woman-on-top
are preferred for passive copulation because they
require less effort and training. Taoist sexual alchemy
texts advocate the woman-on-top position.
3.7.5 Eye-gazing
This is recommended in most schools of tantra yoga and
also by those who practice karezza. This is a form of
meditation in which the partners simply look into each
other's eyes for long periods of time. This may be done
during passive copulation or during more active
intercourse.
3.7.6 Breath-control
Some form of this is common to all branches of tantra
yoga, as it is part of the yoga substrate from which
tantra yoga grew. Different breathing patterns are
recommended by teachers in different schools of tantra
yoga. Some of these involve hyperventilation, holding
the breath, and other counter-natural patterns of
inspiration. In karezza, synchronized slow breathing is
deemed sufficient breath-control. Taoist sexual alchemy,
in keeping with the Chinese interest in mystical numbering,
goes so far as to prescribe batteries of counted breathing
rhythms performed in conjunction with pelvic thrusts (e.g.
81 thrusts). In any form, breath control helps the
participants key into the neurological basis of orgasm
control. Synchronized breathing also helps the partners
align their peaks and valleys of sexual arousal and
spiritual bliss.
3.7.7 Circulation of subtle or aetheric energies
This is spoken of in almost every branch of sex-magic
and sex-religion. In some schools of tantra yoga, the
ascent of subtle energies up the spine and through a
series of energy points on the body (chakras) is
envisioned and experienced -- especially by those whose
teaching style is heavily influenced by kundalini yoga.
As applied to tantra yoga, this kundalini-influenced
vision of sexual union presents the energy as rising
upward around each person's spine in twin currents (ida
and pingala) surrounding a central core (sushumna), then
joining at the top (crown chakra), and joining in union
with the kundalini in the partner's crown chakra. Western
sex religionists and sex-magicians also refer to such
subtle energies, but they are envisioned in different ways.
The 19th century writer Paschal Beverly Randolph presented
an elaborate electro-magnetic and gender-specific model
for the streaming of energy between two people who were
engaged in frontal-contact coition. The early 20th century
writer George Washington Savory experienced deep spiritual
bliss and union with the divine from the aetheric energies
he received when nursing at his wife's breast; she in turn
described the nurturing and healing energy embodied in his
semen. Followers of the 20th century psychologist
Wilhelm Reich perceive the flow of energy aroused during
sexual contact as streaming up the frontal surface of the
body. Taoist sexual alchemists describe the "circulation
of chi" (vital energy) in the body at different stages of
arousal, culminating with the upward passage of chi along
the "meridian" system, through "gates" and into the head.
Direct experience leads many practitioners of most forms
of Western sacred sex to describe a state in which their
bodies seem to physically merge, blend, or become one with
each other, with a free flow of energetic sensation shared
between their central cores.
3.7.8 Antinomianism
Some schools of tantra yoga encourage antinomianism
(breaking of cultural taboos, e.g. against eating
certain foods or against having sex with people of
certain social or familial rank). Karezzans do not
encourage antinomianism.
3.7.9 Lifestyle
Some schools of tantra yoga and Western sex-mysticism
encourage sexual promiscuity, while others insist on
sexual monogamy or even (hard though this may be to
comprehend) celibacy. The question of whether one
should live as a "householder" in society or remove
oneself to a monastery (ashram), or take up the path
of a wandering renunciate (sadhu) is also endlessly
debatable within the many schools of tantrism.
3.7.10 Deity worship
Some branches of tantra yoga and tantra-like sexual-
spiritual practices of non-Hindu cultures involve the
devotee in the worship of a sexualized goddess or god
(e.g. Siva and/or Shakti as Durga, Parvati, Kali et al);
some take this farther and ask that the devotee worship
the sexual partner as a living incarnation of a sexualized
goddess or god; others subsume the practice of spiritual
sexuality under the worship of a deity who is not
sexualized. Taoist sexual alchemy does not decree the
worship of a sexualized deity, although the lover is
identified with a mythological figure (the Green Dragon,
if male, and the White Tiger if female). Karezzans
presume that one will experience religio-sexual-mystical
bliss, but may frame this in terms of the individual's
ascent to "heaven" or "celestial realms," or may seek to
dedicate the resultant ecstasy to the deity-of-choice
(e.g. Jesus Christ).
3.7.11 Meditation
Some schools of Hindu and most schools of Buddhist
tantra yoga advocate meditation. The form this takes
varies by the base-religion that underlies the tantric
practices. Hindus tend toward visual meditation (e.g.
on a "yantra" or geometric diagram symbolizing sakti
{female energy} or on the figure and form of the
deity-of-choice (e.g. Kali, Siva, etc.) and sonic
meditation (e.g. on the sound "om"). Tantric Buddhist
meditation is as varied as the many schools of Buddhism
themselves. Taoist sexual alchemy mentions meditation
rarely; usually in later texts that have been
influenced by Hinduism. Karezzans treat little of
meditation in the Asian sense, describing it in
Transcendentalist terms, which correspond to what
some Asians call "contemplation."
3.7.12 Use of asanas (postures) and mudras (hand gestures)
Most teachers of Hindu and Buddhist tantra, as well as some
neo-tantra teachers, tell students that tantra yoga is
facilitated by the use of certain asanas (bodily postures)
while engaging in intercourse. They may also advocate the
use of special mudras (ritual hand gestures) while in
coition or as part of yoni puja or linga puja. To many
Westerners, the asanas seem odd or forced, but when one
understands that they grow out of the ancient tradition
of hatha yoga, in which the ability to attain and maintain
difficult body postures is part of a regimen of ascetic
disciplines, their application to in a sexual context
is more clearly understood. Likewise, the mudras assume
two contexts in light of Indian culture: they are gestures
made by the deities (and have hagiographic import in the
identification of deities in religious art) and they are
also gestures the devotee can make as part of a service
to a particular god or goddess. For an -- unfortunately
uncredited -- adaptation of a chapter from an undated
tantric text called Vamakeshvaratantra, describing
the use of the major Hindu tantric mudras, see
http://www.crl.com/~tzimon/Workings/mudra.html
3.7.13 Use of mantras (chants) and yantras (symbolic images)
Tantra yoga is not alone among the various types of Indian
religion in its use of mantras (chants) and yantras
(symbolic images) to aid meditation or self-realization,
nor are such aids found exclusively in Asian religions.
Repetitious prayer and the focus of vision upon sacred
images is a world-wide phenomenon, and it is not restricted
to religions in which there is a sexual component. All
that aside, the characteristic mantras to deities such as
Siva and Kali are considered highly useful to the tantric
devotees of those entities, as are such symbolic images
and representations as the downward pointing triangle and
numerous elaborate variations of interlocked triangles.
For the non-Hindu practitioner of a sex-based mystical
system, other prayers and symbols may be of greater use;
the disciples of Austin Osman Spare, for example, focus on
a form of self-encrypted writing called sigilization
during sex-magical rites.
3.8 What are the goals (stated) and effects (stated and not) of
tantra and karezza?
The stated goals vary by the branch of tantra or tantra-like
sexual-spiritual practices of non-Hindu cultures one is
considering. They range from literal union with the godhead
to enjoying sex more, with plenty of stops along the way for
intermediate goals. A good middle ground may be to
experience spiritual bliss through sexual pleasure, to
witness the incarnation of deity in one's lover, and to
experience union with that divine incarnation on all the
levels of visual, emotional, mental, physical, and
spiritual existence which one can perceive.
3.9 Is it possible to learn tantra yoga or karezza without
a guru or teacher?
Some teachers of tantra yoga insist that a guru
must initiate one into tantra. Most authorities
within Hindu tantric communities caution that
guidance is extremely important and that getting
disciplines out of (possibly erroneous) texts may
be hazardous to those who are not properly
prepared.
On the other hand, karezza promotes learning from
observation of one's partner -- a mutual
initiation, as it were.
Many people report that they have received a
"transmission" or "revelation" about sacred sex
through conversation, or by reading old books,
usenet posts, or pages on the world wide web.
3.10 How can a gay person practice tantra? Where is their kundalini?
Isn't it the case that for tantric experiences a male and
a female are required?
Gay people can and do practice tantra yoga.
In the first place, kundalini energy is not a requisite
theoretical part of the composite and diverse systems of
Hindu and Buddhist tantra. (See section 3.7.7 of this FAQ)
In the second place, even among those tantrikas who use the
kundalini model of energy flow, kundalini's rising energy
currents are conceived as being the same in homosexuals,
bisexuals, heterosexuals, celibates, intersexes, and eunuchs.
Finally, the history of Hindu tantra yoga ritual artwork
contains many graphic examples of the ritualization of male
castration (severing of both the testicles and penis) as part
of an extreme devotionary act dedicated to Shakti in her
wrathful form of Kali. Ritual castration is not condoned by
the Indian government at the present time, but insofar as it
was admired, advocated, and institutionalized by certain
(minority) tantric gurus and their students in the past, it
is evident that a male practitioner's sexual orientation
and/or his capacity to function as a vaginal penetrant are
NOT relevant to his acceptance into certain schools of
tantra yoga. This information is not presented with the aim
of equating homosexuals with castrati, merely to indicate
that the penis-in-vagina coupling of heterosexual male and
female bodies is not central to all schools of tantric
teaching. (Ritual castration, by the way, was not limited to
Indian religious practice: male members of the Near Eastern
cult of Cybele also offered their genitals to their goddess;
likewise, ritual male castration made inroads into early
Christianity, although it was condemned as excessive during
the late Middle Ages.)
____________________________________________________________
4.0 REFERENCE MATERIALS
4.1 I would like to learn more about these subjects, but am
extremely wary of "teachers" and especially so in this
context. There are a lot of fakes out there. Can you
provide references that I can read to learn more?
Self-teaching or mutual teaching with a partner is
definitely acceptable in the realm of Western sex-
mysticism and neo-tantra, even that which is very
closely modelled on traditional Indian and Tibetan
tantra yoga. Because the opportunities for sex-abuse
must be considered, we do not recommend that you take
any class from a teacher without a thorough
investigation of his or her reputation,
Generally, in the newsgroup, the single book most often
recommended to beginners who ask for a text on tantra is
"Tantra: the Cult of the Feminine" by Andre Von Lysbeth.
This book contains a basic historic and cultural
introduction to Indian culture, Hindu tantra yoga,
Saktiism, and karezza, with pragmatic explanations of
how to perform the mystical, yogic, and sexual practices
recommended by a variety of ancient and contemporary
schools of tantra yoga, Western sex-mysticism, and
neo-tantra.
For those who ask about Taoist sex alchemy, the book most
often recommended in the newsgroup is
"The Art of the Bedchamber" edited by Douglas Wile.
This consists of English translations of the 22 extant
Chinese texts on the subject, with detailed cultural,
historic, and linguistic commentaries by the editor.
For those who ask about the sex-magick of Austin Osman
Spare, a web page of interest is
http://www.luckymojo.com/austinosmanspare.html
A further short list of texts will be appended if people
contribute. For now, see the lengthy bibliography at
http://www.luckymojo.com/tkbibliocontents.html
4.2 Is the Kama Sutra of any real significance to tantra yoga?
It seems like an ancient marriage manual more than anything else.
The Kama Sutra is an ancient marriage manual. It reads
like an old-fashioned sexual self-help book. It is highly
coloured by local cultural beliefs, too, regarding the
status of women, of marriage as an institution, and even of
children and pets. We consider it more of a curiosity than
anything else -- and we consider 19th and 20th century
interest in it a significator of Western culture's
fascination with "exotic" (i.e. foreign culture) sex. The
Kama Sutra is no more or less about sexual metaphysics or
sexual spirituality than a standard American "how-to-fuck"
book would be.
4.3 Are there tantra videos, courses, or seminars?
Most materials currently available on video or taught in
workshops and courses are more properly considered to be
neo-tantra, not tantra yoga.
A short list of available materials will be appended here
if people contribute. For now, see the link-list at
http://www.luckymojo.com/tkwebsites.html
============================================================
Contributors:
catherine yronwode (cat@luckymojo.com)
tyagi nagasiva (nagasiva@luckymojo.com)
Matt Atkins (matkins@io.com)
Shava Nerad (shava@efn.org)
Tzimon Yliaster (tzimon@xiqual.com)
Editors:
tyagi nagasiva (nagasiva@luckymojo.com)
catherine yronwode (cat@luckymojo.com)
Modifications to this FAQ, as well as new questions
and answers, should be discussed in alt.magick.tantra
rather than via private e-mail.
____________________________________________________________
Copyright Notice:
copyright 1999 catherine yronwode, tyagi nagasiva,
and Matt Atkins; reproduction for profit or for
non-electronic distribution prohibited without the
express permission of the copyright holders.
Editors:
tyagi nagasiva (nagasiva@luckymojo.com)
catherine yronwode (cat@luckymojo.com)
============================================================
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