The Essence of Tantric Sexuality
By Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson
(Swami Umeshanand Saraswati) (Devi Veenanand)
Foreword by Rudolph Ballentine, M.D.
Review by Angela Hutchinson
Spirit-Works.net
Tantra means “that which expands the mind-body complex and leads to the ultimate experience of liberation—liberation from the small stuff”. Authors Michaels and Johnson want to bring a more authentic practice and knowledge of Tantra to the reader based upon the teachings of Dr. John Mumford, Swami Anandakapila Saraswati, referred to in this book as “Swamiji”, an accomplished Yogi and teacher, presented at the 1976 Gnosticon conference.
Histories of the two paths of tantra, Vama Marga and Dakshina Marga, as well as terminology, are thoroughly explained to the reader so there is a vital foundation for further learning. As reported, we in the West have bits and pieces of the original teachings of Tantra; The Essence of Tantric Sexuality is presented to bring forth a clearer view of the true meaning of Tantric yoga.
Mudras are gestures that create “a psychophysical change.” They are employed to “regulate the flow of prana, or vital energy.” I was deeply impressed with the information regarding how altered states of consciousness are achieved. There is a true biological link to many of the practices which are described for the reader as well. There are numerous exercises included to help the reader induce states of relaxation that go beyond most books currently on the market.
Also included are cards used in practice which, when demonstrated correctly, can result in great health benefits such as lowering blood pressure. The authors realize the amount of information given and the practice itself can seem overwhelming, “Confusion is a fact of life, and more importantly, confusion precedes fusion. You will get the hang of it with practice.”
Tantra is a spiritual path which can be shared with a partner; it is more than a euphoric sexual encounter. “The challenge lies in discovering how to have a direct experience of that state of mind (heaven), which can also be understood as a state of Yoga, or union, with the divine.” In the Tantric sexual response cycle, the excitement phase is lengthened and quite literally the focus, followed by a plateau and orgasm, then resolution. The orgasm phase produces alpha-theta waves in the brain which are felt as the altered states described. This cycle differs from the western response cycle by prolonging the excitement phase rather than focusing on climax.
Michaels and Johnson wonder if true Tantra in the west is even possible due to cultural bias tending to repress sexuality and increase judgment. “In Tantra, consciousness and awareness are crucial, and much of the work of the Tantric practitioner lies in finding ways to break free from cultural conditioning, habitual behavior, and unexamined taboos.”
Discussed in The Essence of Tantric Sexuality are masturbation, personal scent and pheromones, erogenic zones, massage, and my favorite, “the secret of amrita”, “the elixir of a vibrant life force”.
The Tantric path is simply another path to connecting with the divine. It is a connection to ourselves, our partner, and to God. “With my body I thee worship.” It is refreshing to see the veil lifted on this subject and be called to question our own judgments toward sexuality and each other. Self awareness in all forms is indeed a higher state to dwell.
“The most terrible death is the death of the soul, the death of the spirit, the death of the spiritual courage that exists within each one of us.”