TANTRA
I say in my Erotic Manifesto that I am a follower of Tantra … "Guiltless, artful sex. Not sex for procreation, where women are reproduction facilities - but sex for mutual pleasure".
That definition shall suffice in the context of my Erotic Photoart, where the images act as stimulant, as an aphrodisiac. Obviously there is a lot more to Tantra, many will even argue that my use of the term is not only very specific, but incorrect.
Be that as it may ... I am very comfortable with my interpretation. For a technical definition of tantra and its various meanings and interpretations, go to wikipedia.
There are many schools of Tantra that teach Tantra as a means of improving ones relationship with our partner, both in a sexual context and as a means of expanding wider 'loving rerlationships'.
What is tantric sex?
"Tantra (pronounced tahn-tra, with an ahh sound in that first syllable) is a Sanskrit term that translates to "weave." It refers to weaving together or uniting the masculine and feminine forces within all of us, heaven and earth, the human body with the transcendent, collapsing the polarities. The purpose of tantra is to discover an ecstatic union with all of life beyond the separate sense of self. Sacred sex—an aspect of tantra—is seen as one doorway to that transcendent truth, once we learn how to harness it.
"The simplest explanation of sacred or tantric sex is that it's about bringing the fire of your sexual energy, passion, and desires into alignment with your heart, your spirit, and a sense of goodness in your life. When these forces come into balance and harmony, the sparks of interpersonal magic really start flying, and sex becomes something healing, empowering, transcendent, and profoundly beautiful."
Soul and Spirit Magazine:
"... do you know what ‘tantric sex’ actually means? At its most simple, tantric sex, which is also known as ‘neotantra’, represents the goal of bringing our spiritual and physical beings together during the act of love in a way that can bring the lovemaking participants to a higher spiritual plane.
“Start with adopting mindfulness during lovemaking. Rather than simply losing yourself to physical sensation, try to delay orgasm by slowing things right down and staying in the moment, focusing on where you are at any given time and what you are doing. Tantric sex is not just about achieving an orgasm, but about connecting with your partner, the activity, and ultimately the universe itself. Focus on the details, and put thoughts of gratification to one side. Our sexual energy serves a significant purpose, and it isn’t just about climax, self-pleasure and procreation. Our energy literally connects us back to Source through the very energy that created us ..."
Healthline: How to Practice Tantric Sex
"What is tantra? Although often synonymous with sex, tantra is really about connection - whether that’s with yourself or between you and a partner, tantra is about enlightenment: to transcend both the sexual and spiritual planes by engaging in deeply meditative, spontaneous, and intimate sex. It’s about getting to know your body. Like yoga, tantra is all about physical and spiritual awareness. When you learn and practice tantra, you become more in-tune with your body, what gives it pleasure, and the way it feels pleasure. This allows you to pay better attention to your body’s wants and needs and make sure they’re fulfilled. Plus, the energies you channel during tantric sex flow throughout your body and can intensify your orgasm."
Sofia Sundari:
"I feel that there is a yearning in the world for Tantra, this magnificent system of self-development which embraces all aspects of life: the light, the dark and everything in between. Tantra gives us specific techniques that turn our Love and Sex Life into a sacred journey of empowerment and transformation into the best possible version of ourselves."
The Australian School of Tantra:
"Tantra sessions enhance pleasure and deepen intimacy. Relationships are like a garden and to flourish they need attention and given care. Living with love takes some mindfulness and attention. Gone are the days where you would just fall in love and the relationship then looked after itself because your partner ‘knew’ that you loved them. That is a previous generations belief which many people held and when the stressors of living put pressure on partners, as individuals, often some thing had to give. That often shows up in relationship as lack of patience, lack of empathy and consideration for the other. Love melts exposing dissatisfaction and drifting apart."
Beautiful Tantra:
"A Tantric Massage works with your sexual energy, which is life force energy. Tantra is the art of presence and relaxation during arousal, and this is what opens up new and extraordinary possibilities within your own body. Your energy is aroused at the beginning, in a relaxing and natural way.
"A Tantric Massage is a full body massage, using long flowing strokes, which works with your sexual energy. It invites you to relax into the arousal and by staying mindfully focused on the pleasure, you open up new pathways and possibilities within your own body ... you can expect soothing sensual touch, and your erogenous zones to be honoured in a fulfilling and sensitive fashion, taking the energy generated and moving it around your whole body, connecting all parts of you. You may experience your whole body tingling with orgasmic pleasure. Healing benefits and insights are gained from focusing on the expansion and flow of your sexual life force energy."