What is Tantra?
Tantra is an ancient philosophy rooted in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, originally passed down orally. This is why pinpointing the exact origins of Tantra is challenging, though the first written texts date back to the first millennium AD. Some of the core principles in Tantric philosophy include non-dualism, sacred sexuality, the union of opposites, rituals, using the body as a gateway to spirituality, and a deep understanding of the human energy body. However, Tantra is not just a philosophical system to be understood intellectually—it is a practical system. It is grounded in the direct experiences and realizations of Tantric sages and thrives on the insights and experiences that each student contributes.
My intention with this article is not to provide more facts about this rich tradition; there are plenty of books and resources written by scholars who have studied Tantra far more extensively than I have. What I wish to share is my personal experience and the lessons I’ve learned since I committed to living a life more aligned with Tantric principles. So, the real question becomes:
How has Tantra changed my life, and what have I learned on this journey so far?
For me, Tantra is a way of deeply encountering myself— embracing both my pain and pleasure, my beauty and ugliness, my strength and vulnerability with love and acceptance. The more I learn to embrace who I am, the more I can fully meet, see, and accept the people around me. It’s like making peace with myself, and gradually falling in love with who I am, a little more every day.
As I continue this journey, my fears, desires, and boundaries are becoming clearer and stronger. They bring a fresh vitality to my life. Fears and desires are like messengers from my past and future, guiding me toward the path I’m meant to walk. Boundaries, on the other hand, are signals from my body, reminding me of my physical limits. They are essential for maintaining strength, health, and growth.
My body is my greatest ally on this Tantric path, and I strive to care for, love, and honor it as much as I can. It holds the memory of where I’ve been, what has been before me and leads me toward where I’m going. It speaks to me, teaching me lessons of life through pain and pleasure, guiding me to where I need to be. It is a living, breathing miracle and a source of wisdom.
In Tantra, there is no right or wrong—there is only what is happening in this moment and how it moves you. So, what I’m sharing here is my experience of Tantra at this point in my journey, and I can sense there’s more to come.
Stay tuned as I continue to explore and share my Tantric journey.
Bye for now.
Sil
