Tantric practices have existed for thousands of years – meditative practices built upon a profound regard for the experience of the senses. Over the last century, the West has been exposed to these teachings, and has responded with neo-tantric blendings of Eastern practices and Western psychology. Continue reading Tantra article»
The recommended books listed below offer a survey of the history of Tantra from its beginnings in the Indus River valley of India millennia ago to the latest permutations of tantric practices developed in the West. They provide detailed guidance to developing your own practice of tantric meditation, deepening your relationship with your Beloved, and exploring the mysteries of the sensual Universe.
This 2-CD guided meditation set is a delicious combination of evocative words, original music and the soothing voice of Sandi Anders. Learn to deeply and fully relax with the Deep Rest Meditation. Embrace your innermost self and discover Perfect Love within with the I Am Beloved Meditation. more»
Most people think of ecstasy in terms of sexual ecstasy, but Margot Anand expands our definition of ecstasy and shows how we can harness its energy to help us live, work, and love more passionately, joyfully, and with true spiritual focus. Our modern work-obsessed, stress-filled culture – what Anand calls the “anti-ecstatic conspiracy” – has dulled our spirits, thrown us off balance and alienated us from meaningful, everyday experiences. In this inspirational journey, Anand explains how experiences of ecstasy can help us move beyond pain and doubt to reach our highest potential. 1999, Broadway Books
This landmark book on human sexuality makes the sacred lovemaking techniques of the East fully comprehensible to western readers. Elegantly illustrated and filled with detailed exercises, it helps the reader acquire new attitudes and broaden his or her range of experience. The book is especially strong on methods for couples to revitalize and strengthen their relationship. 1991, Jeremy P. Tarcher
Margot Anand has made her life’s work the investigation of sacred sexuality and its incorporation into everyday existence. In this audio series, she teaches Tantric exercises which help the listener learn how to intertwine the mystical aspects of body and soul through sexuality. Listeners can discover how the practice of sexual magic enables couples to focus on their personal vision during sex and create changes in their daily relationships and circumstances through the energy they produce. Audio Cassette, 1996, Sounds True
Rather than looking at desire as an obstacle to personal growth and enlightenment, Daniel Odier, a scholar and teacher of Tantra, maintains that it is the only true path to liberation. He teaches a meditative practice based on hightening your awareness of sensory perception -- wherever you are. Luminosity of existence thus pervades everything and even the smallest things give pleasure. 2001, Inner Traditions
The Essence of Tantric Sexuality is a modern and comprehensive book that celebrates the sacredness of the body (and desire) within the Hindu Tantric tradition, and aims to dispel remnants of our Puritan past that define many natural activities of our daily life, including sexuality and desire, in negative terms. Michaels and Johnson explain the Tantric philosophy and its principles, demystify it for beginners, and offer authentic exercises and techniques that will help turn your every moment of pleasure into an opportunity to experience the divine. 2006, Llewellyn Publications
Sweeping away centuries of misunderstandings and misrepresentations, White returns to original texts, images, and ritual practices to reconstruct the history of South Asian Tantra from the medieval period to the present day. This work of scholarship traces developments in Tantric practice as external ritual practices increasingly become incorporated into the body of the practitioner. He focuses extensive attention on the role of erotico-mystical ritual practices in South Asian Tantra and critiques the modern forms of “Tantra” marketed by New Age entrepreneurs. 2003, University of Chicago Press
The Multi-Orgasmic Couple will show you and your partner how to experience intense multiple whole-body orgasms; pleasure each other profoundly; use sexuality for health and healing; deepen your love and spiritual relationship. Couples will discover simple step-by-step techniques for a level of sexual pleasure, intimacy, and healing they may not have known was possible. This fully illustrated guide will inspire couples to make love all night-and make love last a lifetime. 2002, HarperOne
Offering men clear and practical guidelines for reaching their real but seldom-realized sexual potential, The Multi-Orgasmic Man vividly explores these extraordinary facts: by learning to separate orgasm and ejaculation (two distinct physical processes) men can transform the momentary release of ejaculation into countless peaks of whole-body orgasms. Men who experience multiple orgasms report increased vitality and longevity, by avoiding the fatigue and depletion that follow ejaculation. This book shows you how! 1997, HarperOne
For women who seek heightened spiritual consciousness with their extended and multiple orgasms, Chia and Abrams prescribe a series of meditations and exercises from the Chinese Taoist tradition. The authors' inclusive language speaks to all women, regardless of age, sexual orientation, relationship status, orgasm tendencies or level of experience with meditation. The good, basic information on general sexual health and wellness emphasizes holistic approaches to maintenance and treatment, and the primer on the fundamentals of chi (energy) provides a solid overview of the theoretical basis for the methods developed to cultivate and use this energy. 2006, Rodale Books
The crowning cultural achievement of medieval India, Tantric Buddhism is known in the west primarily for the sexual practices of its adherents who strive to transform erotic passion into spiritual ecstasy. Miranda Shaw convincingly argues that the enlightenment thus attempted was not for men only and presents extensive new evidence of the outspoken and independent female founders of the Tantric movement and their creative role in shaping its distinctive vision of gender relations and sacred sexuality. 1995, Princeton University Press
Red Hot Tantra drops the robes of holiness to offer the first shamelessly erotic, blissfully sensual, and devoutly naughty tantric guide. This book combines erotic stories and instructions for a Red Tantra experience, an ancient, orgasm-positive, woman-centered tradition based on erotic goddess worship. 2004, Quiver
A Joy of Sex for the new age, this treasury of eastern and western sexual secrets will help couples enjoy the best physical and spiritual relationship possible. The book contains Tantric and Taoist techniques of sacred sexuality, guided meditation passages, and tasteful drawings. 1995, Bantam Books
First published in 1979, this popular book (over 1 million copies sold) presents a concise and articulate overview of the history and philosophy of sacred sex. Practical exercises and meditations are interspersed throughout. Sexual Secrets works well for people who like to know the background of what they are doing and want to pick and choose the activities they will do in their exploration. The book is lavishly illustrated with wonderful erotic drawings by Penny Slinger. 1999, Destiny Books
Encyclopedic in scope, Spiritual Sex is the most complete and authoritative guide on Tantra, covering every aspect of the venerable practice—its origins and evolution as the oldest and most natural religion, its history, rites, sects, rituals, magical powers, and its exquisite panoply of Indian and Near Eastern gods and goddesses. It's wondrous, exhilarating, and true: you can use sexual pleasure as a guide to spiritual fulfillment. 1997, Pocket
This artfully illustrated book distills the art of Tantric practice into simple language with clear explanations, helpful exercises and gentle encouragement. Charles and Caroline Muir offer modern couples ancient Tantric secrets for deepening relationships, intimacy, and passion. 1990, Mercury House
Tantra - Discovering the Power of Pre-Orgasmic Sex is a common-sense guide on how to utilize sexuality to complement a full-scope system of yoga practices. Practical techniques are provided which enable both couples and solo practitioners to utilize the sexual response to cultivate sexual energy to its highest levels of spiritual manifestation. Finally, here is a no-nonsense book that takes the mystery out of sexuality and its relationship to yoga and the spiritual path. 2006, AYP Publishing
Filled with over fifty exercises, dozens of examples, explanations, and experiences, this workbook provides a cornucopia of material for Tantric practitioners or novices to use in order to enhance and enrich their sexual life, focusing on "consciousness, an experimental attitude, and, above all, pleasure". Michaels and Johnson suggest approaching the material slowly but steadily, studying and experimenting with one chapter per week. All of the exercises can be explored by persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. 2008, Llewellyn Publications
Tracing the complex genealogy of Tantra as a category within the history of religions, Hugh B. Urban reveals how it has been formed through the interplay of popular and scholarly imaginations. Tantra emerges as a product of mirroring and misrepresentation at work between east and west. Combining historical detail, textual analysis, popular cultural phenomena, and critical theory, this book shows Tantra as a shifting amalgam of fantasies, fears, and wish fulfillment, at once native and Other, that strikes at the very heart of our constructions of the exotic Orient and the contemporary West. 2003, University of California Press
Daniel Odier writes about his search to find a Tantric master. On the verge of giving up, he retreats to a small village in India where he finds a great Tantric master, Devi, in the forest. She agrees to take him on as her student and warns him that his journey will be difficult. As the master-student bond is strengthened, Devi’s teachings become more deep and subtle. The final part of the time spent with Devi involves his initiation into Tantric ritual sexuality, the joining of Shiva and Shakti, which causes the rising of the Kundalini, the sacred spiritual force that purifies the body. Odier also relates the challenges of coming back to the “real world” to use what he learned. 1997, Inner Traditions
Acclaimed sex educator Barbara Carrellas radically updates Tantric sex practices for modern sexual explorers seeking ecstasy that lingers longer than orgasm. With a juicy mix of erotic how-to and inspired, pleasure-centered spiritual wisdom, she guides readers through a repertoire of easy-to-grasp techniques and positions for solo and partner play, as well as more adventurous practices. Tantric virgins and curious sex positivists alike will discover a world of sensual delights and learn how to take pleasure to new levels of intimacy and spiritual fulfillment. 2007, Celestial Arts
Dr. Barratt creates a modern synthesis of sexuality and spirituality, drawing on the ancient traditions of Tantra and the insights of modern psychoanalysis. This generous and uplifting book celebrates the interweaving of sex and spirit into one Holy Spirit. 2004, Xlibris Corporation
Dr. Barratt advances Tantric practice for westerners, even while debunking some of the myths that have accumulated around its popularization. He describes the "ABCs" of Tantric practice: dissolving our egotism; mobilizing our subtle energies; and cultivating our spiritual awareness. This is a valuable new synthesis of Tantra for today. 2006, Xlibris
