Tantric sexuality
As tantric practice became known in western culture—a development that started at the end of the 18th century, and that has escalated since the 1960s—it has become identified with its sexual methods. Consequently, its essential nature as a spiritual practice is often overlooked. The roles of sexuality in Tantra and in Neotantra, while related, are actually quite different, reflecting substantial differences in their cultural contexts.
In Neotantra the most important features of sexual practice revolve around the experience of subtle energies within our sensual embodiment, and the accessing of these energies both to enhance pleasure and to challenge our egotism into its dissolution. Thus, tantric sexuality often cultivates ecstatic consciousness as well as increased spiritual awareness of the erotic consciousness that pervades one's human embodiment as well as everything that contextualizes this embodiment.
Tantric sexual methods may be practiced solo, in partnership, or in the sacred rituals of groups. The specifics of these methods are often kept secret, and passed from practitioners to students in an oral tradition. It must be remembered that genuine tantric spiritual practice is merely one aspect of a comprehensive spiritual path of meditation—and that the sexual and erotic aspects of tantra cannot be authentically engaged in without adequate preparation and discipline.
In sum, tantric sexuality is just one dimension of a spiritual path that is devoted and dedicated to the challenge of becoming aware, in every moment of our embodied lives, of the supreme flow of the sacred lifeforce itself—the Sacred Unity of Love.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, tantric sexual practice (Sanskrit: Maithuna, cf. Tibetan:Yab-Yum) is one aspect of the last stage of the initiate's spiritual path, where s/he, having already realised the voidness of all things, attains enlightenment and perpetual bliss.[3] Such practices have always been somewhat controversial as they lend themselves to abuse, and are therefore often shrouded in secrecy.[4]
Practitioners
Teachers of this version of tantra frequently have the belief that sex and sexual experiences are a sacred act[5] which is capable of elevating its participants to a higher spiritual plane. They often talk about raising Kundalini energy[6][7], worshiping the divine feminine, activating the chakras[8], and experiencing full-body orgasms. The word "tantra," in this context, often refers to the set of techniques for cultivating a more fulfilling sexual or love relationship. On the other hand, there are also some truly dedicated scholars and teachers in the field of modern tantra.
Controversial guru and alleged cult leader Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, later known as Osho, used his version of tantra in combination with breathing techniques, bio-energy, yoga and massage in some of the groups at his ashram. He is the author of many books on meditation, taoism, buddhism and mysticism, and at least six on tantra. One of them is Tantra, The Supreme Understanding, in which he unpacks the verses of the Song of Mahamudra, by Tilopa. In addition out of his discourses on the Vigyan Bhiarav (or Vijnaya-bhairava), the 112 practices for enlightenment[9] resulted in the much longer The Book of Secrets.
His students continue to develop his concepts. One of his students is Margot Anand, who founded a school called "Skydancing" tantra. She is the author of dozens of books including the Art of Everyday Ecstasy and the Art of Sexual Magic.
Another modern tantrika is Daniel Odier who believes that Desire can be a valid pathway to transcendence[10]. He has translated and interpreted the yoga spandakarika, and has written books on tantra, buddhism, kashmiri shaivism, and meditation.
Criticisms and misuse
Georg Feuerstein, a Buddhist who also trained in Hindu Tantra, writes in the epilogue of his book Tantra: Path of Ecstasy:
"Many are attracted to Neo-Tantrism because it promises sexual excitement or fulfillment while clothing purely genital impulses or neurotic emotional needs in an aura of spirituality. If we knew more about the history of Tantra in India, we would no doubt find a comparable situation for every generation." He goes on to say, "Today translations of several major Tantras are readily available in book form... This gives would-be Tantrics the opportunity to concoct their own idiosyncratic ceremonies and philosophies, which they can then promote as Tantra."[11]
Expanded orgasm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Expanded orgasm is any sexual experience more intense and extensive than what can be described as, or included in the definition of, a regular orgasm.[1] It includes a range of sensations that include orgasms that are full-bodied, as described by Dr. Wilhelm Reich, and orgasms that last from a few minutes to many hours.[2] The term was coined in 1995 by Dr. Patricia Taylor. It was used in her Ph.D. research of intense sensual experiences of 44 couples from various backgrounds and referenced in a video she produced in 1998.
Distinguishing features of expanded orgasm are energetic sensations and contractions all over the body, especially in the abdomen, inner thighs, hands and feet, and of course the genitals, again, as Dr. Reich described in his 1942 book The Function of the Orgasm. Dr. Taylor describes reports of practitioners going into various altered states of consciousness, bringing about deep emotional release and rejuvenation, profound spiritual experiences, having awarenesses not normally perceived in regular orgasm, and perceiving energy expanding beyond the limits of their bodies.[3] Similar experiences were reported in studies by Dr. Jenny Wade,[4] and by David Deida.[5]
Participants in Dr. Taylor’s study entered into expanded orgasmic states using various sexual practices or modalities. The top four modalities were; manual self stimulation (60%), manual stimulation from a partner (35%), intercourse (30%) and oral stimulation (15%).[6] Dr. Taylor presents techniques for entering these states in her book Expanded Orgasm,[7] and in a DVD[8] and in her and a Program for Partners.[9]
Expanded orgasm is likely related[10] to experiences reported by Osho[11] and Margot Anand (valley orgasm) as described in her book The Art of Sexual Ecstasy,[12] Drs. Steve and Vera Bodansky (Extended Massive Orgasm),[13] Drs. Alan and Donna Brauer (Extended Sensual Orgasm),[14] More University (e.g., Schwartz[15]), Otto (whole body orgasm), Welcomed Consensus (DOing), Nicole Daedone of OneTaste (Orgasmic Meditation[16][17] ), Erwan Davon[18], and practitioners of neotantra and sex magic. For example, Brauer, Bodansky, and Schwartz report women having hundreds or thousands of contractions in one sensual connection.[19]
Dr. Taylor reports that men are as likely as women to go into these states and have all the experiences enumerated above.[3] In addition, both Brauer[20] and Bodansky[21] discuss male extended orgasm.
Theories for the biological processes required for achieving these states include the progressive and balanced stimulation and elevation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system; this is evidenced by the tantric practice of using breathing techniques, such as those mentioned in Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger's 1979 book Sexual Secrets: The Alchemy of Ecstasy, [22] to engage the parasympathetic nervous system during sexual activities.
