Q: For someone who may be interested in learning more about Tantra and who may attend a couple of workshops, what kinds of benefits might they hope to achieve? I ask this because many people are hesitant to dive head-first into something they might consider so exotic, Eastern, fringe, etc.
A: There are many benefits to achieve through a practice that includes Tantric techniques, and the effectiveness will, of course, depend on the individual person and what he or she already brings to the table, so to speak. A person or couple who has done some kind of activity in the personal growth arena may have a head start on a person who is just beginning to delve into the more interior aspects of life.
Most Westerners will only investigate the sexual aspects of Tantra, though the richer areas involve great personal evolution through consciousness. The sexual aspects give us practices that teach us focus and consciousness using sexuality as the vehicle. It's likely, though, that people will come face-to-face with some of the esoteric aspects in their practice of the sexual techniques. These will be fringe benefits they won't consciously undertake but that they will feel the effects of.
Workshops are wonderful because a couple or individual, sometimes for the first time, will realize that others are in the same place as they are (universal feelings). They will also get a chance to discover and connect deeply with others in safe ways. By expanding our realms of experience and understanding we develop more compassion, excitement, passion and love for our beloved and for our selves.
Reading books and viewing videos is a great way to learn because you're in the privacy of your own home. You'll get the energy of the practices and plenty of new things to try out.
Most of the Tantra books and videos blend consciousness, sexuality and education, and most of the videos are made with women in mind. This is completely contrary to our culture's way of thinking that pornography is all there is to sex education. Most sex videos turn women off -- and there's nothing much to learn from them, anyway. It is extremely enlightening for both men and women to see another woman in a sexual state of bliss. It sets a standard by which both men and women can envision a healthier, happier, more ecstatic state of being.
Other than the Tantric teachings, there are not many opportunities in life to blend the possibility of raising our consciousness and increasing our intimacy and sexual skills at the same time. It is a perfect blend for the times and one that will propel you on the path to wholeness.
Learn about Kama Sutra, Tantra and other sexual disciplines from Suzie Human at Tantra.com.
