Tantra is misunderstood by many, covered in mystery. This is a spiritual tradition that has captivated people for centuries. Yes, the name evokes images of sexual practices and exotic rituals, but it is actually a complex system of practice and philosophy, using a range of spiritual techniques.
Tantra is a spiritual practice that harnesses the energies within the body, mind, and spirit, helping to achieve enlightenment. Unlike other traditional that focus on ascetic practices, Tantra embraces all aspects of your life, including the sensual, helping you achieve spiritual growth. It involves a number of practices from meditation and mindfulness to breathing and rituals.
Tantra can be traced back to ancient India, where it became popular as a response to changing spiritual landscapes. During the time, India was going through political, cultural, and social changes, leading to a rethink of religious practices. Tantra was a major change from the Vedic tradition, which focuses on ritualistic workshop and authority. Tantra was accessible to everyone, regardless of social status.
The Tantra texts in the early years, also known as Agamas and Tantras, are the foundation for practising Tantra. These are written in dialogues of Shiva and Shakti, covering a range of topics from yoga to meditation, and beyond.
Tantra soon spread well beyond India, undergoing adaptations for different cultural contexts. In Tibet, it became associated with Buddhism, known as Vajrayana, where it was important to religious life.
As it moved to Neapal, it was known as Newar Tantra, blending Hinduism and Buddhism with Nepalese traditions, while in China it became known as Taoist Yoga, practices by priests to cultivate spiritual immortality and internal energy.
Tantra became more refined during the medieval period In India. During this time, it focuses on yoga and other physical practices, along with breath work to achieve spiritual transformation. This played an important role in the rise in popularity of tantric massage, reaching a much wider audience.
In the nineteenth century, the British arrived in India where Tantra faced challenges as it came into contact with modernisation and Western colonialism. British officials were suspicious of tantra, seeing it as a primitive practice, destroying tantric texts and persecuting tantric practitioners.
Tantra continued to thrive, remaining a very important part of religious and cultural life, gaining popularity in the West during the twentieth century, where new forms of the practice emerged, blended with contemporary ideas. It became associated with the sexual revolution, leading to new techniques using sexual exploration.
Tantra is a complex spiritual tradition with a long history that dates back centuries. It has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, yet still remains a very powerful way to transform spiritual, while improving personal growth. What makes it unique is it provides a journey of discovery. Contact Asensu Massage to book your tantric massage today and enjoy your unique journey on discovery, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment.
