During a tantric massage, we use sexual energy to generate prana, healing, and insight. These three aspects are also known as the three transformations that lead to inner freedom and loving relationships. Sexual energy, primal energy, creative energy, or Kundalini consists of two opposing forces. You have a male pole on the one hand and a female pole on the other, harmonized during the massage and converted into pranic energy. Therefore, Prana is pure life energy, which the body itself conducts through the specific actions during the massage. In other words, this process of harmonization has a healing effect on the body and mind. This creates insight, relaxation, and release on a deeper level than the physical body.

In short, it is about the sensation that indicates the fusion of consciousness and energy. In Tantra, this is described as the fusion of Shiva and Shakti, the two forces within yourself. It is also telling that we find these three transformations of the tantric massage in Tantra Yoga and meditation.

The greater the mental and emotional surrender during a tantric massage, the more intense the sensation. This process is called the Metta-Ji tantric healing, which means the loving touch from the heart. To make this process possible, both giver and receiver must go beyond desire, lust, and expectation. This allows the Kundalini, the basic primal energy, to rise through the body along the energetic channels that run along the spine. The three main energy channels are known as Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. In turn, these 3 energy channels activate the energy nodes, also called chakras in the Eastern tradition. Through regular repetition of this process, the body purifies and regenerates itself and causes healing of physical, mental, and emotional imbalances. As a result, happiness, health, and freedom can manifest in all areas.

First and foremost, the Tantrika sends the Metta or love from the receiver to the heart area. This creates an orgasmic sensation all over the body of the recipient. This stimulation activates Pingala and Ida Nadi, which control all vital organs and mental processes. They climb like a spiral up the spine and control the remaining – a total of 72,000 – nadis, and nourish and purify them. Thus, Sushumna Nadi can begin to flow in the center of the spine.

This process allows spiritual awakening and brings healing to the body, mind, and soul. Admittedly, science recently discovered this knowledge while Tantrics know this for thousands of years. That makes it is clear that Tantra is an excellent support for all kinds of chronic, psychological, and functional disorders.

The awakening of Kundalini is the primary goal of our human existence from an evolutionary perspective. In practice, this awakening boils down to self-realization. Only through this process can we activate our cosmic consciousness and place life’s coincidences with a deeper sense of meaning. In other words, Tantra helps us to understand and live our life from our essence.

Awakening the Kundalini

The primal energy Kundalini splits into two aspects of reality. On the one hand, you have Shiva or consciousness energy at rest, and on the other hand, you have Shakti or movement energy. When these two are in balance, you get life energy or Prana. Prana, in turn, purifies the body and increases energy. As a result of this, Chitta or cosmic consciousness can pour in, allowing us to develop a proper vision and remove the veil of illusion. The Buddha describes this process as the eightfold path.

The paradox of the Kundalini awakening

There are many persistent misunderstandings about the Kundalini, also known as the hellfire or the Shakti snake. In fact, it is sometimes translated as negative, bad, dangerous, and unpredictable. Strange as it may seem, there is some form of truth to this statement because this powerful creative energy can become destructive without the proper consciousness. The result of such a state is an illusion, conditioned thinking, and karma.

On the other hand, Kundalini can also be seen as the liberator from illusion and destruction. So Kundalini has a transformative power because it is nothing and everything simultaneously, Shiva and Shakti, respectively. Shiva without Shakti cannot manifest, and Shakti without Shiva cannot manifest consciously. Because we carry both forces within us, the solution to our own problems and our karma lies, therefore, within ourselves. Or put another way, we are both energy and consciousness. This means that the purer both are, the more beautiful, effortless, and abundant our lives and the world around us becomes. By meeting the Shiva and the Shakti within ourselves, we thus become non-dualistic. It follows that the outside world is only a reflection of who we are, our shadow, so to speak. The Buddha describes this process in the four noble truths.

In other words, the Kundalini awakening equals the activation of the self-regulating energetic system. This activation triggers purification on a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual level. When you embrace your shadows and accept the opposing forces in yourself, you start to understand yourself and life’s mysteries. In this way, you shed light on your environment. Your physical body can clean up and heal. In summary, the Kundalini awakening is nothing less than a rebirth into your own life.

Tantra as support for your Kundalini awakening

Without guidance and a conscious experience, this process takes a very long time, and it is all very intense and drastic. We can even lose ourselves in Bhukti, karma, and misunderstanding. In practical terms, this can translate into the development of chronic illnesses, old complaints that repeat, and relationship problems. It may also manifest itself in apathetic and addictive behavior, depression, loneliness, eating, and learning disorders. In fact, these are all expressions of unconsciously active Kundalini that make you lose your foundation.

So you can safely conclude that everyone who experiences stress, illness, drama, and deficiency has an unconscious activated Kundalini. To create harmony, suppressed or overwhelming emotions that activate Karma or resistance have to surface. This means that our reality says a lot about where our Kundalini is active or sleeping. In other words, you can discover for yourself where the blockage is and what you can do to remedy it. A tantric massage can provide support during this process in a pleasant way, just as a tantric session can provide clarity and insight. Tantra may be controversial, but it can help you find inner peace, and in this sense, it is a groundbreaking practice.

The foundation of the real Tantra, regardless of its purpose, is fairly easy to understand. All you need is an openness to the principle that everything that is translates into energy. Likewise, it is important to recognize that all energy contains consciousness. So consciousness and energy are in a way equal, but they’re also opposite forces that direct and shape the universe.

Both forces have both a positive and a negative pole. When these four poles, also called elements, connect and transcend each other, the feeling of ‘oneness’ arises. We recognize this feeling as a Zen experience, flow, or being ‘in the zone.’ You can also express it less mystically, and then we refer to zero-point energy, natural balance, the fifth element, etc. The five elements and Tantra are described very adequately and nicely for those interested in the Chinese Tao Tantra vision.

Non-dualistic Tantra

We can trace the origin of the authentic Tantra to the non-dualistic Shaiva Tantric tradition from Kashmir.

It was mainly influenced by Abhinavagupta and the Dzogchen tradition from Tibet. Padmasambhava, who was reportedly born in Kashmir, introduced this tendency to Tibetan Buddhism. The secret Tattva (reality principle) is the foundation of the non-dualistic Tantra. It acts as the perfect amalgamation between Shiva and Shakti.

The heart plays a vital role in Shaiva Tantrism as the core where consciousness and energy connect. In other words, Tantra helps you to connect with the wisdom of the universe through the heart. As an important tool in this process, the role of the Tantra massage should not be underestimated.

The starting point for subsequently integrating Tantra into your life consists of developing the right view. It forms the basis of the eightfold path described by the Buddha. In essence, it helps us see ourselves in our divine essence to free ourselves from our illusions.

The non-dualistic Tantra is based on the understanding of the five elements, guided by the Tattvas. These provide a framework for the various realities and help activate the senses’ awakening and thus re-manifest the natural state of being.

The two essential goals of tantra

What could be more worthwhile than freeing yourself from your shadows in a fun way so that you can experience yourself as a whole? The answer to this is obvious, but it often becomes challenging to grip on in practice. We experience a lot without necessarily making connections and developing knowledge or understanding. Fortunately, non-dualistic Tantra, in all its simplicity, is like a gift we can fall back on. It gives us tools to navigate through life and to balance its all-embracing qualities.

1. Mukti represents the liberation from all suffering and the experience of bliss or, in other words, spiritual awakening. Understanding and applying the four noble truths is essential in this regard.
2. Bhukti represents the creation of wealth, pleasure, and power. Bhukti is often misunderstood in the absence of Mukti and expressed as such. This creates imbalances, suffering, and pain. In other words, power dynamics get out of balance, and so what we know as karma or resistance arises. Understanding the eightfold path is crucial if we are to transcend Bhukti.

In our western culture, this spiritual awakening is synonymous with personal development and self-realization. When we approach life from our first three chakras, we have no control over our life. Self-realization, on the other hand, begins when the heart chakra opens and undergoes a deep transformation. By the way, this is a very drastic process and is equivalent to the awakening of Kundalini. On top of that, this chakra’s full awakening implies that a correct vision should become a constant. Only in this way the non-dualistic sensation can anchor itself deeply enough in our consciousness.

In any case, Tantra is not a belief or dogma. Rather, it is a science to perceive and understand life experiences consciously. In this sense, Tantra offers knowledge and support so that everyone can discover their authentic self. In this way, everyone can walk the Tantric Path autonomously. So, consciously or unconsciously, we walk the same path towards self-realization in our own unique way. After all, realizing the self (Shiva) in your existence (Shakti) is natural. In fact, empowering and enhancing this process is actually the real purpose of our existence. We ourselves are the only actors capable of creating both our personal and collective reality.

Become the change you want to see in the world, Gandi

Tantric Massage in the West

Most people know tantric massage as erotic, intimate, and sexual ecstasy. This view is prevalent in the West and mainly focused on tantric sex, pleasure, and limitless sexual expression, which we call Bukhari. Therefore, the dualistic framework of the Neo-Tantra creates a completely different image of Tantra and tantric massage. An in-depth look reveals that sexual liberation is indeed an important part of Tantra. However, this interpretation in the Neo-Tantra does not correspond to the essence of the authentic Tantra.

Breaking through shame, insecurity, and the fear of who you are is undeniably necessary for spiritual growth. The expression of suppressed desires, fantasies, greed, and lust plays an important role in this process. After all, it belongs to the core of the first two chakras, which must be balanced. In other words, you cannot discover and love yourself without discovering and mastering your shadows. Therefore, it is essential to make the right choice if you wish to receive a tantric massage.

When a Tantrika gives a tantric massage from a dualistic vision, there is more interaction on a physical level. This is completely OK, but it is important to know that the non-dualistic style is hugely different. The game between man and woman is more central in the former version. Also, it is certainly possible to activate Metta-Ji, especially through physical intimacy during the tantric massage. For some, it is a good step to step entry into tantric healing, in which the inner process comes first. In summary, if you choose interaction, a dualistic Tantra massage is a better choice.

Erotic vs. tantric massages

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to distinguish between tantric and erotic massages. A tantric massage can be erotic, but an erotic massage is, by definition, not a tantric massage. Despite the clear distinction between the two concepts, persistent confusion continues to arise. Fortunately, there is one golden rule that you can fall back on when in doubt: observe your experience, and your discernment will do the rest.

Unfortunately, it occurs that a tantrika sometimes uses tantric techniques to harm the integrity of the recipient. In practice, this happens through any unwanted intimacies during the massage. Usually, it is accompanied by the lack of clear prior agreements before the massage. In such cases, for the sake of clarity, there can absolutely not categorize this as Tantra. In the West, the erotic tantric massages are also known as black and red tantra. Anyone who delves deeper into the wonderful world of Tantra will quickly discover that the Neo-Tantra conveys a completely different vision of the authentic tantra.

We all know the word Namasté, which means “I greet the Buddha in you.” In Tantra we have something similar when we start seeing each other for whom we are from our heart. After all, we are all Buddha, but we don’t see ourselves that way. We are too focused on and blinded by the outside world. We are all busy surviving, fighting, performing, judging, being heard and seen, interpreting and learning. However, the actual question is: ‘What do we really want to achieve, hear and see, interpret, learn and realize?

In the authentic Tantra, the answer to this question is straightforward and simple:

• bring our energy to self-expression,
• survive the confrontation with ourselves,
• not performing but manifesting ourselves,
• not fight but surrender to the shadows of ourselves
• do not judge ourselves but judge ourselves based on values and norms proper to ourselves
• listening to ourselves and seeing ourselves for who we really are
• keeping ourselves in the here and now without mistaking our thoughts for reality
• learn to understand ourselves
• choose what we want to achieve

In other words, the core word here is ‘SELF,’ not they, he, them, them … (the outside world) but our Self, the Buddha within us.

The Four Noble Truths

Events in our life force us to get out of our comfort zone. It is mainly drastic situations that make us think about life, our relationships and ourselves. Pain and desperation can give us a strong push. As a result, we start to look at life differently and awaken from our existing reality. This fact corresponds to our first Buddha awakening and this process takes place step by step. Gautama Buddha perfectly described this process in the concept of the Four Noble Truths.

1. Recognize the existence of suffering and understand that everything is temporary except our Self
2. Discover the causes of suffering and understand that our choices, thoughts and actions determine our suffering
3. The end of suffering is possible when we act based upon the knowledge that we have power and control over our suffering and can stop it
4. The path that leads to the removal of the causes of suffering is the eightfold path

The eightfold path of the Buddha

When we can see the fourth noble truth, the Kundalini in the heart chakra has awakened and taken over the heart. This is equivalent to our second Buddha awakening, the heart then undergoes deep healing, and your whole being awakens. Your body is going through a deep transformation, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It starts with the crumbling of your deepest illusions as the basis of your foundation. Everything falls apart like a house of cards so that your authentic self can be born.

The core of the eightfold path essentially manifests itself in ethical behavior, the observation & directing of your thoughts, and creating inner wisdom that leads to self-realization.

Here’s an overview:

Ethical behavior (Sīla)

The right speech and communication (1), the right actions and choices (2), and the right livelihood and lifestyle (3).

Concentration (Samādhi)

The right effort and behaviors (4), the right awareness and mindfulness (5) and the right concentration and focus (6)

Wisdom (Panja)

The right intention and motivation (7), the right insight and reality (8)

The word correct here does not represent an absolute or dualistic fact but rather denotes clarity or without illusion. The word pure may be more appropriate because right and wrong is given the connotations often linked to the term probably not the most fitting one .

The Yoga Sutras & Meditation

To apply the knowledge of the Buddha in practice, the integration of Yoga and meditation in your life is essential. It is no surprise that Yoga and meditation are therefore important parts of Tantra. Neither, however, has a religious framework as such. Rather, they provide a more practical structure and a solid foundation to guide your Kundalini awakening. Tantric massage is therefore an easy first step, yoga and meditation are possible next steps.

The Yoga Sutras, or the eightfold path of Patanjali, connect seamlessly with the Buddha’s eightfold path. These Sutras are the Yamas, Niyamas, Asanas (the yoga positions), Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. It is these steps that, if applied, lead to self-realization. During the workshops of the Tantra Path, we go into this in more detail.

The Yamas and Niyamas refer to the ten precepts that lead to enlightenment or self-realization. They represent specific qualities that you develop during the rising of the Kundalini and your chakras’ awakening. The focus on good behavior and morals from classical Vedanta is consistent with the nature of the Yamas and Niyamas. Specific attention is paid to the principle of self-control or Brahmacharya. The Yamas are more precisely non-violence, truth, detachment, self-control and the lack of a self-serving interest. The Niyamas, on the other hand, represent purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study and surrender.

Tantra asks us to surrender unconditionally to what is in the moment, which leads to self-discovery. Working with our desires and resistance to consciously experience Buhkti and Mukti is necessary. Hence it follows that walking the eightfold path is not an absolute endeavor but rather a natural process. This process arises by consciously perceiving your rising Kundalini energy. So the Yamas and Niyamas are the natural results of consciously working with your shadows.

The dance of consciousness and awakening is beautifully described in the Mahavidyas or the ten pearls of wisdom of the Hindu goddesses: Kali, Tara, Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika. They symbolically embody the shadows and light of inner freedom. When in the light of consciousness, they reflect the Yamas and the Niyamas or the Buddha’s eightfold path.

So Tantra is more than living in freedom through sexual expansion, untethered relationships, and the expression of your fantasy. Tantra is about self-love, respect, unconditionality and awareness to live a loving existence together.

Vipassana, Madhuvidya and mindfulness are three powerful meditation techniques to help you with this daily life. Mindfulness is a mental process that allows one to perceive thoughts without interpretation, while Madhuvidya rather focuses on the heart and perceiving bliss in all that is. In contrast, Vipassana meditation is primarily about objectively perceiving bodily sensations. The actual goal is to become aware of the constant interaction between mind and body and thus resolve karma and attain enlightenment.

The ultimate essence is, just like with a tantric massage, letting go of your expectations, desires and your resistance to surrendering.