WHAT IS TANTRA?

Written by Lukas Sato, creator of the Aos Caminhos school, pioneer in teaching, development and access to the Tantric Education proposal.

⏳ Approximately 3 minutes of reading.


Nowadays, Tantra is often associated with therapies focused on issues related to human sexuality. This link constitutes a significant point of divergence between professionals who use the term Tantra to describe their therapeutic practices and scholars of the set of tantric traditions.

Georg Feuerstein, a renowned Yoga and Tantra scholar, has expressed concerns about the modern interpretation of Tantra, especially the Westernized version known as Neo-Tantra. One of his quotes that reflects this concern is:

"Many forms of Neo-Tantra are simply a pretext to justify promiscuous sexual behavior under the cloak of spirituality."

This phrase highlights his criticism of what he saw as a misrepresentation of traditional Tantra, where deep spiritual practices are reduced to mere justifications for the exploration of sexuality in a decontextualized way and disconnected from its original purposes of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Yes, fellow readers, he has his reasons for such thinking. After all, modern Tantra, which we refer to as Neo-Tantra, has deviated, at times, from the existentialist perspective proposed by traditional Tantra. This occurred mainly due to supposed masters who used spiritual pretexts to carry out acts of physical, emotional and power abuse. Unfortunately, abusive practices are not limited to a single area, occurring in therapeutic and religious contexts, among others. Abuse is a crime! And every crime must be duly penalized.

AFTER ALL, WHAT IS TANTRA?

Tantra, as a spiritual practice, has never been therapy.

Tantra is a system of support and development of human life, supported by a behavioral philosophy set out in sacred texts (Shastras / Śāstra), known as Tantras. It is essential to emphasize: Tantra refers to philosophy, system and vision. The Tantras, on the other hand, are the scriptures that detail this vision and direct practices through the interpretations of schools of thought, that is, the sampradayas that form the lineages of Tantrism.

Tantra is a set of subtle practices, serving as an instrument of expansion that causes a distance from the ordinary mind, opening the way for direct contact with the supreme consciousness. This practice reveals a conception of the conscious divine, composed of the principles of nature and consciousness - a divine consciousness and its manifestation (Shiva and Shakti). Beautiful, isn't it? What makes everything even more beautiful is the fact that this vision of the divine resides within us, reflecting our essence as the manifestation of the divine.

Mauricio Wolff adds:

"Tantra seeks to answer the question of how One can become many, or how the ultimate reality, which is singular, can give rise to the countless objects we perceive through our senses. How can the One become many?

Tantra seeks to answer this question from a non-dualistic perspective: the One originates the countless objects that we perceive through the senses, relying on the principle of causality (law of karma) and not on the idea of ​​maya, the manifested world, as being an illusion ."

Not being therapy doesn't mean it can't be therapeutic. According to Herbert Von Güenter, a Buddhist scholar, the Tantras “contain a very integral and healthy vision of life”.

Do you want to practice safely, with respect for ethics and consent? Come with us to Piracanga, there in Bahia, to experience 13 wonderful days. Link at the end of the page!

WHAT IS MODERN TANTRA?

Modern Tantra, also known as Neo Tantra, is a movement that began to emerge in the 1960s in the West, acquiring shape and influence mainly through the ideas of Osho, an Indian spiritualist leader. He integrated elements of the Tantric tradition, Sufism, Zen Buddhism, among other influences, with Western concepts and practices, offering an unconventional perspective on spirituality, sexuality and personal growth. His, perhaps greatest contribution, are active meditations.

In short, this was the starting point of the idea that found support in Reich's studies on the body, psyche and orgone, in the Bioenergetics of Lowen and Pierrakos, and in the Pathwork of Eva and John Pierrakos, among others. These foundations were crucial for the support and development of this approach that became a form of therapy. It is the contribution of the brilliant minds of modernity.

TANTRA AND TANTRIC EDUCATION.

Understand, Tantric Education is not an appropriation of the tantric amalgam. I moved away from this vanity, as it never made sense for me to claim that my approach belongs to a traditional tantric lineage. I came to this conclusion after studying classical Tantra and its complex structures. I recognized the importance of naming and placing things in their proper place to preserve and honor the lives and teachings of those who came before us.

Our path is traced by our countless wanderings, wanderings that originate from the interests that motivate our searches. This is how Tantric Education gained structure: movement and a dose of courage. 

I refuse to conform to dogmatic structures that sacrifice my freedom, creativity, and physical, emotional, and spiritual senses. The clarity of identity that permeates the work is vital as it is deeply intertwined with our authenticity. Being authentic involves accepting and embracing who you really are, with all your imperfections and uniqueness, and having the courage to live in accordance with that inner truth, even if it means being different from others or facing challenges. When we don't understand what we seek and who we are, we become vulnerable to the influence of those who are lost in their own ways, without knowing what they want or who they are.

SO WHY EDUCATION AND WHY TANTRIC?

"Education is transformative", as Paulo Freire stated. When we apply this perspective to the education of our humanity, we realize that it not only transforms, but also enhances individual and collective capabilities. Education is not just a means of imparting knowledge; it is a powerful tool for liberation, empowerment and growth. It is through it that we build fairer, more inclusive and prosperous societies, where each person has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

WHY TANTRIC?

Regardless of the tantric practice, they are disruptive, that is, aimed at promoting a rupture with the ordinary mind, with the rooted patterns that lead us to mechanical actions that influence the paths of life. This rupture seeks to create a meditative space for the emergence of the extraordinary mind. It is in this place that, through a new perspective and perception, we come into contact with our choices, habits, regrets and pains, as well as valuing the qualities that shape our construction. With the emergence of the extraordinary mind, we are able to transform the quality of our thoughts, creating a flow of acceptance, forgiveness and contentment. Resolution. Demonstrating, at least for me, spirituality in its essence.

In short: the choice for the tantric approach to education is motivated by its deep understanding of human nature and its ability to integrate spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of learning.

FINALLY, WHAT IS TANTRIC EDUCATION?

Tantric Education is an approach to body therapy, or as I like to call it: school of humanities, which values ​​the journey of self-discovery and expansion of consciousness, encouraging practitioners to explore their own truths and potentials, recognizing the importance of integrating different dimensions of the human experience for meaningful and transformative learning. By cultivating Tantra principles such as acceptance, respect and devotion, connecting with our inner self and celebrating life, Tantric Education creates an inclusive and empowering environment where each practitioner is encouraged to express their authenticity and lovingness.

Our operations are based on four essential pillars: Safety, Respect, Ethics and Consent. These principles guide every aspect of our practice and interactions. We believe that by prioritizing the safety of all involved, cultivating mutual respect, acting with ethical integrity, and ensuring full and conscious consent, we are creating an environment where each practitioner can fully flourish and prosper. These pillars are not just words, but living commitments that shape our conduct and support our mission.

This subject is long and deep, but I hope the reading was pleasant, clear and instructive.

Come practice with us! Come and connect with your essence by immersing yourself in Tantric Education in Piracanga! Enjoy 13 days in a lush natural environment while immersing yourself in transformative practices.

Immersion in Tantric Education

julho 2024 Piracanga BA

Formação em Educação Tântrica

• 19 a 31 julho 2024
• sexta 11h a quarta-feira 11h
• Lukas Sato Ratna Saiba +

agosto 2024 São Paulo (Capital) SP

Desenvolvimento em Educação Tântrica

• 10 ago a 10 novembro 2024
• sábado 8h a domingo 20h
• Lukas Sato Saiba +

agosto 2024 São Paulo (Capital) SP

Formação em Educação Tântrica

• 10 ago a 10 novembro 2024
• sábado 8h a domingo 1h
• Lukas Sato Saiba +

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