In my teaching work with Conscious Pathways, I get asked this question a lot: “What is Tantra?” There’s a lot of information around, and it can get very confusing, so here’s a simple explanation that I hope will help you if you’re grappling with what Tantra is and isn’t. This information is from my formal study in Comparative Religion, and it’s what I share with people when they attend Conscious Pathways workshops or retreats or do personal study with me.
Nowadays in the West, there are broadly 2 types of Tantra: Classical or “Traditional” Tantra, and Neo or “New” Tantra.
Traditional Tantra originates from India. It is a spiritual tradition that began around the 5th century. Traditional Tantra recognizes a body of scriptures called Tantras and is essentially about “realization” or “enlightenment”, which is a recognition of who we are at our core, pure consciousness or Awareness. Traditional Tantra focuses on meditation, mantras, yantras, dharanas, study of scriptures and other practices to help us realize this Consciousness, this Awareness.
Neo Tantra is much newer; it originated about 150 years ago. It focuses primarily on sexuality, intimacy, embodiment and communication practices derived from various sources. Neo-Tantra doesn’t necessarily recognize or adhere to a body of scriptures like Traditional Tantra does, and it is less likely to require adherence to a particular Tantric school or teacher.
Conscious Pathways teaches Traditional Tantra with a modern approach that is easy to follow and understand. The specific form of Tantra that Conscious Pathways teaches is Kashmir Shaivism, a Tantric “householder tradition” which originated in Kashmir. Although Kashmir Shaivism began around 850 CE, the teachings and practices of this tradition are wholly suited to modern times, and they have the power to enhance all areas of your life, including communication, self-knowledge, and connection to yourself and the world. Conscious Pathways retreats, workshops, and tuition are specifically designed to bring these benefits to you in accessible and efficient ways, to help you create your own conscious pathway through life.
"Follow a Conscious Pathway."
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