Transformative tantra
Tantra is the yogic practice of working with the subtle body, or energy body, and its relationship to the world and cosmos. For thousands of years, mystics have believed that the human body is filled with and surrounded by a subtle energy field. Originating in India and the Far East, the idea of chakras and the aura have become widely accepted in the West, particularly since practices like acupuncture have been validated by Western science. Just as we are made of energy, everything in our world is also imbued with energy with which we can interact.
Most cultures have some form of tantra. Alchemy, Qabala and Shamanism are a few examples of philosophies that include tantric practices. From dogmatic, guru-centered classical tantra to the Western version of tantra as a sexual enhancement technique, the fundamental goal is the transformation of the mundane to the divine.
Energy basics
The seven major chakras are radiant centers of energy where multiple energy channels (nadi) converge. Each chakra (Sanskrit for wheel) corresponds to different aspects of your being, including physical functions. Feelings of hot or cold, tightness, pain or pleasure in a particular chakra may be a hint that there's an area of our physical, mental, emotional or spiritual life that needs some attention. By meditating on your chakras, you can dramatically increase your calm and vitality.
Your chakras generate the energy field known as your aura. When balanced, your aura supports and protects you from intrusions of energy, such as other people's emotions. Aura meditations are a great way to purge yourself of unwanted thoughts and feelings. Finally, as you begin to sense your aura, it's a great tool for assessing your well-being.
Tantric practices
If you're regularly practicing yoga, you're already on a tantric path. Many of the basics of yoga can be components of tantra. Asanas, or physical poses, increase your physical intelligence or body knowledge. Not only does this increase your sensitivity to the subtleties of your own ever-changing state of being, it begins to clear your energy pathways. Similarly, pranayama, or breath regulation, begins to open you to the clear and conscious flow of energy. Meditation, visualization, prayer and chanting can all bring you into harmony with yourself and your reality.
Kundalini yoga is one of the best-known forms of tantra. Practitioners work to liberate the transformative kundalini force from the first chakra, drawing it upward toward the crown of the head. Kundalini rising is a natural aspect of spiritual evolution and happens, in its own time, as a result of other yogic and spiritual practices. Trying to force energy upward through blocked pathways can lead to serious distress.
Your intention, consciously feeling the flow of the universe through your body as you do your yoga poses or pranayama, elevates these practices to the level of tantra. Living life to the fullest is perhaps the ultimate tantric practice. When you enjoy every bite of food that you eat, revel in art and nature and feel completely intimate with the world around you, you make every part of your reality divine.