On Neo-Tantra

In the context of the International Nath Order, it is important to understand that what we study, practice and teach is Tantra and not Neo-Tantra.

Neo-tantra (see the Wikipedia article) is nearly always used as a synonym for sacred sexuality. While neo-tantra may use many of the same terms and concepts as tantra, it discards some of the most central elements of traditional tantra. In doing so, it inverts the very process by which tantra works and devolves simply into an exotic form of sex therapy. Typically, the Kama Sutra and/or Ananga Ranga are referenced and even referred to as “Tantras.” In actuality, these works are simply sutras on love and sex and are unrelated to the traditional Tantras.

The central features of traditional tantra are Guru transmission and ritual discipline. The practitioner cultivates the spirit and works to dissolve the Five Kleshas leading to spiritual development, Divine Awakening, and a deepening relationship with space and energy or Shakti. Only once that relationship is established can sexual union be integrated into the practice with any hope of a spiritual result. As Sri Kapilnath related in a previous post,

“The Yogi unites with his Shakti before he unites with his Shakti.”

Neo-tantra, on the other hand, typically represents that the sexual act itself is the practice by which one may elevate oneself to a higher spiritual plane. The question naturally arises that if this is the case, why isn’t everyone enlightened? The answer, of course, is that we must somehow be doing it wrong. Thus does neo-tantra descend into the teaching of a set of techniques for achieving better sex or more and better orgasms. Candles and incense assume an exaggerated importance, and the right background music is a must. Of course, the teachers of this creative art form are very important people and fees for workshops and private sessions typically run from $150 to $250 an hour or more.

It may well be that some people do need these remedial sexual therapy sessions, but it is misleading to call it tantra and thus the doublespeak term neo-tantra was born. It’s not tantra, but everyone pretends that it is, and thus the money continues to flow and make the neo-tantric world go ’round.

Peace, Freedom & Happiness,
Adityanath