What is Tantra?
Tantra is a broad and complex spiritual tradition that originated in India, with roots going back thousands of years. The word "tantra" comes from the Sanskrit root words *tan* (to expand) and *tra* (to liberate), and it generally refers to practices and philosophies aimed at expanding consciousness and achieving spiritual liberation.
Tantra refers to a vast body of texts (tantras) found in both Hinduism and Buddhism. These texts provide detailed instructions on rituals, meditation, yoga, and philosophy.
Unlike some spiritual paths that emphasize renunciation, tantra often embraces the material world and the body as vehicles for spiritual growth. It teaches that everything—physical and spiritual—can be sacred.
Tantra involves a variety of practices, including mantra (chanting), yantra (sacred diagrams), visualization, breathwork, meditation, and sometimes ritualized sexuality.
Many tantric practices focus on awakening and channeling subtle energies within the body, often described in terms of chakras (energy centers) and kundalini (latent spiritual energy).
In the West, tantra is often narrowly associated with sacred sexuality. While some tantric traditions do use sexual practices as a means of spiritual transformation, this is only a small part of the broader tantric tradition.
The ultimate aim of tantra is spiritual realization—awakening to one's true nature and experiencing unity with the divine.
Tantra is a spiritual tradition that uses a wide range of practices to expand consciousness, harness energy, and achieve spiritual liberation, viewing all aspects of life—including the body and senses—as potential paths to enlightenment.