The Benefits Of Gay Tantra Yoga
Many people believe that tantra is not possible in same sex couples but the number of couples practicing gay tantra would indicate otherwise. Tantra is a Sanskrit word which means to expand, spread, weave, spin out and includes all matter, actions and thought. During Tantra the opposing flows of energy from each partner flow together or are woven together. It also refers to the personalities which are brought together through better understanding achieved in the process.
Many couples are drawn to tantra because it has a reputation for encouraging intimacy and prolonging and intensifying climax. These are not the only benefits. For the individual the process can help them come to terms with parts of their personality they were not comfortable with before. Tantra aims to help people develop spirituality, openness, shed fear and guilt and expand their boundaries to lead a more fulfilling life. Therefore it is a system of spiritual and personal development which utilizes the sexual energies.
Tantra refers to a body of theories which have been developed from original ideas from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Many methods are included in the discipline. This means that tantric practice can be very different with different teachers.
Due to the focus on opposing polarities many believe that a man and woman are needed to practice tantra. However in many traditions this is not the case. In Buddhism it is thought that sexuality is a facet of personality and so is irrelevant in tantra. Some traditions focus on the use of Kundalini energy and believe this is the same in all persons. In gay tantra it is possible to use visualization techniques to imagine that one partner is of the opposite sex.
Tantric Buddhism was created by a Buddha and his companion Big SkyDancer. The followers of this school of tantra were known for being particularly passionate and devoted to the spiritual path. It was developed by a Frenchwoman called Margot Anand Naslednikoy in the eighties. Her system, called Sky Dancer Tantra is now the most widespread type of gay tantric yoga. It is based on the concept of love as a dance in the sky.
Most tantric practice involves meditation. Breathing is a vital part of the process with techniques involving alternating breaths between partners. Visualization is another common method which has many aspects. It is possible to visualize deities or other magical powers or processes between the two bodies such as movement of energy. Yoga is used to maintain positions and for its meditative properties and focus on breathing.
Tantric massage is another prevalent way to apply tantra. It is not intended to bring about climax but to release blockages of energy in the body. The masseuse builds up sexual energy in the body and then uses that to unblock the necessary areas.
There are a range of methods of gay tantra all with the aim of developing the individual through strengthening partnership bonds, self awareness and spiritual growth. It is easy to find retreats and workshops online as the discipline grows in popularity.
Howie Holben operates Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations association that centers on metaphysical travel. Howie has travelled the world learning from indigenous peoples. You can find more about gay tours with a highlight on spirituality at Spirit Journeys website.