What is Tantric Yoga?

If you’re from the Western hemisphere, thinking about anything tantric may bring to mind sex and sensuality. You might be surprised to learn that, traditionally, tantra is more about spirituality than intimate yoga sequences with a partner.

A tantric yoga class may feel like a blend of hatha yoga and kundalini yoga. It puts more emphasis on the connection between energy and spiritual freedom to experience enlightenment. While each tantric yoga school will have its own methodology, the most common practices a teacher may use include:

• Mantras: Sacred sounds, words, short phrases in Sanskrit to be repeated or chanted with the purpose of transforming the mind, body and spirit.
• Mudras: Sacred hand gestures that interact with the body’s energetic field and redirect energy to create changes in our emotions, body or mind.
• Pranayama: Breathing exercises used in yoga to encourage mental focus, healing and purification of the body. They help move the “prana,” or life force energy, through the body.
• Chakra work: Specific movements or poses that activate the energy of one or more chakras with the purpose of stimulating that part of the body and triggering certain responses or emotions.

If you’re curious about this practice, take this into account:

• This style of yoga is deeply spiritual. If you would like to explore a yoga style with rituals, sacred chanting and meditative practices, look no further.
• If you love hatha yoga, tantric yoga will take you through familiar poses and sequences with a few newer elements. It might be a good way to delve deeper into the ancient roots of yoga.
• If you want to learn about energy, chakras and the meaning behind mudras and mantras, tantric yoga will help you start a new chapter in your yoga education.
• If you’re at a point in your life when you are seeking a connection with the Universe or the Divine, tantric yoga will help guide you on the journey to spiritual enlightenment and realization.
• Please note that the type of tantric yoga we described in this article is also referred to as “white tantra.” Classes advertised as “red tantra” are related to intimate and sexual practices.

If you don’t think tantric yoga is your cup of tea, explore our Stories Hub to learn about other styles of yoga!

By Aimeé Durán Triujeque; All Rights Reserved @2022

By Aimeé Durán Triujeque; All Rights Reserved @2022