Oceanic Tantra – The Art of Sacred Sexual Union
by Sereena Hogan
Sexuality and Spirituality – itís amazing how many of us still canít even
fathom these two concepts have anything to do with one another. Yet no matter
how spiritual our focus in this lifetime becomes, until we acknowledge that we
are sexual beings, until we awaken and align all of our chakras, we cannot
experience a state of completeness, wholeness, and balance. When most of us
focus on spirituality, we think of the upper chakras, which have to do with
intellect, intuition, and love, ignoring the lower three chakras, which have
to do with base human needs and emotions. But how can we expect to be fully
alive, fully actualized human beings when we have excluded vital parts of
ourselves? Most fundamentalist religions – even most Indian and Arabian
philosophies – focus on the elimination or avoidance of bodily pleasures.
Tantra, on the other hand, welcomes the full expression of physical pleasure.
Tantra is an ancient mystical path that offers an all-embracing vision of
cosmic harmony. The word Tantra has been defined in many ways. Some claim it
comes from the Sanskrit word for fabric or tapestry. Others say it comes from
two Sanskrit words: Tanoti, which means to expand consciousness, and Trayoti,
which means to liberate consciousness. So, one could say, Tantra involves the
expansion or liberation of consciousness, making it the fabric of life. In
Western countries, the word Tantra has become synonymous with sexuality, yet
the Tantric vision is vast, stretching far beyond the realms of love and
sexuality, ebracing body, mind, heart, and spirit. Most Tantrikas agree that
Tantra involves the weaving together of the seeming opposite expressions of
life force energy… male and female, yin and yang, light and dark, spirit and
matter, masculine and feminine… into a state of passionate, ecstatic Sacred
Union.
Whether you have a sexual partner in your life or not, or even if you have
chosen the path of celibacy, many of the techniques taught in Tantra can be
used to help you become aware of and learn to tap into your sexual energy.
Many people, including enlightened teachers and religious figures,
misunderstand the real meaning of celibacy. True celibacy is not a denial or
suppression of sexual energy. True celibacy is when one chooses to focus or
channel sexual energy, in non-sexual ways, into other areas of life. Our
bodies are made up of layers of invisible energy in form. Second Chakra
energy, or sexual energy is the creative force. This energy can be channeled
into oneís sex life, or it can be used to fuel oneís passion, whether it be
art, music, sewing, cooking, writing, sports, or whatever makes your heart
sing.
Sexual energy is the most powerful force within the human body and can lead
to profound spiritual experiences accompanied by intense physical pleasure and
bliss. Although Tantra encourages bodily pleasures, it is not a hedonistic
practice. It requires full awareness and consciousness of the energies that
flow through all living things. Tantrikas become a part of the primal energy
of all that is and use their sexual energy with awareness, love, and respect.
In Tantra, the orgasm is with the Universe.
Developed by world renown musician Raphael (best known for his Music to
Disappear In I and II, and Angels of the Deep) and Kutira Decosterd, Oceanic
Tantra is a shamanic experience – a way to explore sexuality using yoga,
meditation, breathwork, massage, sexual healing, loving rituals, dance, music,
theater, powerful visualizations, and positive ceremonial practices. This
unique form of Tantric expression, inspired by the dynamic ebb and flow of the
ocean itself, provides a planetary vision and connects participants with all
living forms. Dolphins and whales are a source of inspiration and an important
bridge to Tantra. Their conscious breathing and undulatory movements are
similiar to the breathing and movement techniques taught in traditional
Tantric practices. These practices move the cerebrospinal fluid and the
Kundalini force (the bodyís biological life-energy system) from the base of
the spine to the brain, creating an energy frequency sometimes referred to as
God, or Goddess, the Divine, the Force, or Oneness. When we are in touch with
the pulse of these waves of energy, everything becomes orgasmic … we can
make love to everything, letting go of all barriers to pure bliss!
Raphael and Kutira of Maui, Hawaii, are internationally known for their
transformative recordings, live performance, seminars, and rituals. Kutira, a
psychotherapist, has studied ancient Tantric traditions with great masters
from the East and West for over 18 years and is respected throughout the world
for her unique experiences with whales and dolphins. Rapheal spent ten years
at the Esalen Insitutite as a mucician and teacher and was a principal
musician for Gabrielle Roth and the Mirrors for 13 years. Through their union,
they create passionate and dynamic ways to bring greater consciousness to the
area of sexuality and spirituality. They live together in Maui, Hawaii, and
are directors of the Kahua Hawaiian Institute for Inner Transformation. Their
albums, The Calling, and Tantric Wave, are highly valued by people from all
walks of life. They will be sharing their music and Oceanic Tantra teachings
in Tucson April 30 – May 3.