7 Insights on Choosing a Tantra Teacher
by Kutira
Looking for a Tantra Workshop? Here are the most important 7 insights to look for. It is important to choose wisely when you embark on this spiritual path. Do any of these scenarios apply to you?
– You have heard about merging sex with spirit through Tantra
– You are drawn to the claims of multiple cosmic orgasms, lovemaking for hours, reaching an altered state of ecstatic bliss through sexual meditation.
– You are hoping to find yourself through the spiritual development that is Tantra’s heritage and backbone.
These are all good reasons, but how do you find the perfect teacher who can guide you according to your personal needs and what you are truly seeking?
There are so many different classes and focuses on Tantra that it is important to ask yourself, do you want to:
– Find yourself and learn to love yourself?
– Heal some long-standing wounds?
– Develop your sexuality as a sacred path?
– Find a partner?
– Break away from old patterns that create separation?
– Explore the deeper dimensions of love?
– Learn to communicate better and create deeper intimacy?
– Learn to use sexual energy as a bridge toward God/Goddess?
– Develop spirituality?
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Once you have explored your needs you will find it easier to choose the right teacher who is skilled in helping you to explore the Tantric Path.
1) What is the Tantric path?
Tantra is a path of the heart, longevity and enlightenment. Tantra is simplicity, awareness and connection. It is a spiritual path that includes sexuality but is not limited to that only. Tantra is about developing a fullness of being.
2. What questions should you ask of a Tantra teacher?
Ask about their background and credentials. Make sure the teacher(s) have the skills to emotionally and psychologically support you.
How long has she/he been teaching? Experience makes the master.
What is their lineage of teachers? Tantra is a 5000-year-old tradition. Who taught their teachers? What is their body of work?
Are they teaching fulltime, is this their profession?
Where have they presented their work such as human potential growth centers, organizations, etc? Attend any of their public presentations, conference or free evening previews. Ask them how they organize their workshop/training, what their style is, and about any concerns you hold.
Don’t feel shy to really “investigate” what a teacher has to offer. If you are interested in your Tantric practice in the context of a committed long-term relationship then look for teachers who are in a long-term relationship. You can always start as a single; many of the Tantra practices are solo practices. The ultimate ecstasy comes from within. In time you may naturally find a partner who is willing to share with you the transformative power of this path. This increases the flowering of love to a blossoming of ecstasy beyond logic and reason.
3. How should you decide on a Tantra teacher?
The WAY Tantra is taught is as important as what is taught. Tantra is a profound way to experience your total being. Does this teacher empower you? Does this teacher inspire you to love and trust? Follow your heart.
Every school and lineage of Tantra has its own scent, flavor, and vision. What style of Tantra are you looking for? Heart-centered, Meditation-centered, body-centered?
You can rate schools from red to pink to white depending on how sexually explicit their approach is. Red Tantra addresses sexuality openly. White Tantra tends to the purely spiritual side of energy dynamics and meditations. Once you know what direction you want to move, you will be able to judge if a particular teacher’s style matches what you are seeking.
4. Who can call him/herself a true Tantra teacher?
There are people who have taken one or two workshops and then call themselves Tantra teachers. Even if they have taken a training course and been “certified” that does not make them a seasoned teacher. Effective Tantra teaching comes with maturity. Tantra is not technique! Tantra is a spiritual path of the heart. Before technique must come the connection and love to yourself, others and the divine. A true Tantra teacher is committed to this.
5. What can you do?
In the beginning a truly devoted student of Tantra takes his/her time to visit as many different schools and teachings as possible. Learn as much as you can and when you find the right teaching, the one that resonates with you, go deeper into it and explore as much as you can. Bring all the meaningful teachings into your own practices and embark on the path of Tantra as a way of living. It takes years of practice to do this. And ask yourself: Will I be willing to make time in my busy life to practice? Tantra practices means regular exercise, like yoga, jogging, or working out and creating sacred time with your partner to meditate and cultivate your spiritual sexual union.
6. What will you get?
Tantra brings a deep devotion to your spiritual path, expanding and engaging many forms. Singing, dancing, meditation, chanting, praying, eating, making love, all develop into an awareness of being. A constant meditation of joyful living. Celebrating all with a YES to life.
7. Imagine…
you are a gardener and you only work with roses. One day you discover lilies and then you find out about gardenias and the beauty of carnations. Now you put all the flowers into a beautiful sweet smelling bouquet that looks and feels abundant. And the gardener, you, through the process of bringing everything together, has gained wisdom and understanding. This is what you will experience on your path of searching for the right master, coach or teacher who can guide you towards experiencing the fullness of your being.