Tantra Yoga

Tantra yoga is about igniting and directing energies.

In traditional yoga, these energies are generally referred to as prana energies, and in a further differentiation as vayus.
According to yoga and Ayurveda philosophy, they run through the body in subtle channels, the so-called nadis. The main channels are the sushumna, ida and pingala.

In the classical Indian representation “Sapta Chakra”, the seven chakras are shown, among other things. The 7 main chakras run along the spine.

According to tradition, the Kundalini energy now sits like a snake coiled three and a half times at the lower end of the spine and is guided up through the chakras by appropriate practices until it reaches the top of the skull and enlightenment occurs.

Tantra yoga is therefore generally a yoga of energy control. The resulting practice can be very different. There are three ways of dealing with energy; these are traditionally referred to as red, white and black tantra.

Red Tantra:

This is about directing sexual energies with corresponding practices. Tantra is usually explicitly associated with this.
The philosophy describes how the male and female connect with each other, which is why the terms Shiva and Shakti are often used here. The sexual union between man and woman with special guidance is the aim of red tantra.

White Tantra:

The practices widely used in yoga and self-awareness are intended to awaken the kundalini energies, which rest at the lower end of the spine and are guided upwards beyond the skullcap via the subtle channels (sushumnas, nadis) through the chakras. This energy generation and guidance often seeks an ecstatic experience and is associated with personal development and enlightenment. They see themselves as completely independent of Red Tantra.

There is a whole range of tantric-oriented practices:
For example Kundalini Yogapranayama, the chakra meditations using visualizations and bijas (see video at Yoga Vidya). In the Dynamic Meditation by Osho, in Breathwork or in Bodywork (body-oriented awareness work), white tantra is often the focus.

Black Tantra:

The ability to ignite and direct energies can also be used for base motives. For their own selfish advantage or to assault and manipulate others. It goes without saying that this is not in the spirit of yoga.

There is also the term right-handed and left-handed tantra. Right-handed tantra refers to meditation and spiritual exercises, while left-handed tantra involves the body or is focused on it.

Overview of the philosophy of Tantra.

Continue to the next yoga style: Vini Yoga