The original ancient tantra was a path to enlightenment and liberation for anyone on a spiritual path. Later on, the practice became available to other persons, not necessarily on a spiritual path. Today, tantra is available in the West on a commercial level. This modern and commercial version of the original tantra is called neotantra. 

And, it is popular in the West, used to spice up sex lives or bring harmony in relationships. So, what does neotantra entail? And, how does it differ from the classical tantra version? Let’s discuss more in this article: –

Understanding Tantra

Tantra is a philosophy and a set of practices that form the basis for our healing and transformation. It revolves around working with the three most powerful human experiences. These are sexual desire, love, and our desire for freedom. Historical records indicate that tantra came into Buddhism and Hinduism in the 6th century. At this time, the practice was in spiritual rituals to invoke all-powerful deities. It, however, spread fast in India, with Hindu and Buddhist monasteries studying its ideologies. 

Some of the pioneers of neotantra include: –

• Sir John Woodroffe
• Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
• Margot Anand: “Skydancing”  tantra. The Art of Sexual Ecstasy
• Daniel Odier, Charles Muir, The Richardsons and others

Neotantra vs. Classical Tantra: The Differences

#1: Focus: All vs. Select Ancient Teachings

Classical tantra embraces ancient holistic Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious practices. These are authentic tantric teachings to balance, heal, and enrich our physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental being. More so, it liberates us from suffering by getting rid of trauma, societal conditioning, or ignorance, leading us on a path to spiritual awakening.

In contrast, modern tantra focuses on limited ancient instructions relating to sexuality. Here, the practice alters the original teachings on tantric sex to create its western variation. Here, tantric sex draws on the creative power of sexual energy to evoke healing and transformation in our lives. It bridges the gap between sex and spirituality as a form of transcendence. 

#2: Spiritual Sex vs. Sacred Sex

Since neotantra focuses only on the teachings on sexuality, it is a small puddle in the original classical tantra. The practice combines modern therapeutic techniques with original tantric concepts like sacred rituals and devotions. It aims at elevating the person into a higher level of spirituality. Hence, sexual pleasure is no longer focused only on the genitals but the entire body. Modern tantra benefits us physically, psychologically, sexually, and spiritually. Check out some of the activities typical of neotantra below: –

• Purifying one’s chakras and consciousness
• Making the sexual space sacred
• Having slow, uninterrupted sex
• Looking at orgasm as a means, not a goal for sexual intimacy
• Practicing mindfulness during sex; being present in body and mind
• Becoming aware of your entire body during sex
• Practicing meditation and relaxation as part of sexual intimacy
• Attaining transmutation of one’s sexual energies
• Maintaining eye contact/gaze with a partner
• Practicing slow and deep breathing
• Expressing love 
• Controlling ejaculation and other sexual impulses

In contrast, classical tantra has three traditional forms as follows: –

Monastric Tradition

The monastic tradition of classical tantra refers to an intense way of living where the participants withdraw from mainstream society to pursue purity. The participants live solitary and disciplined lives, characterized by silence, prayer, and a struggle against sin and vice. They spend most of their time studying the ancient tantric texts and practicing sacred rituals like drawing mandalas, singing mantras, and performing ritual prayers (fire pujas). Likewise, the monks sustained their lives by doing simple manual work like farming, gardening, basket weaving, and rope making.

Householder Tradition

The householder tradition of classical tantra involves lay practitioners applying the sacred concepts of tantra to ordinary everyday activities. For example, lay practitioners seek to find magic or unity in nature, people, and animals. They do this as they go about their lifestyles when talking to others, cleaning, working, meditating, or engaging in intimate relationships. The ultimate goal is to live in communion with the universe. 

Wandering Yogis Tradition

During the early medieval period, the Mahasiddha people living in forests and caves of Northern India practiced the wandering yogis tradition. It is a combination of yoga and tantra, also called tantrikas. These people would hold ganachakra ceremonies, a type of tantric feasts, and practice meditation to celebrate the pleasures of senses. There was singing, dancing, eating meat, drinking alcohol, and having sex. Today, the wandering yogis tradition remains active in India, often taught in yogic schools.

#3: Conflicting Sexual Ideologies & Interpretations

Did you know that some neotantra sexual ideologies are considered as sinful when viewed under classical tantra? Indeed, unlike neotantra, classical tantra does not entertain sexual fantasies in pursuit of sexual pleasure. Also, the original tantra views any sexual activity that involves menstrual blood a taboo. 

#4: The Benefits

Below are some of the benefits of classical tantra: –

• Growing presence and self-awareness
• Practicing self-love and body confidence (acceptance)
• Harmonizes the active and receptive energies
• Connects our physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual being
• Expands lovemaking beyond attaining an orgasm
• Promotes healing, integration, transformation, and spiritual maturity

Here are some of the benefits of neotantra: –

• Get more from a sexual relationship
• Attain a sexual awakening characterized by the loving presence and profound intimacy
• Healing wounds from sexual trauma
• Have longer and satisfying lovemaking sessions
• Releases toxic sexual energies, including shame
• Provokes a journey of self-discovery leading to the entire body or multiple orgasms
• Improving communication and communion between intimate partners
• Cultivate a holistic approach towards sexual intimacy, focusing on mind, body, and spiritual connection
• Delaying orgasm or preventing premature ejaculation or non-ejaculatory orgasms for men

Conclusion

What does tantra mean to you? Tantra continues to be a subject of fascination for many, even misunderstood at times. Yet, the practice has evolved for centuries and is now either classical tantra or modern tantra. Whereas classical tantra sticks to the authentic teachings that are a path to spiritual enlightenment, neotantra focuses on only the sexual component of the original tantra. By channeling sexual energy throughout the body, neotantra aims to achieve a higher level of intimacy and sexual pleasure.

The ancient teachings of yoga say that all matter in the universe arises from a fundamental substrate called Prakriti. From this etheric Prakriti, three primary gunas (qualities of energy) arise, creating the main aspects of all nature – energy, matter, and consciousness. Conscious control of the three gunas is a powerful way to reduce stress, open up your inner potential, and gain enlightenment.

In this article, I will share with you what gunas are, what energies and qualities they represent, and how to balance the three gunas for living in harmony.

What Is Guna?

The word guna literally means “strand” or “fiber” and implies that. Like strands of a rope, the three gunas are woven together to form the objective universe.

In yoga and Ayurveda, guna is an element of reality that can affect the psychological, emotional, and energetic state of a person.

Nowadays, gunas are a key concept in most schools of Hindu philosophy. There are three gunas that have always been and continue to be present in all things and beings in the world. These three gunas are called tamas (darkness and chaos), rajas (activity and passion), and sattva (essence and harmony). According to the Hindu worldview, all of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of the three gunas defines the character and determines the progress in life.

Awareness of gunas and understanding their nature and qualities tells us whether we are genuinely moving forward in life (sattva), running in place (rajas), or losing our way (tamas).

The development of the ability to identify and understand the nature of the gunas brings us closer to an understanding of the universal truth of unity.

Three Gunas: Tamas, Rajas, Sattva

All three gunas are always present in the beings and objects around us, but they differ in their proportion. People have a unique ability to consciously change the levels of gunas in the body and mind. However, we have to remember that the gunas cannot be divided or destroyed, but they can be only consciously influenced. Gunas can be reduced or increased due to the interaction and influence of external objects, spiritual practices, and thought processes.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the three gunas.

Tamas Guna

Tamas conceals the presence of consciousness. It causes dullness and ignorance through its power to obscure. Its nature is heavy and dense.

Tamas guna represents a state of darkness, inertia, inactivity, and materiality. It manifests itself in the form of ignorance. Other tamasic qualities are:

• imbalance;
• disorder;
• chaos;
• impurity;
• delusion;
• destruction;
• negativity;
• inactivity;
• viciousness;
• ignorance;
• laziness;
• disgust;
• attachment;
• depression;
• helplessness;
• doubt;
• guilt;
• shame;
• boredom;
• dependency;
• pain;
• sadness;
• apathy;
• confusion;
• grief;
• dependence;
• violence;
• illusions;
• mental abnormalities;
• deceitfulness;
• addiction to various perversions;
• degradation.

Tamas corresponds to midnight, destructive speech and sound, dirt, darkness, stench, stale food, alcohol, drugs. It leads a person to demoralization, obesity or exhaustion, memory lapses or complete amnesia, lack of interest in life, prolonged depression, suicidal thoughts, and aggression.

In its more balanced form, tamas can supply a steadying influence in life. For instance, bed rest can lead to healing. However, tamas’ nature is primarily immobilizing: tamasic foods are considered lifeless, stale, or impure; tamasic entertainment is considered mindless and intoxicating. Tamas leads to inaction when action is required. Each of us has experienced the binding power of tamas – the appeal of lethargy, procrastination, and sleep.

Rajas Guna

Rajas are the energy of change. It is distinguished by passion, desire, effort, and pain. The nature of rajas is characterized by a sense of attachment, a desire to satisfy desires. Other rajasic qualities are:

• activity;
• neither good or bad and sometimes either;
• self-centeredness;
• egoism;
• individualization;
• drivenness;
• movement;
• dynamism;
• anger;
• euphoria;
• anxiety;
• fear;
• irritation;
• stress;
• courage;
• reflection;
• determination;
• mood swings;
• competition;
• struggle;
• disputes;
• selfishness;
• intemperance;
• haste;
• overexertion;
• aggression;
• excitement;
• greed;
• jealousy;
• thirst for pleasure;
• pride;
• arrogance;
• hypocrisy.

Rajas guna corresponds to noon, heavy physical exertion, emotional excitement, spicy and hot food, loud music, a vivid demonstration of material wealth and position, constant involvement in the turbulent flow of social life.

This guna gives rise to such interests as:

• a preference for material values over spiritual ones;
• superficiality;
• acquisitiveness;
• careerism;
• licentiousness;
• gluttony;
• overwork;
• emotional burnout;
• injuries and various diseases;
• the use of alcohol and narcotic drugs in order to achieve relaxation and peace or vice versa to spur yourself to action.

But nevertheless, without a certain passion, the world would not have known amazing works of art, masterpieces of world architecture, breakthroughs in science, and the development of progress in all spheres of life.

Rajas bring happiness by prompting the coupling of the senses with their objects. Thus rajas also bind us to attachment, to the fruits of action, and sensory pleasures of every kind.

Sattva Guna

The essence of sattva is to act as a transparent pane of glass, allowing the light of conscious awareness to reveal itself in the operations of the mind and in nature. Sattva is not enlightenment itself but it unveils what is true and real.

Sattva is the energy of balance and harmony. It promotes life, energy, health, and contentment.

Sattva is the quality of purity in everything. There are very few people who live completely sattvically, mostly yogis and saints. Nevertheless, this guna has many manifestations in ordinary life.

These are the main manifestations of sattva:

• goodness;
• universalism;
• holism;
• creativity;
• construction;
• positivity;
• peacefulness;
• virtue;
• wisdom;
• knowledge;
• calmness;
• peace;
• awareness;
• cleanliness;
• cheerfulness;
• enthusiasm;
• responsibility;
• compassion;
• spiritual growth;
• a sense of inner freedom and happiness.

This guna corresponds to an early rise with the dawn, neatness in relation to one’s appearance and one’s living space, vegetarian food, love of nature, interest in knowledge, spiritual practice, melodious beautiful music, mantras, and prayers.

Sattva leads a person to manifest such qualities as kindness, insight, clarity of thinking, optimism, a high degree of concentration and analysis, a tendency to positive judgments.

Imbalance in Sattva guna may lead to pride, an arrogant attitude towards those who know less, and the condemnation of those who lead a less righteous lifestyle.

The three gunas are constantly interacting with one another. But while the gunas themselves are permanent in essence, their interactions are transitory and afford only a false impression of permanence.

Balancing the Three Gunas

In our minds, thoughts change one after another. Because of this impermanence of thought patterns, there is a fluctuation between the three gunas. If today you have a predominant raja guna, then your surrounding world will be filled with stress or irritation. The next day, on the contrary, you can feel happiness and well-being – it means that sattva guna has become predominant.

To move along the path of spiritual development, we should learn how to consciously observe our thoughts and to be able to recognize the gunas. In addition, it is essential to have inner strength and strong will to consciously switch thoughts and actions from tamas and rajas to sattvic balance and well-being.

Balancing Tamas Guna

To reduce the effect of tamas guna, avoid tamasic food, excessive sleep, overeating, inactivity, and passivity. Tamasic foods include meat and foods that have been chemically processed or refined, as well as alcohol.

Balancing Rajas Guna

To reduce the effect of rajas guna, avoid rajasic food, excessive physical activity, overwork, loud music, excessive thinking, and striving for material benefits. Rajasic food includes fried and spicy foods, as well as stimulants (for example, caffeine).

Balancing Sattva Guna

To increase sattva guna, eat sattvic food, spend more time close to nature, breathe fresh air, do things that bring you joy and positive thoughts. Sattvic food is fresh and clean, grows above the ground, and receives positive energy from sunlight. It includes whole grains and legumes, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, all yogic practices have been developed to increase sattva at the level of mind and body. Therefore, when you practice yoga, perform pranayamas, chant mantras, or meditate, you naturally increase sattva guna.

The Bottom Line

In order to reach enlightenment, we need to increase sattva and decrease rajas and tamas. Then we have to learn how to become unattached from the three gunas and see the reality beyond Maya. When we transcend the three gunas we become indifferent to the duality of life like pain and pleasure. We are undisturbed by the gunas and know that the gunas are part of Maya, and not of the universe’s sole reality.

We all have divine masculine and divine feminine archetypal energies. The divine masculine is direct and represents the giving nature. In contrast, the divine feminine is cyclical, expressing a receiving nature. When working together, these two energies dance to form a spiral similar to yin and yang or SO and CHA. Indeed, the dualistic nature of the universe exists because of these two opposite energies. Think of day and night, hot and cold, light and dark, yin and yang, and so on.

Anyone seeking spiritual maturity must nurture, honor, and balance the masculine and feminine energies. When these energies come into harmony and balance with one another, they begin to express divine qualities. Though they exist in everyone, women awaken their divine feminine nature more often, and men are encouraged to activate their divine masculine energies. Here, the individual proactively embraces a healthy way of expressing the side they wish to cultivate. For example, a man can seek to learn all of life’s lessons about masculinity.

So, this guide will focus on divine masculine energy. More so, we will define it, identify signs of its awakening, and share tips on how to awaken the divine masculine energy within you.

What is ‘Divine Masculine’?

The divine masculine is an energy of expansion. It refers to focused strength and action in a manner that is in harmony with beauty and wholeness. This energy is not gender-sensitive, hence, manifests in both men and women. It is believed that the divine masculine energy is connected to the left side of the brain.

What are the Signs of Divine Masculine Awakening?

When you awaken your divine masculine, the following things happen: –

#1: You Develop Great Confidence

Divine masculine awakening provokes healthy confidence and belief in your actions, not to be mistaken for arrogance. It stems from having that diving masculine energy within, giving the person confidence to face any task because they know they are guided by spirit. You no longer see hurdles as stumbling blocks but as stepping stones to success.

#2: You Become Loyal and Trustworthy

When your divine masculine awakens, it brings out commitment, understanding, and faithfulness in you. It places value on the bond you share with your partner. Since it believes in the revered union of love and the boundaries necessary for the relationship to flourish, your loyalty and self-control come naturally.

Faithfulness becomes your way of living rather than an imposed behavior. Hence, when a man who labels himself as a womanizer starts to show loyalty and trust toward their long-time partner, it is a clear sign of the divine masculine awakening in them.

#3: You Become Protective

While masculine energy drives us to protect what we like, divine masculine energy drives us to protect the innocent and righteous path of life. Hence, you feel drawn to show unconditional love towards everything and everyone in your care. That way, your spouse, child, sibling, parent, friend, or colleague feels safe and protected when close to you. And, the energy will attract more people to you, for they feel safe with you.

#4: You Practice Self Care

Anyone undergoing a diving masculine awakening owns their actions. This energy helps you identify your needs. In turn, you get proactive with self-care routines as you work towards your happiness. Likewise, you are in control of your actions. Hence, you know when to exert your divine masculine power to help others.

#5: Show Responsibility

The divine masculine energy makes you responsible enough not to be a victim of those that need rescuing. More so, when you make a mistake, this energy gives you the courage to reflect and acknowledge your wrongdoing. Anyone whose divine masculine is awake sees the blame game as a waste of energy.

#6: You Are More Active

Does your comfort zone seem not comforting anymore? If you are the kind of person who felt content and seemed to settle in their career, relationships, or studies, a divine masculine awakening will push you from a passive to an active lifestyle.

Now, you find it automatic to take the initiative to go out and pursue new and higher goals. And when you rest, it is only to review and strategize your next course of action. The healthy confidence you have assures you that you can reach your goals as long as you never give up on them.

5 Ways to Awaken Your Divine

Are you seeking to awaken the divine masculine within you? Here are 5 ways to do so: –

#1: Heal Your Father

Do you have any grudge or unresolved issues with your father, grandfather, or any other father figure? It could be anger or hatred you have for the trauma, abuse, or neglect you went through as a child. Or, it could be a sense of betrayal when your father figure gave you up for adoption. Whatever the source, strive to let go and make peace, even if this father figure is no longer alive.

#2: Heal Your Sexuality

If your sexuality revolves around seeking instant gratification or body pleasures, you need to change this perspective. By learning everything about the relationship between sexuality and divine masculinity, you will discover that your sexuality can be a great source of creativity and inspiration. Hence, you can create whatever you want from a powerful perspective. Start by reading more about the sacredness of sex and how you can practice what you learn.

#3: Physical Movement

Divine masculine awakening requires you to be a person on the move. For example, you can take part in martial arts to build your physical and mental power. Or, enroll at the gym. Your divine masculine energy gets outlet through these physical activities.

#4: Care for Others

As mentioned earlier, divine masculine energy has a giving nature. It wants to serve and share with others. Therefore, to awaken it, find a course that is bigger than you. Share your skills with those who need them.

#5: Lead a Purposeful Life

Embark on a soul-seeking journey to figure out your purpose in life. Ask deep soul questions about your existence, where you come from, and why you are here today. By doing so, you learn to live truthfully without fear of taking risks. Hence, your divine masculine energy will follow that direction to fulfill your life purpose.

Conclusion

The divine masculine and divine feminine energies work together in a balanced way to create a powerful dynamic in our lives. However, you must awaken them. We hope this guide helped you understand better what divine masculine energy is and how to awaken it. May it help you attain spiritual maturity and balance in life.