Tantric Meditation: A Beginner's Guide

Tantric meditation is a spiritual practice that originated in the Indus Valley (modern-day Northern India and Pakistan) and is believed to have stemmed from ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts. It is a form of meditation that utilises specific types of energy, such as sounds, colours, mantras, vibrations, and visualisations, to bring about elevated states of mind and spiritual enlightenment. Tantric meditation is often associated with sexual practices, as it views sexual energy as a powerful force that can be harnessed and directed towards enlightenment. The practice involves techniques such as eye contact, breathing exercises, and meditation during sexual activity, with the aim of creating a deep, intimate connection between partners.

Finding a quiet and comfortable location

When preparing for tantric meditation, it is important to choose a space that is quiet and free from external noise. This could be a dedicated meditation room, a quiet corner in your home, or even a peaceful spot outdoors in nature. The key is to find a place where you can be alone, uninterrupted, and fully immersed in your practice.

In addition to quietness, comfort is also crucial. Ensure that the temperature of the room is pleasant and adjustable if needed. You may want to consider having soft lighting, such as candles or tinted light bulbs, to create a calming ambiance. Scent can also play a role in enhancing your comfort level, so consider incorporating essential oils, incense, or fresh flowers to create a pleasant aroma. If you wish, you can also play soothing music in the background to create a relaxing atmosphere.

It is worth noting that tantric meditation can also be practised with a partner. In this case, you will need to find a space that is comfortable for both of you. A bed or a soft rug on the floor can be a good option, with cushions and blankets to make the experience more relaxing and intimate.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment that supports your meditation practice and allows you to focus on your breath, sensations, and energy flow without distractions. Whether you choose a quiet room, a serene outdoor spot, or a comfortable space with your partner, ensuring that your location is peaceful and comfortable will greatly enhance your tantric meditation experience.

Using breathing techniques

Breathing is an integral part of tantric meditation. This is because tantric meditation revolves around meditation, and breathing is a cornerstone of meditation.

Types of breathing

There are two basic types of breathing:

• Breathing rhythmically through the nose: This reduces the tensions of the parasympathetic nervous system and induces a state of introspection, leading to a meditative state. It also slows down the metabolism.
• Breathing explosively through the mouth: This eliminates the stress in the sympathetic nervous system and plays a role in the expression of feelings. It accelerates the metabolic rate and generates an external and explosive orgasm.

Circular breathing

Circular breathing is a Tantric breathing technique that brings two people in sync and builds bonds and intimacy between them. It creates a flow of energy between you and your partner, which can be directed to a place in the body to connect them. For example, the energy can be sent between each other's hearts, connecting and opening each other up to a more loving experience.

Tantric breathing practice

This is a breathing practice from Sarah Platt-Finger that can help you achieve a state of oneness, also known as samadhi:

• Bhastrika (Bellows Breath): Breathe in and out vigorously, allowing your belly to move out on the inhale and drawing it back in on the exhale, 27 times. As you breathe out, feel the pelvic floor lifting up, which helps bring blood flow to that region. After 27 rounds of Bhastrika, take a full breath in and hold, retaining the breath. Clamp the abdominal muscles at the lower abdomen and as you retain the breath, lift and lower the head gently 3-5 times.
• Release the clamp: With your head down, slowly release the clamp, bringing the palms to face up on the thighs. As you exhale, allow your head to float back up. Let your breath adjust.

Using breathing in tantric sex

Breathing is fundamental to feeling connected to yourself and the world around you during tantric sex. When engaging in tantric sex, focus on breathing deeply through the diaphragm. To achieve this, take a deep breath through the nose for five counts and feel your stomach inflate. Then, exhale through the mouth for five counts.

Synchronizing breath

When engaging in tantric sex with a partner, synchronizing breath may increase connection and intimacy. Another breathing technique to try is Kapalbhati, which helps prolong ejaculation in males. When a male feels that they are about to ejaculate, they should forcefully exhale through the mouth, then engage in an automatic inhale through the mouth.

Visualising light or energy

Preparation

Before you begin, find a quiet, comfortable place where you won't be disturbed. You can sit or lie down, whichever you prefer, as long as your spine is straight. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, relaxing your body with each exhale.

Visualising Light

Now, imagine a small golden ball or a small flame of light in the middle of your forehead, between your eyes. You can also visualise a bright, happy colour, such as pink, if you're feeling sad, or blue to promote calm and relaxation. With each inhale, imagine this light or colour washing over your body from head to toe, filling your entire being. With each exhale, imagine any unwanted emotions or darkness leaving your body and being replaced by the light or colour.

Visualising Energy

Another way to visualise energy is to focus on your chakras, starting with the root chakra at the pelvis and moving up along the spine to the crown chakra. Imagine this energy as a spectrum of light and colour, or as lights, flames, lotus flowers, or spinning energy. You can also visualise golden light entering the top of your head and slowly moving down through your body, infusing each body part with healing energy and soothing any tension.

Additional Tips

• If you're struggling to visualise, try using a physical object, such as a candle flame, to focus on. Glance at it from time to time to keep the image in your mind.
• Maintain slow, deep breathing throughout the meditation.
• If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to the visualisation.
• Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
• Be patient and consistent in your practice. Visualisation meditation is a skill that can be developed over time.

By incorporating the visualisation of light and energy into your tantric meditation practice, you can enhance your relaxation, improve your focus, and deepen your connection to your inner self and the divine.

Synchronising breath with a partner

To begin, lay, sit or stand facing your partner. Take three deep, cleansing breaths together. Then, start breathing together until you are in sync. Once you are, pause your breath after the last exhale and wait to inhale until your partner exhales. Continue to breathe like this for as long as possible. If you fall out of sync, that's okay, just start again.

While doing this, you can direct the breath on the inhale to your heart or genitals, and eye gazing is also encouraged. This practice can be done before, during, or after sex.

Another way to synchronise breath with a partner is to sit cross-legged, facing each other. Place one hand on your partner's chest and hold their hand with your other hand. Look into each other's eyes as you begin to synchronise the natural rhythm of your breath. When ready, close your eyes and breathe deeply together through the nose into the belly and then the chest. Hold at the top of the head for three seconds, then release through the mouth with an audible sigh. Repeat this breath between 10 and 30 times, depending on the desired intensity.

After you've completed the breath, relax into each other, holding each other, or do whatever feels natural while maintaining a natural synchronised breath for as long as desired.

Using eye contact

Tantric meditation is a practice that involves slow body movements, breathing exercises, meditation, and sound. It helps open the chakras in our bodies, allowing energy to pass through and granting us freedom and peace. This energy moves from the root chakra at the pelvis, upwards along the spine, through the other energy centres, until it reaches the crown chakra.

Tantric meditation is often associated with tantric sex, which is a meditative form of sex that originated from ancient Hinduism. The aim of tantric sex is to be present in the moment and to create a deep, intimate connection.

One way to enhance the connection between partners during tantric meditation and tantric sex is through eye contact. Eye gazing, or tantric eye gazing, is a powerful and intimate practice that involves looking into someone's eyes for an extended period. This technique can help foster a spiritual and sexual connection.

To try tantric eye gazing, find a comfortable position and face your partner. Set a timer for your desired duration and look into your partner's eyes. It is important to keep your gaze soft and remember to blink. If you feel uncomfortable, start with a shorter duration and gradually increase the time. Most tantric practitioners recommend eye gazing for 10 to 20 minutes.

During eye gazing, you may experience a range of emotions, such as feeling dazed, self-conscious, insecure, enchanted, or vibrant. It may also lead to laughter or tears. Remember that it is normal to feel awkward at first, but with practice, it can become a meaningful way to deepen your connection with your partner.

Eye gazing can also be practised with a stranger or even by yourself using a mirror. It is a powerful tool that can increase trust, intimacy, and emotional connection. By incorporating eye contact into tantric meditation and tantric sex, you can enhance the spiritual and sexual connection with your partner, leading to a more fulfilling experience.

Frequently asked questions