A History Of Gay Tantric Yoga
Many people believe that tantra is not possible in same sex couples but the number of couples practicing gay tantra would indicate otherwise. Tantra is a Sanskrit word which means to expand, spread, weave, spin out and includes all matter, actions and thought. During Tantra the opposing flows of energy from each partner flow together or are woven together. It also refers to the personalities which are brought together through better understanding achieved in the process.
Tantra is a system of personal and spiritual development. It is not just about prolonging orgasms or becoming more intimate with your partner although these are common benefits. Contrary to most spiritual traditions Tantra views sexual energy and lust as an integral part of human spirituality and a path to enlightenment. It also involves recognizing darker parts of the personality and integrating those and full sexual potential into the being. The aim of Tantra is to expand boundaries, accept ourselves and dispel guilt or fear and learn about our mystical selves.
The theories which are called tantra come from all over Asia and are built on ancient traditions from Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore practices can vary a lot between different teachers.
Some traditions of tantra assert that the practice is not possible for same sex couples because the opposing male and female energies are needed. However there are several schools which include gay tantra. Techniques which use the theories of Kundalini energy flows are possible for same sex couples. This is because in Kundalini the rising energy flows are the same in all people regardless of sexual preference or gender. Some traditions use a lot of visualization in their processes. In these cases partners can imagine themselves as being of different sexes when guiding the flows of energy. Sexual preference is viewed as a personality trait in Buddhism and is therefore unimportant in the context of tantra.
SkyDancer Tantra is the most widely practiced technique in gay tantric yoga. It is a relatively new system having been developed in the eighties by Margot Anand Naslednikoy. It was developed in France and quickly spread through the western hemisphere. She based the method on the concept of love as a dance in the sky. It was developed from the ideas of Buddhist Tantra and the name comes from one of the founders of that tradition called Big SkyDancer.
Tantra includes a number of techniques. Yoga is included for the focus on body position and breathing. The visualization of magical powers and Gods is popular. Also visualization is used to strengthen the connection between the couple. For example they can imagine that they visualize the energy transferring from one to the other. Meditation is used in most tantra as the breathing patterns aid other techniques such as visualization. A common method is to have the couple take alternate breaths.
Another popular way to enjoy tantra is tantric massage. The aim of the therapy is to unblock energy flows just as in other forms of massage. However in tantric massage the therapist uses touch and pressure to build up sexual energy. Then the force of this energy is used to release pressure. This massage is not intended to cause climax but that is always a possibility and is viewed as acceptable.
There are a range of methods of gay tantra all with the aim of developing the individual through strengthening partnership bonds, self awareness and spiritual growth. It is easy to find retreats and workshops online as the discipline grows in popularity.
Howie Holben wrote this gay vacations opinion post. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay spiritual vacations association. Spirit Journeys presents gay spirituality world wide.
