Understanding the Basic Philosophy behind Tantric Yoga
While most forms of yoga seek to unite the mind, body and spirit in harmonious oneness, tantric yoga actually takes that process to a higher spiritual level. This type of yoga is tied to many Eastern religions and philosophies that all stem from the belief that the universe and the individual are intertwined. The process of tantric yoga involves concentrating one's energy to achieve spiritual regeneration and awareness. This type of yoga cannot be taught in books - it is generally learned through devotion to a single yogi who passes the philosophies and discipline down to other students.
What Happens During a Tantric Yoga Session
A tantric yoga session will involve the process of sitting calmly and freeing one's mind of any impurities or distractions. Then the student will begin to assemble his life force, which is a concentration of energy from within his being. Generally the life force will begin at the base of the spine, and work upwards until it is centralized at the forehead. This force is then directed out of the forehead, to form a light or body of energy that is thought to be the soul of the person. Love is sent to the soul before it is directed back inside of the person, leading to a feeling of enlightenment and renewal.
Tantric yoga is actually considered more of a life philosophy than simply an exercise program. It can be used effectively in quitting many bad habits, including smoking, drinking and overeating. This can mean that someone who subscribes to this philosophy can lose weight and achieve optimum health in other ways as well. In fact, quitting unhealthy habits is one of the core processes that are involved with the practice of tantric yoga, and the keys to successfully completing this process are found within the discipline itself.
If you decide that tantric yoga is the right type of yoga for you, you will find that the benefits of this style of yoga can be great and far reaching. In addition to the physical benefits that you will enjoy from any type of yoga, like increased flexibility, balance and muscle tone, you will also see an increased awareness in all levels of your conscious state. It can also affect your sex life positively by enhancing sexual function and increasing stamina. It is even thought to improve prostate function in men who perform this type of yoga regularly. Tantric yoga can improve your health in physical, mental and even spiritual ways.