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The Essence of Tantric Sexuality

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The Essence of Tantric Sexuality by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson

I have studied Tantra for five years and have trudged through numerous books on the subject. Until I read this book, I was under the false impression that Tantric study was demanding, laborious and technical. What occurs in this book is that all of the excess is trimmed away and we are left with a clear path on how to use Tantra to reach new levels of ecstasy.

The book is based on a series of lectures given by Dr. John Mumford in 1976. What these lectures accomplish is to successfully combine eastern and western perspectives on Tantra. The translation of eastern beliefs into a manageable path for the western mind is what makes this book so valuable.

From the use and mastery of yantras, geometric symbols whose purpose it is to open the chakras, to the Tantric massage, everything is laid out in simple to understand steps. Don't get me wrong. Each simple step is backed up by in depth explanations and extensive examinations of linguistic origins of many words to reveal how their meanings connect in incredible ways.

Over fifty pages are dedicated to the three levels of erogenous zones and a systematic method of manipulating them to open the chakras in the most advantageous pattern. By following the path prescribed in the book, the tertiary erogenous zones are made available, a group of areas on the body which are not sensitized unless preceded by the manipulation of the primary and secondary erogenous zones. These simple techniques and patterns extend the number of erogenous zones on the body from eight to eighteen.

From this basic knowledge, the Tantric massage can be added in order to begin the opening of the Chakras. What occurs when the Chakras are opened and the erogenous zones are all activated, is an extended period of excitement in which extended and multiple orgasms can be experienced.

A couple of chapters address the sensual power of the olfactory nerve. A detailed explanation of why our sense of smell is so powerful and aphrodisiac. The authors then explore what scents are most powerful on men and women.

I won't mention any titles, but this book is a refreshing replacement for a book I have been working through for the past two years. I will use this book when teaching Tantra and will keep it handy when planning sessions for clients. The Essence of Tantric Sexuality (ISBN-13 978-0-7387-0900-0) is the first book I have ever reviewed that I read carefully and underlined throughout. I anticipate that I will soon wear this copy out and require a replacement. For anyone interested in Tantra on a personal or professional basis, this book should be on your bookshelf or by your bedside.

I am a longtime reader in the fields of personal growth, human potential, and an area of inquiry that could be described as "sacred sexuality," The first thing I found to like about this new volume by Michaels and Johnson is its lack of a long, wordy subtitle. You know the kind, summarizing everything in the book so that your interest will be aroused (pardon the pun!). Here, the title is short and to the point, just as I expect the "essence" of anything to be, and the essential information promised is actually delivered.

If you have ever found yourself wondering, "What is Tantric sexuality, really?" and "Is Tantra my spiritual path?" I couldn't think of a better book to begin with. By the time you are finished reading, you will be in a good position to judge the quality of other books or workshops. You will have insight into how the spiritual path of Tantra views and works with sexual energy (for Tantra is about the whole of life, not only sex). You will have in hand the fundamental understandings needed to gain some whiffs of the enlightened bliss that Tantric practitioners seek. And if you desire to commit yourself spiritually, you will be in a much better position to judge whether Tantra is for you. As this book makes clear, to liberate oneself into a living experience of universal unity is a challenging task. Despite the promises of easy pleasure made in certain circles, the Tantric path is ultimately as demanding as any spiritual path needs to be to confront our self-limiting human habits.

That's not to say that this isn't also a useful book for the spiritually eclectic. While Michaels and Johnson are devoted practitioners and initiates of an ancient lineage, their presentation gives the context the reader needs to make intelligent decisions about integrating this information into his or her approach to life, whatever it may be.

After many years of reading, attending workshops, and trying to sort out for myself the growing body of teachings and practices called "Tantra," I feel tremendously fortunate to have had this book come into my life. Clarity at last!

--Sibylle Preuschat, Flower Essence Practitioner, Montclair, New Jersey

Whether you are simply curious about Tantra, already know something about it, or are already knowledgeable, this is the book for you. The authors studied with the individual most responsible for bringing Tantric practices to the West, and they artfully, seriously and delightfully pass along what they have learned in this slim volume. "How to" manual, history book, explanation of Eastern philosophy: it is all here.

There is a huge pile of Tantra books available,trying to take advantage of the fact that sex sells. Many of them are exploitive and ignorant. This one is the real deal: expert, wise and loving.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It clearly is not "neo tantra" (thank goodness!), and accomplishes the task of presenting a type of tantra that both culturally sensitive and respectful to south east Indian linage/tradition, while still being accessable for serious western practitioner.

The authors recognize the importance of shakti worship, and also cover some obscure topics such as the use of perfumes and incense.

Sure sex is a part of tantra, but the authors also recognize the importance of the mental component too, such as meditation, concentration, and visualization.

This book is a welcome addition to the library of any serious practitioner.

This is an excellent book which makes Tantra accessible to westerners. It clarifies the
differences between Hindu Tantra and "Neo-Tantra". It is insightfully and intelligently
written. The sections on the erogenic zones as well as the suggestions for sexual work
with your partner are my favorite parts. Trying some of these suggestions has already
enriched my sexual life with my partner as well as my awareness of and feeling of
presence within my body. I also love the bits of humour. You can't put it down -- very
highly recommended.

At long last a modern manual of traditional Left-Hand Path of Hindu Tantra for Westerners. Superbly and clearly written, this masterpiece is destined to become a classic in its genre. The Essence of Tantric Sexuality is largely based on Dr Jonn Mumford's (Dr Swami AnandaKapila Saraswati)1976 Gnosticon delivered lectures. Dr Jonn Mumford is internationally recognised as a master of both the Dakshina and Vama Marga paths of lineage based Tantra.
Many tantric and sex magic secrets are revealed in this book with substantial never before in print material such as tantric perfume magic and the tantric mass and the secret of Amrita.
The Essence of Tantric Sexuality is perfectly balanced in expounding theory and practice. Brilliant study and manual for any esoterist, yogi and tantric library. Highly recommended and a job most well done by Mark A. Michaels & Patricia Johnson.

I LOVE this book! I bought it on the recommendation of some close friends who said it was a must read, and I have to say they were 100% on the mark. Because of the "Essence of Tantric Sexuality," I have a whole new outlook on sex and sexuality (not to mention better and more sensual sex!), plus I was able to teach my mate some new tricks (though to be honest I'm still perfecting those :)

I was a bit concerned before reading the book that a lot of what it has to say would be beyond my understanding, as I was a total novice to tantra. But I soon found I was mistaken. The book is so well written - the authors use simple to understand language to make otherwise complex ideas easy to digest - and I was astonished at how quickly I moved through the chapters and how much of it I retained.

If you're looking for a great book on tantra this is the one. A++++!

I have been scouring the planet for the last twenty years looking for books on Tantra, and have never read anything like this before.
The other reviews say it all but I felt compelled to give it five stars because it moved me so much.
If you are interested in Tantra then there is nothing else on the market like it.

"Tantra uses touch as the primary sensory avenue for the focusing of the mind and when sexual sensation expresses itself in orgasm, the bursting or climax, we achieve a state of yoga, or union."

Those looking for a general introduction to Tantric Yoga will find this an invaluable and informative book.

Based on the lectures given by Dr Jonn Mumford (aka Swamiji, or Swami Anandakapila) and developed further by the authors, Essence gives an insight into the practical exercises and techniques available for the western Tantrika (practitioner), as well as a greatly expounded explanation for those unfamiliar with Tantric sexuality.

Rudimentary instructions begin with some basics: the use of yantras, or symbols, for visualization techniques; and mudras, hand gestures or body positions, used for creating psychophysical change.

Following these lessons, the authors then delve into various sexual aspects, reminding the reader that it is the process of getting to an orgasm that is more important than the actual climax itself. Essence deals with various exercises and rituals in order for men and women, individually or as a couple, to make that journey more fun, more rewarding, and more fulfilling so that the climax becomes the culmination of an already-exciting discovery process, ultimately a meeting with the divine.

They deal with sexuality in a straightforward, very matter-of-fact, and graphic manner.

Those willing to approach with an open mind and a teachable spirit will find a lot of material here to help understand many aspects of sexual pleasure, not only between two people, but also individually.

The authors cover many different areas of inducing pleasure, including masturbation, sexual fantasies, the use of perfumes and massage, and an in-depth look at the erogenous zones in men and women (and, yes, there are more than two!).

Later in the book, similarities are drawn between the symbology of Tantra and other religions and beliefs, including the Catholic Mass.

If you can handle the graphic sexual descriptions and illustrations, this is indeed a book with information worth perusing, studying, and practicing.

excellent text and very helpful. I enjoyed the 'modern' interpretation of this very ancient practice. Very readable - with detailed information.