The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Lovers (Paperback)

~ (Author), M. E. Naslednikov (Author), Leandra Hussey (Illustrator) "The first time I discovered ecstasy without a partner was in 1978, during an experiment in sensory deprivation that was part of a psychological research..." (more)
Key Phrases: inverted breathing, streaming reflex, pelvic curl, High Sex, Heart Salutation, Melting Hug (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This landmark book on human sexuality makes the sacred lovemaking techniques of the East fully comprehensible to Western readers. Elegantly illustrated, it helps the reader acquire new attitudes and broaden his or her range of experience, to revitalize and strengthen relationships.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: Jeremy P. Tarcher (January 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874775817
• ISBN-13: 978-0874775815
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #48,661 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

164 of 166 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pleasant Guide To Enhancing Sexual Intimacy, January 12, 2000

By	Richard Ballard "rjballard" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book can solve a lot of problems. Couples with failing relationships typically communicate little, have few common activities, and have poor or no sex. Learning Tantra is a fun activity that teaches couples to communicate and trust. Furthermore, Tantra gives couples a common activity that makes them feel special. They develop intimacy that their friends do not have.

Tantra encourages fitness. No one need be musclebound to enjoy Tantra, but fitness makes Tantra more pleasurable. At the same time some Tantric exercises are quite physically undemanding. Unfit individuals can enjoy Tantra also.

The book is well-written and well-illustrated, and discusses many of Ms. Anand's experiences. It discusses Tantric sexual techniques, but does not discuss Tantric history and mythology in detail.

Ms. Anand's book first asks the reader to examine their own sexuality in terms of Tantric principles. Two chapters discuss opening lines of communication and trust between partners, and developing skills for enhancing intimacy.

The chapter "Opening The Inner Flute" is necessarily technical. This chapter discusses the Tantric and Taoist principle of the "chakras" (energy centers) which permit "mental orgasm". Mental orgasm is non-ejaculatory, encompasses the entire body, and is superior to a genital orgasm. The chapter includes exercises to help partners begin to experience their chakras.

Ms. Anand next discusses "self-pleasuring" (foreplay) as a technique for breaking through individual sexual inhibitions and for building a couple's sexual intimacy and trust. Another chapter discusses role-playing games that allow couples to communicate in a non-threatening manner. The book does *not* mention using safewords, an omission that might cause discomfort while couples are learning Tantric positions.

The remainder of the book progressively develops Tantric sexual techniques and positions that individuals and couples can experience and enjoy. These sections are clearly written and illustrated, and offer suggestions to accommodate different body shapes, weight, and other comfort concerns.

The book's Appendix discusses Safe Sex. This well-written discussion suggests different techniques for new partners and for long-term partners, a sensitive and sensible approach.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A path to what the author calls "High Sex", April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This book is not for those who want a single week-end's solution to a sagging (sorry) sexual desire. It reads more like a 12 week course "From Intimacy to Bliss" and involves many lengthy "practice" sessions. But if you've ever felt that sex was missing something or there was another level to explore, I highly endorse this in-depth volume.

65 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful wedding gift., July 9, 2000

By	seeker "tink-im" (cincinnati, ohio United States) - See all my reviews

I've given this book as a shower gift or wedding present many times, and the couples always get me aside and tell me how grateful they were for the book. The Art of Sexual Ecstasy is beautifully and elegantly written that you never have that embarrased feeling when sharing it becuase it reads nearly like peotry. The illustrations are lovely and tasteful, and the spiritual aspects are insighful and rich. I found the book to be personally inspirering as well. Thanks :-)