Welcome to the world of tantra retreats, where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery, sacred sexuality, and transformation. Tantra, an ancient spiritual practice, involves a deep exploration of the self and the divine through meditation, yoga, breathwork, and intimate connection. Tantra retreats offer a unique opportunity to delve into this practice, connect with like-minded individuals and reach a higher consciousness
Whether you’re seeking to deepen your existing tantra practice or just beginning to explore this powerful spiritual tradition, a tantra retreat can be an unforgettable experience. These retreats take place in some of the most beautiful and serene locations around the world, providing the perfect setting for introspection and inner growth. From the lush jungles of Thailand to the rugged mountains of Peru, each retreat offers a unique and transformative experience that can help you to connect more deeply with yourself, your partner, and the universe as a whole.
During a tantra retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers and practitioners, who will guide you through various practices and techniques designed to help you tap into your full potential. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other participants, building lasting friendships and exploring the transformative power of conscious intimacy.
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, a tantra retreat can be a powerful and transformative experience that can help you to deepen your connection to yourself, your partner, and the universe as a whole. So if you are feeling like you would like to go on a different type of retreat, why not take the leap and explore the world of tantra retreats for yourself?
What is a Tantra retreat?
Tantra retreats are safe spaces where you can learn the ancient art of tantra, experience its healing potential, and allow this new knowledge to seep into the rest of your life. They usually take place over several days, usually somewhere between a weekend to a full week, and can be located in a variety of environments from cities to tropical islands.
What you learn over the course of your retreat will enable you to explore your sexuality with confidence, open your heart, find strength in your vulnerability, ask for what you want in life, enjoy a more satisfying sex life, and strengthen your relationship with your partner. You are also likely to heal past traumas, release energy blockages which have been preventing you from reaching your full potential on one of these retreats, and you might even find true love along the way.
Short History of Tantra
Tantra is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India, and has since spread to many other parts of the world. Over time, different traditions and schools of thought have emerged within tantra, each with their own unique practices and beliefs. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism are three major spiritual traditions that have each developed their own forms of tantra, incorporating elements of mysticism, ritual, and meditation to help practitioners connect more deeply with themselves, their partners, and the universe as a whole.
In Hinduism, tantra is known as Tantrism and is closely linked to the worship of the divine feminine, or Shakti. Tantric practices in Hinduism emphasize the use of mantras, mudras, and other rituals to tap into the power of the universe and achieve greater spiritual awareness and connection.
In Buddhism, tantra is known as Vajrayana, or the “Diamond Vehicle.” This Buddhist form of tantra emphasizes the use of visualization, mantra, and ritual to transform ordinary experiences into opportunities for spiritual growth. Vajrayana also places a strong emphasis on the role of the guru or teacher, who guides students through the complex practices and teachings of tantra.
In Taoism, tantra is known as Neidan, or “Inner Alchemy.” This form of tantra focuses on the cultivation of energy, or Qi, through practices such as meditation, breathwork, and movement. Neidan also emphasizes the importance of balancing the Yin and Yang energies within the body and achieving harmony between the individual and the natural world.
Throughout history, tantra has been a controversial and often misunderstood practice, with many misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding its teachings and practices. However, for those who are willing to delve deeper into this ancient tradition, tantra offers a powerful path towards greater spiritual awareness, connection, and transformation.
Today, tantra continues to be practised around the world, with many modern teachers and practitioners drawing on elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism to create their own unique forms of tantra. Whether you’re interested in exploring the mystical teachings of Tantrism, the transformative power of Vajrayana, or the energy cultivation techniques of Neidan, the world of Tantra offers a rich and diverse range of practices and techniques to help you deepen your connection to yourself, your partner, and the universe as a whole. Usually, people talk about tantra, we’re referring to NeoTantra – a modern Westernised version of Tantra which uses sexuality as a vessel for self-exploration. This spiritual practice promises better, longer-lasting orgasms, a deeper connection with your partner, truly spiritual and emotional healing, relaxation and greater spiritual enlightenment. Unlike classical tantra, it’s not based on the traditional Tantric scriptures and books but a modern combination of pop psychology, philosophical practices and other modern texts.
What is Tantric Massage?
Tantra massage is another element of Tantra. Unlike other forms of massage, tantra massage is spiritual in origin. It uses a bioenergetic approach to the bodywork with the aim of healing traumas, awakening the chakras and reviving the individual, along with elements of massage, yoga, and sexual therapy.
The massage allows two people to come together spiritually, emotionally and physically through a unique energy initiation which connects the giver and the receiver. Usually, candlelight, essential oils and massage techniques (over the entire body and the genitals) are used by a partner or a facilitator to allow explosive tantric energy release, eliminate sexual and energy blockages, and increase youthfulness, stamina and vitality.
Between couples, tantric massage awakens a powerful intimate connection which allows sacred sexual energy to bloom and allows both giver and receiver to become fully present in the breath and each other. It can also be gifted by an individual to allow the recipient to relax, explore and awaken sexual pleasure, or it can be used to help heal from trauma in a practice called tantra therapy.
How to Awaken the Sexual Energy for Ultimate Bliss?
In tantra, raising sexual energy is seen as a way to tap into and harness a powerful force that can help you to achieve greater spiritual awareness and connection. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to raise sexual energy, depending on the tradition and the individual practitioner.
One common technique used in tantra is called “kundalini awakening.” This involves visualizing a powerful energy force that lies coiled at the base of the spine, and then using breathwork, meditation, and physical movements to gradually awaken and raise this energy up through the chakras or energy centres of the body.
Another technique used in tantra is called “sacred union.” This involves cultivating a deep and intimate connection with a partner through various physical and spiritual practices, such as eye gazing, conscious touch, sexual intercourse and meditation. Through this connection, sexual energy can be raised and harnessed in a way that benefits both partners and allows them to achieve a greater sense of spiritual awareness and connection.
Other techniques used in tantra to raise sexual energy may include sound and movement practices, such as chanting or dancing, as well as various forms of bodywork, such as massage or acupressure.
Overall, the goal of raising sexual energy in tantra is not simply to achieve physical pleasure or gratification, but to tap into a powerful force that can help you to achieve greater spiritual awareness and connection. By using these various techniques, practitioners can cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with their own bodies and with their partners, leading to a greater sense of wholeness, fulfilment, and inner peace.
What are the energies of Shakti and Shiva?
In the world of tantra, the concepts of Shakti and Shiva energy are central to understanding the nature of the universe and our place within it. These energies represent the masculine and feminine aspects of creation and are often symbolized as a cosmic dance between two divine beings.
Shakti energy represents the feminine principle of creation and is often associated with the goddess in Hindu mythology. This energy is characterized by its creative, intuitive, and nurturing qualities, and is believed to reside in the base of the spine in the form of Kundalini energy. Shakti is also associated with the moon, the element of water, and the left side of the body.
On the other hand, Shiva’s energy represents the masculine principle of creation and is often associated with the god in Hindu mythology. This energy is characterized by its strength, power, and stillness, and is believed to reside in the crown of the head. Shiva is also associated with the sun, the element of fire, and the right side of the body.
In tantra, the union of Shakti and Shiva energy is seen as the ultimate goal, as it represents the balance and harmony between the masculine and feminine aspects of creation. This union is often symbolized as a cosmic dance between the two energies, in which they activate, merge and become one, taking the practitioners to an orgasmic state of consciousness.
Through practices such as meditation, yoga, and conscious touch, practitioners of tantra seek to awaken and balance their own Shakti and Shiva energies, allowing them to tap into their full potential and connect more deeply with themselves, their partners, and the universe as a whole. By understanding and embracing these powerful energies, we can unlock the secrets of the universe and achieve a greater sense of spiritual awareness and connection.
The idea of dual energies certainly isn’t unique. It runs through most philosophical and religious practices, from East to West. By focusing on the energy-awakening practices of sexual connection, we are able to shake off those false ideas that sex equals sin and instead allow ourselves to move beyond the everyday limitations of desire, ideals and attachments to attain true liberation.
What to Expect on Tantra Retreats on Tantra Workshops?
So if it’s not about sex, what exactly can you expect from one of these retreats?
I’m afraid the answer isn’t exactly straightforward because no two tantra retreats are exactly the same! Where would be the fun in that?
Each retreat offers a unique blend of yoga styles, tantric philosophy, meditation and therapy combined with the teacher or school’s particular approach to Tantra. Excitingly, this means that you’re almost guaranteed to find a tantra retreat which meets your needs and allows you to explore your sexual energy in a way that you feel comfortable with.
You are likely to have plenty of time for sharing in ‘sharing circles’. Some of the retreats may also include tantric massage, sensual massage, energy activation, eye gazing and biodanza or ecstatic dance.
What is a typical schedule for Tantra Retreats like?
Generally speaking, most tantra retreats will touch on the history of tantra (even if only briefly) and include a strong focus on becoming more present in your physical body. This is likely to include a daily morning yoga class to shake off those cobwebs and deepen your physical yoga practice.
Meditation and breath awareness work are also central to every tantra retreat experience as they help unlock the central chakra system of the body and deepen your intimate relationship with your own energy centres.
There are also most commonly practical exercises which help you put into practice what you have just learnt. These will often be done with a partner, so consider how comfortable you feel in working with a stranger if you’re not taking your partner along.
These tantric exercises aren’t usually about sex (but they can be) but instead focus on exploring the notion of sexuality in the Western world. It’s more likely that they’ll include making eye contact with a partner (harder than you’d think!), various sensory activities, discussion opportunities to explore your experiences of sexuality and self, sensual partner massage, Kegel exercises and much more.
You can also expect the dynamic of the tantra retreat to vary throughout- you might be working in pairs, groups or individually, depending on the tantric exercise and lesson.
You might even be treated to some Kundalini shaking, ecstatic dance, biodanza and other therapeutic energy work along the way. Plus lots of hugging. Tantra practitioners love hugging!
You can always say ‘No’
Importantly, no one will make you do anything that you don’t want to do.
You will always have freedom of choice over all your actions. If you want to stay fully clothed whilst others in the room are naked, that is perfectly fine. Having said that, it might be a good idea to get comfortable with others being naked around you if you’re going to a retreat.
It’s also important to mention that everyone is welcome at a tantra retreat. You can be single, married, divorced, widowed, just starting out in your relationship, looking to heal relationship issues or even taking your relationship to a new depth. There are also no limitations when it comes to sexual orientation. All that matters is whether you feel comfortable within the tantra retreat environment.
How to choose the best Tantra Retreats in the World?
Before you book your place on a tantra retreat, it’s a good idea to be 100% sure what you’re getting yourself into.
For that reason, try not to make a snap decision unless your gut is telling you that you need to experience the teachings of one particular tantric retreat experience.
Spend a little time exploring the details of the tantra retreat or couple’s retreat you are interested in and find out information such as:
- Where is it located?
- What exercises are involved?
- Do I need to take a partner?
- How much tantra history and theory would I like to learn?
- How much tantric practice do I want to experience?
- Is there any sexual interaction involved?
- Do I need to remove my clothes? If so, am I comfortable with that?
- What food is on offer at this tantra retreat?
- Is accommodation provided?
- Would I prefer a couple’s retreat, a single’s retreat, or somewhere between the two?
- Am I looking to heal from past trauma?
Always make sure you listen to your own needs and requirements and choose carefully.
Find the Best Tantra Yoga Retreats Worldwide:
There are many tantra retreats around the world that offer a wide range of experiences for those looking to explore this spiritual practice. Here are some of the best tantra retreats to consider:
Osho Meditation Resort, Pune, India
The Osho Meditation Resort offers a unique and transformative experience for those looking to explore tantra. The retreat offers a wide range of workshops and courses, including Tantra Meditation, Osho Mystic Tantra, and Tantra Massage.
ISTA (International School of Temple Arts), Various locations
ISTA offers a variety of tantra retreats and workshops around the world. These retreats focus on sexual healing and awakening and include practices such as breathwork, movement, and touch.
SkyDancing Tantra, Various locations
SkyDancing Tantra offers a variety of workshops and retreats around the world that focus on cultivating intimacy, pleasure, and connection. These retreats include practices such as dance, meditation, and conscious touch.
Jan Day Retreats
Jan’s workshops and Retreats are an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with themselves, those around them, and the spiritual world. These workshops are designed to help you fully embrace your physical body, emotional nature, sexual energy, heart, being, and soul. They are usually located in London or in the natural beauty of Somerset, UK. Highly Recommended!
Shakti Tantra
Shakti Tantra Retreats in the UK offer a powerful and transformative journey into the heart of Tantra. With a focus on the divine feminine energy, these retreats are designed to help participants connect more deeply with themselves and the universe as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking to spice up your spiritual practice, deepen your connection with yourself and others, or just have a really good time, a Tantra retreat might just be the ticket. With a wide range of retreats available around the world, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and interests.
Whether you’re drawn to the mysticism of Hinduism, the transformative power of Buddhism, or Taoist energy cultivation techniques, Tantra offers a rich and diverse range of practices and techniques to help you tap into your full potential.
Just be warned – Tantra retreats can be a wild ride, full of deeply emotional experiences, powerful energy work, and maybe even a little bit of kink. So, if you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone and explore the depths of your own being, sign up for a Tantra retreat today. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new side of yourself that you never knew existed.
If a Tantra Retreat sounds too intense, you might find going to a Tantra Festival lighter. Where you can dip in and out of workshops and get more of an understanding of what the different teachers offer. Click here to discover all the tantra festivals worldwide.
