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Tantra, a Sanskrit word means to weave, expand, spread or connect. In gay tantra the couple aims to use their opposing flows of energy to reach a deeper connection and level of spirituality. Although many people believe the process is not possible for same sex couples, the increasing numbers of people getting involved shows otherwise. The appeal for many couples is the opportunity provided to become closer and obtain a more complete understanding of their personalities.
Many couples are drawn to tantra because it has a reputation for encouraging intimacy and prolonging and intensifying climax. These are not the only benefits. For the individual the process can help them come to terms with parts of their personality they were not comfortable with before. Tantra aims to help people develop spirituality, openness, shed fear and guilt and expand their boundaries to lead a more fulfilling life. Therefore it is a system of spiritual and personal development which utilizes the sexual energies.
The history of Tantra encompasses theories and traditions from all over Asia. These have absorbed ideas from Hinduism and Buddhism. For this reason teachers of Tantra can vary significantly in their practices.
Due to the focus on opposing polarities many believe that the opposite sexes are needed for Tantra and gay tantra is impossible. However in traditions which focus on the Kundalini model of energy flows this is not the case. In Tantra using Kundalini the rising energy is viewed as being the same in all persons, whatever their sexual persuasion or gender. Other traditions use visualization to solve the problem in gay Tantra. One of the partners assumes a role and visualizes themselves as being of the opposite gender and the partners use their minds to direct the energy. In Buddhist Tantra human sexual experience is beyond sexual preferences which are seen as a part of the personality.
One of the more popular types of gay tantra is a relatively new system called SkyDancer Tantra. It is based on an ancient system probably from Tibet but was developed by Margot Anand Naslednikoy in the Eighties. It is based on the concept of love being similar to a dance in the sky. The name comes from a colleague of a Buddha who was called Big Sky Dancer. Together they created Tantric Buddhism, whose followers were apparently passionate and entirely devoted to their spiritual work.
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.
For those who want to learn more about gay tantra there are many retreats, workshops and gurus available. It is easy to find details of these online. Increasing numbers of same sex couples and single gay people are starting to practice gay tantra. There are a range of methods but the main aim is personal development.
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