GRATIA
{grace}
embodied sensual integration
TANTRA YOGA MEDITATION
{About Gratia}
Gratia is devoted to the purpose of living fully~ sensually engaged with ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are dedicated to the practice of deepening integrity. We are motivated by the idea of alignment; agreement between all aspects of self. We are inspired by truth and beauty.
{where does action end, and art begin?}
{What is Tantra?}
Tantra is a rich spiritual and philosophical tradition encompassing a variety of practices based on ancient Sanskrit texts called tantras.
These, and other texts, were the foundation for early forms of Hinduism and Buddhism, and Tantra branched out and formed a third spiritual path. Tantra was known as the "householders path", as it embraced everyday life and engagement in community as valid practices on the path of enlightenment , while most other traditions espoused renunciation of physical comfort and even the physical form. Tantra arose and took a different view, one of embracing the realm of the physical-the senses-as a practice in moving toward enlightenment and transcendence.
The word tantra is rooted in two parts: Tan- meaning to expand on or elaborate on, and Tra- meaning to save or protect.
"In other words, Tantra spreads (tan) wisdom that saves (tra). ...it alludes to the fact that Tantrik practices give us a means of strengthening and protecting us from worldly harm, as well as bestowing the ultimate spiritual liberation..."
-Tantra Illuminated, Christopher D. Wallis-
{FAQ'S}
{Is Tantra yoga? }
It's probably more accurate to say that yoga is Tantra, or at least very closely related. Modern yoga breath and posture practices are rooted in hatha yoga, and hatha yoga originated out of Saiva Tantra (the most popular and well known Tantra lineage).
{What are the benefits?)
Many. The practical results include increased focus, presence, peace, sensuality and sense of well being. The practices can aid in personal mastery: mental, physical and emotional.
{Is it sex/does it have to be sexual?}
Tantra isn't sex, and it doesn't have to be sexual. In some Tantric traditions sexual ritual was incorporated as a means of celebrating the divine feminine and masculine and creating a physical representation of divine union. Other traditions practiced abstinence.
{Do you need a partner?}
No, not at all. Tantric practice is wonderful for personal development /self care, and can also be a beautiful platform for connection in partnership.
{Is it therapy?}
No, but it is definitely therapeutic!
{Are there different types of Tantra?}
Definitely. Although modern tantra is pretty much all derived from the Saiva Tantra tradition, there are so many aspects of tantra that its expression in practice, though related, can be really varied. Ultimately the results, or the "goal" is, or should be, the same: "...accessing and assimilating the divine energy in all things, in order to achieve both worldly success and spiritual liberation."
-Tantra Illuminated, Christopher D. Wallis
{Is it best for certain people, or is it something for everyone?}
Tantra is for anyone and everyone.
.