By Marc Allen
If there is one word in the yoga vocabulary that immediately brings about preconceived (and often incorrect) notions, that word may be “tantra.” Widely misconstrued as the “yoga of sex,” tantra is actually a multifaceted, highly practical wisdom tradition that brings awareness to the fact that every moment provides an opportunity for a direct path to love, freedom, fulfillment and enlightenment.
Author Marc Allen, co-founder of New World Library with author Shakti Gawain, explores this ancient philosophy for the modern age in Tantra for the West. Using a frank and honest voice that weaves personal anecdotes with simple, direct applications in the areas of work, money, creativity, food and drink, solitude, meditation, healing and aging, freedom, enlightenment, sex and relationships, Allen provides ample practices for living the life of your dreams in this very moment.
“The Western world is ripe for the ideas and practices of tantra,” he writes. “Westerners are usually too individualistic and too worldly wise (and a lot of us are way too lazy) to accept most forms of Eastern thought and practice, mainly because they contain a great many of the cultural trappings from the countries of origin. Many Eastern traditions encourage Westerners to go without sex, alcohol, coffee, meat and “impure” foods; to live a life of rigorous discipline; and to reject a great deal of the cultural heritage and lifestyles of the West. A study of the history of tantra revels that its power rests on the fact that it does not reject modern culture. We don’t have to give up sex and meat and TV in order to achieve freedom and happiness. We can create our lives exactly as we want them to be.”
The book provides an abundance of opportunities to practice the philosophies of tantra. Throughout each chapter in concisely written, bold font, Allen offers affirmations, observations and insights to immediately apply. Readers will be sure to dog-ear the pages relevant to them at whatever stage of life, as Allen encourages each individual to genuinely and personally use the book by diving in where relevant.
It’s not essential to read Tantra for the West sequentially, but it is highly recommended for the practical hope Allen imparts as he reminds readers, “When you ask the Universe for something, you will receive it—unless you’re denying it on deeper levels of your being. Let it all come to you, easily and effortlessly. You deserve it. You’re here to fulfill something wonderful in your life, something you cherish in your heart. And now you are holding in your hands the tools to create whatever your heart desires.” (New World Library)
This article is a part of the Annual Food Issue 2015 issue of Whole Life Times.