I met Maya recently when I was invited to participate in a ceremony/celebration at her center on July 17th, along with other Lightworkers. I was visiting friends in Pahoa after attending a Lightworker Seminar this July.
She is an extraordinary woman, with a beautiful vision for her center in Pahoa. I was so impressed with her level of integrity and open honest demeanor.
This article is lengthy but contains accurate important information which assists in dispelling misconceptions and lists resources for more research on the subject.

What is Tantra Yoga, Really?
By Maya Dolena

Union of the mind is alignment.
Union of the body is sex.
Union of the heart is love.
Union of the spirit is Tantra.

The following are my perceptions, opinions and experiences regarding Tantra Yoga.

In its rawest form, Tantra Yoga can be used for heightened sexual experiences and for sexual healing.
In its middle path, Tantra Yoga is sacred sexuality raising love-making to a sacrament and an art form with ceremony and ritual.
In its highest path, Tantra Yoga is the union of two spirits into oneness to experience unconditional love and gratitude as the purest energy of the divine Spirit.

History:
Tantra Yoga is an ancient Eastern science of enlightenment with roots as far back as the third or fourth millennium B.C.E. to the Dravidian people in the Indus Valley in India. Since the 1920s when the Harappan culture was first discovered, more sites have been found, covering an area of more than 1.3 million square kilometers, larger than any other archaic civilization. This was a matriarchic society honoring the life-cycles and the feminine principle. Although the exact beginnings of Tantra Yoga are controversial, there is evidence of its ancient existence in some form.

“Unlike most mystical paths, Tantra Yoga includes sexuality as a doorway to ecstasy and enlightenment. Tantra Yoga is not a religion, but rather a way of life.” Tantra Yoga in its Western form has been called, the "Yoga of Sex". This label diminishes the true path of Tantra and has spawned many variations of the sacred-sexuality practices and spiritual path into sexual techniques for pleasure.
“Tantra Yoga is very holistic in its approach to life, health, and spirituality. The word tantra literally means "expansion." A tantra yogi’s path focuses on expansion of all levels of their consciousness to realize the Supreme Source. The practices of Tantra Yoga awaken and balance the male and female energies within each person in order to spiritually awaken to the entire universe as the divine life force, or Spirit.
Introduction:
When I first heard of Tantra Yoga, my partner and I were in the midst of a breakup while on Maui for Christmas. During that time, he was glued to his computer and as I found out later, he was communicating online with a Tantrika.

As we made our relationship exit plans, I could overhear him making his new plans with someone. It was disheartening to know that he could find someone else so quickly and be willing to make such important plans so soon. He had not even moved out yet.

With my heart breaking and through a waterfall of tears, still I was very curious as to what this woman did and said that had intrigued him and enticed him to be with her. Of all the places my partner could have chosen to go or of all the people who would have welcomed him, he chose to be with her in Los Angeles.

Using internet therapy, I searched and found many references to Tantrikas and to Tantra Yoga. Many of the websites were so very reverent and spiritual in nature and others resembled pornographic sites. I was amazed at the dichotomy.

I became more aware of a prevalent negative connotation to the word Tantra when I mentioned to a friend that I had attended a weekend Tantra workshop. She was incredulous when she asked, “You did what? Who did you have sex with?” I was shocked.

So how did Tantra get a bad “rep”?
First, the prevalent organized religions held beliefs that sexuality had to be denied in order to attain enlightenment. So Tantra challenged the repressive moralistic codes of organized religion in a persistent nonconformist approach which finally influenced the major Eastern religions such as Hindu, Taoist and Buddhist traditions.
Second, many Tantric mystics used unconventional methods to teach. Their intention was to awaken people to the holistic nature of spirituality and sexuality. However, in the process, their sometimes outrageous behaviors and approach scandalized traditional society bringing condemnation upon themselves.
Third, and probably the most significant to us, is that sex sells and many people have used Tantra to sell their workshops, CDs, their services and products through titillation and exploitation.
What are some of the common misconceptions?
Because there are many taboos in our society, a majority of people in our culture still have a puritanical view of sex. There was major shift in consciousness in the 1960’s, called the sexual revolution, when the youth of that time, were revolting against centuries of sexual suppression and authoritarian control. Even with this revolution, our social mores tend to keep sexuality and sensuality in a forbidden black box.
“Again, there has been a historical tendency in European and American societies to exoticise and eroticise the “East”, to appropriate it by reducing it to the object of one’s desires and fears. Tantric Buddhism as a religion which is cool about sex comes handy as a counter-model to one’s own religion, perceived as repressive and un-erotic.” -- Prof. Christoph Emmrich in Journal of Historical Studies, University of Toronto.
Misconception: Tantra is about having sex or sex orgies…
Tantra is about sacred sexuality and it is a path to enlightenment. This particular misconception could be based upon the practice in Tantra involving the use of sexual energy. This fact has been interpreted to mean group sex or purely sexual activities for the purpose of titillation or mere bodily pleasure.

Tantra Yoga is holistic and involves the body, mind and spirit and opens the energy in the heart and in other chakras as well. In a ceremony called a Puja, a celebration of divine spirit, men and women share energy with each other through eye-gazing, hugs, by putting a hand on each other’s heart or some other conscious way of demonstrating unconditional love and acceptance.
A Tantrika (practitioner of Tantra Yoga), learns to manage and balance their own energy through breath work, through toning and sounding mantras, through visualizing the yantras, through meditation and various forms of visualization. They also learn to activate their energy within each chakra, then “run” their energy by moving it up or down through the chakras. These practices are typically called “white” Tantra, meaning doing it solo.
Sharing Tantric energy with a partner is called “red” Tantra. The sharing of the energy can occur in a variety of ways. The energy can be shared by breathing into each other’s mouths in alternating breaths while eye-gazing. Energy can be shared through connecting with each other’s chakras and visualizing the energy as a circle or a spiral inter-twining the chakras of the partners. The yab-yum position is great for this type of energy sharing. Energy can be shared by nurturing and caressing or cuddling with a partner. Energy can also be passed between partners through intercourse. And because orgasm is not a goal of a Tantric experience, the focus is on the sharing of unconditional love and sexual energy. This sharing of energy can last for hours and can be used for emotional healing, pleasure and for the manifesting of intentions by directing the energy for a particular purpose.
Misconception: Tantra is about swinging, partner swapping…
Practicing Tantra Yoga is to share energy with others. Because there are a variety of ways to share energy in a conscious, safe and sacred way, Tantrikas share energy with many people of both genders. A couple could agree to share energy with a third person in a triad session. A couple could agree to separately share energy with another person of the same or opposite gender. The focus is on the sharing of energy for the purpose of raising consciousness, for transformation, for emotional healing, etc. In these types of sessions, intercourse does not occur. Rather, an exchange of unconditional love and nurturing energy is exchanged.
Misconception: Tantra is about the G-spot stimulation…
There are various domains in which modern Tantra Yoga is used for breaking our limitations for the purpose of self-actualization to higher consciousness. Some Western Tantra Yoga masters have experimented with various areas of the body for the purpose of releasing emotional limitations. As certified massage therapists know, there are areas of the body, when stimulated can activate emotions or physical sensations including pain. A release of this “trapped” energy often results in a feeling of well-being for the client.
In Tantra Yoga, we call the G-spot, the “sacred” spot. Both men and women have this energy spot located in their bodies in the area of the genitals. Tantra Yoga masters have found that stimulation of the sacred spot (the energetic spot, not necessarily the physical spot) can activate emotions and memories of pain, abuse of various types, suppression, sadness, fear, loss and more. A Tantra Yoga master is trained in performing this stimulation and also, in facilitating the emotional process of the client that sometimes ensues. As a coach, they hold the space for the person to feel what they need to feel, say what they need to say and to release what needs to be released. The Tantra Yogi will question the client to bring awareness to their feelings and emotions. The Tantra Yogi will encourage the client to “be” empowered and create a new reality for themselves, no matter what has happened to them in the past. This is what we call “sexual” healing. The misinformed call this G-spot massage.
Misconception: Tantrikas and Tantra Yogi’s are sex-workers…
Outsiders may view Tantra Yoga as sexual practices and those that offer teaching, coaching and healing sessions, as sex workers. This is so far from the truth. Certified Tantra Educators, Coaches and healing facilitators are called Dakas (male) and Dakinis (female) for their chosen path of service.
In ancient times, the Dakini or High Priestess was a teacher of love, a healer, an oracle and purifier of men. Every man would take education in the art of making love with a Dakini. She would heal him of any wounds inflicted by a man or woman so that he could welcome in his beloved as a pure being without any emotional injury. Soldiers returning from war would spend time with her before they could integrate into society again. She would purify him with unconditional love energy to heal his spirit.
Young women would take education in the arts of love and healing with a Dakini. In this way, Divine Feminine wisdom would be passed from generation to generation. As women, this is our lineage and our legacy.
Today Dakas and Dakinis offer workshops, coaching and counseling, as well as,
facilitate healing sessions. They utilize all of their tools and practices to support the awakening of the kundalini* energy for the purpose of spiritual expansion.

If you are interested in finding a Tantra Yoga source for you, what do you look for?

Many websites on Tantra Yoga offer education on their web pages, descriptions of rituals, history and more. These sites sometimes offer books, CDs and workshops. How do you know which to contact?

My short and sweet answer is, if it looks like a sex site with lots of nudity, it is; if it looks like a spiritual, educational site, it usually is. Some of the “spiritually” focused sites do have limited nudity, typically an artistic painting or a tastefully done photograph. The sex focused sites, typically have graphic nudity. These sites will offer services other than Tantra Yoga education and services.

Three websites and sources I recommend through personal experience are:
www.sourcetantra.com, www.divine-feminine.com,
and my own, www.mauigoddess.net .
My newest site which is very beautiful and almost ready is www.divine-unions.com . Please visit anyway.
What are the benefits of practicing Tantra Yoga?

There are many, many benefits. The greatest benefit is the awakening of an inner joy that you may have never known was there, the joy of aliveness and oneness.
You become able to open your heart to yourself at a deep level and make changes in your life that are aligned with your heart's desires and for your highest good.
In addition, by gaining mastery of your sexual energy, you manifest loving and fulfilling relationships and expand your capacity for spiritual ecstasy.
Since the second chakra energy is the creative, life-giving energy in us all, this energy can be focused to use for manifesting our decrees. There are several meditations that you can do alone or with a partner in order to align energies for the purpose of manifesting a specific intention.
There are known health benefits also. When practicing Tantra Yoga, endorphins, oxytocins (and other natural hormones and chemicals such as DHEA) are released improving health and vitality. The breath work and the yoga of Tantra increase flexibility, circulation and energy flow.

* ”… an examination of mystical literature and traditions showed that kundalini, called by various names, seems to have been a universal phenomenon in esoteric teachings for perhaps three thousand years. Kundalini-type descriptions or experiences are found in esoteric teachings of the Egyptians, Tibetans, Chinese, some Native Americans, and the !Kung bushmen of Africa. Kundalini has been interpreted from the Bible as "the solar principle in man," and is referenced in the Koran, the works of Plato and other Greek philosophers, alchemical tracts (the philosopher's stone), and in Hermetic, Kabbalistic, Rosicrucian, and Masonic writings.” -- The Mystica, an online Encyclopedia
About the author: A Path Less Traveled

Having been reared a Catholic in a South Texas town, Tantra Yoga was never on my radar screen. I was taught that sexual intercourse was an obligation of marriage and for the purpose of procreation. Sexual pleasure was completely denied and not something “nice” girls liked. So of course, self-pleasuring (masturbation) was a horrible sin.
As I matured and worked at my profession in a major corporation, I lost my virginity to the masculine aspect of myself. I became ruthless and competitive as a means to survive the corporate “jungle”.
After two divorces, my trust of men was less than zero and my resentments were consuming me. Then during my last relationship breakup, it was all I could do to be functional. Yet, the idea of Tantra Yoga was very intriguing. When my partner and I talked of reconciliation, we registered for a Tantra Yoga weekend course for couples. Two weeks before the weekend course, we had our final breakup. Although I felt betrayed and devastated, I decided to go to the workshop alone. He went to be with his Tantrika. This was my first breakthrough.
I awakened my feminine energy and power that had been suppressed for so long. During the practices, I felt empowered and energized. There were two sweet, single men attending the course who were in service to me for the practices. For the first time in a very long time, I felt feminine and desirable. This was mostly due to my own shift in perception of myself and the beginning of my loving myself.
My primary learnings were simple: how to breathe to open my chakras and how to ignite my heart chakra energy and sexual chakra energy and merge the two. When I returned to work on Monday, everyone with whom I interacted, mentioned how relaxed I looked, or commented on how I was “glowing”. It showed! Amazing!
I continued my teachers training to be certified in Tantra Yoga with the Source School of Tantra on Maui and for sacred sexuality at the Divine Feminine Institute on Maui. Through these modified Tantra Yoga teachings and sacred sexuality practices, I experienced a wonderful balancing of my feminine and masculine energies. I was open to realizing my heart’s desires and pursuing them. Shortly thereafter, I left corporate and bought a fantastic place in Hawaii—a place for learning, transformation and healing.
My personal path of Tantra Yoga is to explore and expand the Shakti (feminine) energy and Shiva (masculine) energy in myself and to guide others in those practices. By opening the chakras, then sharing that energy with our beloved (self or someone else) is to experience the spiritual divine in our human form. This exchange of energy in the form of unconditional love and appreciation for the divine spirit in us all is a healing practice. It has deepened my relationships and removed many of my self-imposed limitations.
Through my work as a Dakini, I now have such compassion for men and work with male clients to facilitate their awakening. I also work with couples who want to deepen their relationship and with single men and women to prepare them for conscious relationships and partnerships. My work includes delivering PlayShops and learning experiences for men and women in Tantra Yoga, women’s empowerment and men’s adventures in consciousness.
Today, I am healthier, look younger and have a joie de vivre that I have not experienced before.

Aloha,
Maya (Sylvia) Dolena
Bio: www.mauigoddess.net/mayadolena
Certified Life Coach
Certified Tantra Educator, Divine Feminine Practioner
Shaolin Energetics Practioner
"Those who live in a world of unlimited mindsets enjoy the ultimate of possibilities."
Join us in Hawaii for transformational Adventures www.mauigoddess.net

References:
Sanatan Society, Yoga World, Hindu Website

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MYSTICAL JOURNEY TO PERU AND LAKE TITICACA WITH JORGE LUIS DELGADO AND JORY ADAMSON

Jory at Felicita Growth Center

www.triangleoflighthealing.com

November 9 - 22, 2007

You are invited to join a small group in a journey of the heart and soul as we discover the magic of the Andean culture of Peru. We will explore sacred sites of the Andes, experience the power of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Our guide, Jorge Luis Delgado, is an Andean shaman, healer and mystic whose passion is to share his knowledge of Peruvian traditions. Together we immerse ourselves into this mystical land where the veil between the worlds falls away.

Click here to review Itinerary

For further information or to register, please contact:
Jory Adamson
P.O. Box 614
Silverado, CA 92676
(949) 451-3507
www.triangleoflighthealing.com
sacredalchemy@msn.com

Jorge Luis Delgado

was trained by Kallawayas shamen of the northeast Lake Titicaca region, the lineage of the Amautas and the Wise Ones of the Andes. He has also studied with and been trained by the Q'ero elders of the Cusco region, who are considered the last remaining descendents of the Incas. Jorge is the re-discoverer of Aramu Muru Doorway, an interdimensional portal near Lake Titicaca. Jorge is a founding member of The Brotherhood of the Solar Disc which is an Andean esoteric society, headquarted at Titicaca. The dedication of this group is to share unconditional love through connection with the Golden Disc. This is brought to the Andes by the Lemurian Master Aramu Muru.

Jorge Luis believes that this Pachacuti (a time when the world is being turned upside down and a new consciousness is emerging) is a time to go within and heal the wounds of the past both individually and collectively. He is a "way-shower" who shares ancient and hidden knowledge to assist in the healing of those who are ready. He is the author of Andean Awakening , An Inca Guide to Mystical Peru

For the past 20 years, Jory Adamson, M.A. has practiced as a psychotherapist, Reiki Master/Teacher and spiritual counselor. As an energy practitioner, she specializes in clearing the luminous energy field around the body that connects to wounds held in the chakras as well as providing energetic chelation treatments to facilitate cellular healing. For many years, she has led a spiritual group dedicated to meditation, prayer and personal and planetary transformation.
Her passion for the healing traditions of indigenous people led her to study and teach Peruvian shamanism based on the Q'ero of the Andes. For several years, she has been leading groups in both North and South America for those interested in a deeply spiritual experience of the sacred sites, symbology and knowledge of the ancient ones. Her journey has led her to become initiated into the Rites of Passage of a Mesa Carrier: one who is a keeper of the earth medicines, a ceremonial leader and a teacher of the Medicine Wheel. She makes her home in both northern New Mexico and Southern California.