Robyn: That's a great question and one even the scholars debate! At its most basic, Tantra is an expansive spiritual philosophy and practice having roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The literal translation of the Sanskrit word is "to weave".
One aspect of the Tantric path is coming to fully know and accept oneself--including the often-denied primal urges like sexuality, anger, and jealousy. By moving deeply into--rather than away from--these aspects of ourselves, we can be freed of their oppressive rule in our lives.
Tantra is also known as the union of opposites--yin and yang, masculine and feminine, heaven and earth, divine and profane, etc. Human consciousness creates these opposites as polarized dualities, robbing us of experiencing unity with all of life. As we move from duality and separation to totality and connection, immense bliss and joy emerges!
Anna Marti: Tantra is a Sanskrit word used very loosely in the west describing a number of historical spiritual systems, specifically from Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism that share practices of an erotic nature. The misperception is that tantra is solely about sexual practices. In truth, tantric practice is about using all of our experiences, INCLUDING our sexual behaviors, as a vehicle to become more fully awake and present in our lives. Desire will pour out in a new and continuous way that will no longer exist as an accumulation of energy seeking only for sexual release. Our relationships evolve into truly warm and sensual relationships involving our entire being.
Jan: Tantra is a spiritual path for integrating body, mind and soul. It differs from other paths in its honoring of the body, using the senses, sexuality, and feelings to help you evolve spiritually. You may apply Tantric practices and principles to many areas of life - to relationship and sexual loving, spiritual practice and lifestyle, physical and emotional well-being.
At the heart of Tantra is love. The practices and rituals of Tantra, both spiritual and sexual, work to create the conditions necessary for love to flourish and endure. When we achieve states of presence, energy flow, relaxation, harmony, and connection, love emerges and opens the heart. To bring about the conditions that generate and sustain love, we can learn to rely upon Tantric practices to create more of these positive energy states. Tantra, therefore, is not just something to do in our bedrooms, but rather a complete way of life.
At the Heart of Tantra is Love (a short introduction) by Shakti Jan
“The practices and rituals of Tantra, both spiritual and sexual, work to create the conditions necessary for love to flourish and endure. . .”
Origins of Tantra (a thorough discussion including history, chakras and kundalini) by Shakti Jan
“Tantra is a spiritual teaching and philosophy that originated . . .”
What is Tantra? (a very engaging and thought provoking interview) with Anna Marti
“”Tantra is being presented as relationship enhancement, erotic techniques, and enhanced orgasms. All those things can occur but that's not the point: the point is an inquiry into consciousness. . .”