We love this article from our Spring 2020 issue, written by our Tantra expert Dawn Cartwright. Here, she shares the benefits of Neo Tantra, explaining the mystical origins from which each practice arose, as well as some of the scientific underpinnings behind the practices.
Science & Mysticism
The Origins, Practices & Benefits of NeoTantra
by Dawn Cartwright
It’s the beginning of a new decade, the beginning of a New Age, and the perfect time to explore NeoTantra, a beautiful path of self-discovery. Filled with practices that are both science-based and mystical, NeoTantra has its roots in the Vedic tradition.
The Vedic Origins of Tantra
Tantra first appears in written form in the oldest Hindu scriptures, the Vedas. According to Hinduism scholar, Jho Chakradhar, “The initial literature is traditionally believed to be a direct revelation of the ‘cosmic sound of truth’ heard by ancient Rishis, who then translated what was heard into something understandable by humans.” The Vedas, believed to date back to 1700 – 1100 BCE, contain vast spiritual knowledge encompassing all aspects of life.
The Four Vedic texts
• The Rigveda
• The Yajurveda
• The Samaveda
• The Atharvaveda
Connected to the earth and the elements, the Vedas are considered apaurusheya – beyond human imagination. They contain secrets for living life in perfect balance with nature. Tantra, described as a loom or weaving device, is first mentioned in the Rigveda. There are scholars who believe the entire Atharvaveda is fully Tantric in its scope.
“Tantra itself means ‘to weave, to expand, and to spread,’ and according to Tantric masters, the fabric of life can provide true and everlasting fulfilment only when all the threads are woven according to the pattern designated by nature.”
Jho Chakradhar
Tantra reveals practical, scientific methods for weaving our lives with the life-affirming, mystical threads of nature.
The Origins of NeoTantra
In 1968 the Indian mystic, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, later known as Osho, launched the NeoTantra movement with a lecture series entitled “From Sex to Superconsciousness.” The lecture series, spanning three months, explored the three stages of sex: physical, psychological and spiritual.
“Sex has to be something immensely respected, because we are born out of it. It is our very life source. And to condemn the life source is to condemn everything. Sex has to be raised higher and higher to its ultimate peak. And that ultimate peak is Samadhi, superconsciousness.”
Osho
Osho initiated several NeoTantra teachers. One of these teachers, Margot Anand, wrote the popular book, “The Art of Sexual Ecstasy,” filled with practical methods for both singles and couples to create sexual ecstasy in their own lives. As my first NeoTantra teacher, Margot has a very special place in my heart.
Science & Mysticism: The Practices & Benefits
Even the most mystical Tantric practices and techniques are grounded in science. Physics, geometry, biology and biochemistry are at the core of all ancient Tantric teachings. NeoTantra is also science-based, offering extraordinary benefits to those who dedicate themselves to the practices.
I invite you to explore a small sample of the benefits, science and mysticism of NeoTantra in these three examples. You may be surprised how easy it can be to bring NeoTantra into your own life.
The Benefits: A Greater Connection to Your Body & Pleasure
“The first thing is to learn respect for the body, to unlearn all the nonsense that has been taught to you about the body. Otherwise you will never turn on, and you will never turn in and you will never turn beyond.”
Osho
The Practices: Breathing Practices, Sexual Awareness Techniques, Channeling Ecstatic Energy
The Science: According to Barbara Bartlik, MD, “This type of deep breathing will actually increase the flow of blood to your genitals, intensifying your state of arousal and pleasure.”
The Mysticism: Kundalini is the raw energy present at the base of the spine. This energy, once activated, flows into the body, awakening divine aspects of the practitioner.
The Benefits: Loving Sexuality & Relationships
“The purpose of meeting your Inner Lover is rooted in the understanding that the more self-accepting you are, the more orgasmic you can become.”
Margot Anand
The Practices: Loving Touch, Conscious Communication, Awakening the Inner Lover
The Science: Emese Nagy, Ph.D. conducted a scientific study on embraces. She discovered that most people embrace for 5 seconds or less, but it takes much longer to experience the true benefits of a hug. Oxytocin, a bonding hormone, is released at the 20 second mark.
The Mysticism: Each morning at sunrise and again each evening at dusk, the Pancha Upacharas, five moments of access, are offered in every Hindu temple. One of these five offerings is incense. Incense touches everything, enters everything, offers its fragrance without preferenceessence of Anahata, the heart chakra, the gift of unconditional love.
The Benefits: Orgasm Mastery & Ecstatic Freedom
“At the center of the heart, there is silence, there is space, there is ecstasy. There is freedom. Silent tranquility. This is Tantric orgasm, the orgasm that has no beginning or end.”
Dawn Cartwright
The Practices: Secrets of the Five Senses, Orgasm Mastery, Inner Stillness
The Science: When was the last time you consciously breathed in the scent of your lover, or felt – really felt – the touch of their lips on yours? Each of the senses lights up a particular part of the brain, constructing an inner reality we experience as the world around us. According to industrial designer, Jinsop Lee, the most exceptional experiences in life include all five senses – and are exceptional because they do.
The Mysticism: According to spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, “You can become aware of awareness as the background to all your sense perceptions, all your thinking. Becoming aware of awareness is the arising of inner stillness.”
The Future of NeoTantra
There are extraordinary benefits to living in tune with nature, being true to yourself and finding love and spirit in sex. In this new decade, this new age, we are already taking great strides in both science and mysticism to create a world that is loving, positive and free. NeoTantra is infused in almost everything we do, naturally. The future of NeoTantra, and our future, is very bright.
Dawn Cartwright is a Tantric visionary, sacred writer, world traveler, and innovator in NeoTantra fusion. Dawn is based in Santa Monica, California. Learn more at:
