June News with Ivy 🌈

The Key Principles and Philosophies of Tantra: Understanding the Sacred Path

The Nature of the Secret Knowledge
Imagine a road that if revealed you cannot travel it.
Imagine a love that if known you cannot touch.
This is the nature of the secret knowledge, if you know what we seek, then it becomes the obstacle that cannot be surpassed; a new mirage of words, and entrapments that keeps you locked out. Unable to realize it.
Waking up is beyond language, but through words (dreams, thought, impressions, dharma and karma) we must go forth!
Keep in mind as it reveals to you, that each layer that peels falls because the previous one fell off. But again be careful because by opening it up you might get tangled in thinking there is a core, a truth, a veracious teaching, but in the end as with an onion there was nothing to be sought, nothing to be taught, nothing to pursue, nothing to be won.
Only endless layers of packed karma.
Poem by Gagayogini

Hello my dear love,

This month we are exploring the fundamental principles and philosophies of tantra. By understanding these core teachings, one can begin to integrate tantra into their spiritual journey, cultivating a more balanced, aware, and fulfilling life.

Tantra is an ancient spiritual tradition that has captivated seekers for centuries with its rich teachings and transformative practices. Originating in India, tantra encompasses a wide range of practices designed to expand consciousness, deepen self-awareness, and connect individuals to the divine. At its core, tantra is not merely a set of rituals or techniques but a profound philosophy that integrates the body, mind, and spirit.

Tantra is About Union

The central philosophy of tantra revolves around the concept of union. Tantra seeks to unite the individual self with the universal consciousness, blending the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of existence. It teaches that everything in the universe is interconnected, and through conscious practices, we can experience this oneness with all of life.

In tantric teachings, this union is often symbolized through the sacred dance of Shiva and Shakti, the divine masculine and feminine energies. These energies are not seen as opposites but as complementary forces that, when balanced, create harmony and wholeness. Tantra teaches that each individual embodies both these energies, and the process of self-realization involves harmonizing these forces within.

Through tantric practices, whether it be meditation, breath work, or conscious sexuality, practitioners seek to merge with the divine and experience the fullness of life in its sacred entirety.

Tantra Embraces the Body as Sacred

Unlike many traditional spiritual paths that often emphasize transcendence of the physical body, tantra teaches that the body is sacred. It is viewed as a temple and a vessel for divine energy. The physical body is not something to be rejected or ignored but rather honored and revered as an essential part of the spiritual journey.

This philosophy extends to the senses as well. Tantra encourages practitioners to awaken their senses and embrace the fullness of experience, whether through touch, sound, sight, or taste. The sensual world is not seen as separate from the spiritual world but as a doorway to deeper consciousness. By engaging with the senses mindfully, tantra guides practitioners to live fully in the present moment, fostering an awareness that connects body, mind, and spirit.

The Power of Breath and Energy

One of the key practices in tantra is the use of breath to cultivate and circulate life force energy, often referred to as prana or kundalini. Breath is seen as the bridge between the body and the spirit, and by mastering conscious breathing, individuals can awaken latent energies within themselves.

In tantric meditation, practitioners use specific breathing techniques to guide prana through the body. This circulation of energy helps to balance the chakras, harmonize the mind, and promote emotional and physical well-being. Tantra teaches that by consciously directing breath and energy, we can reach heightened states of awareness and deepen our connection to the divine.

Breath work in tantra is often integrated with movement, sound, and visualization, creating a holistic experience that stimulates both the body and the mind. By focusing on the breath, tantra enables practitioners to enter deeper states of meditation and reach a heightened sense of self-awareness and presence.

The Importance of Presence and Awareness

A core aspect of tantra is the cultivation of presence and mindfulness. In the modern world, distractions are ever-present, and it is easy to become disconnected from the present moment. Tantra offers a path to overcome this fragmentation by emphasizing the importance of being fully aware and present in each moment.

Through meditation, breathing techniques, and mindful living, tantra encourages practitioners to cultivate a deep awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. By observing the mind without attachment, individuals can transcend the ego and tap into their higher self. This mindfulness also extends to relationships and sexuality, where presence and conscious connection can transform the experience into something sacred and transformative.

Tantra and Sacred Sexuality

One of the most well-known aspects of tantra is its approach to sexuality. In many spiritual traditions, sexuality is often seen as something separate from spiritual practice, but tantra integrates sexuality into the path of self-realization. Tantra views sexual energy as a powerful and sacred force that can be used for spiritual awakening.

Rather than focusing solely on physical pleasure, tantric sexuality is about cultivating deep connection, intimacy, and sacred union with oneself and a partner. Practices such as conscious breathing, eye gazing, and slow touch help build a strong energy connection that allows sexual energy to flow freely through the body. Tantra teaches that sexual energy, when harnessed properly, can be a gateway to higher consciousness, profound healing, and spiritual transformation.

This approach to sexuality emphasizes the importance of balance, presence, and intention. It is not about seeking gratification but about experiencing the fullness of life force energy in a conscious, intentional way. By embracing sexual energy as sacred, tantra transforms intimate encounters into acts of spiritual devotion and personal growth.

Tantra’s View of the Mind and Ego

Tantra also acknowledges the role of the mind and ego in our spiritual journey. The mind, often dominated by thoughts, desires, and distractions, can be a source of suffering and disconnection. Tantra offers practices that help practitioners observe the mind without attachment, allowing them to transcend the ego and its limiting beliefs.

One of the central teachings of tantra is that the ego is not something to be eliminated but to be understood. Through meditation, chanting, and self-reflection, individuals can gain insight into the nature of their thoughts and emotions, recognizing that they are not defined by the ego but by their higher self. Tantra teaches that through awareness, we can transform the mind, releasing limiting beliefs and embracing our true nature as divine beings.

The Path of Tantra as a Way of Life

Ultimately, tantra is more than just a series of techniques or rituals. It is a way of life, a path of deepening self-awareness, embracing the sacredness of all things, and realizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Tantra invites practitioners to live consciously, to honor the body and mind, and to merge with the divine in every moment.

Through its principles of union, presence, sacredness, and mindfulness, tantra provides a transformative path to spiritual awakening. It teaches that the journey to enlightenment is not about transcending life’s experiences but about embracing them fully and with awareness.

The core principles and philosophies of tantra offer a unique and profound approach to spirituality. By integrating the body, mind, and spirit, tantra provides a holistic path to self-realization and spiritual growth. Through practices such as conscious breathing, mindfulness, and sacred sexuality, tantra invites us to experience the divine in every moment and to live fully, authentically, and in harmony with the universe.

If you are interested in learning more about tantra, begin by exploring simple practices such as mindful breathing and meditation, or seek out a practitioner, such as myself, to train with. Remember, Tantra is a practice; over time, these practices will help you cultivate deeper self-awareness and connect to the sacred energy within.

Ivy’s June Travels & Schedule

🌈 Happy Pride Month! Which LGBTQIA+ organizations will you be donating to this month?

Hollywood, FL
Monday, June 2nd | 2pm-8pm
Tuesday, June 3rd | 10am-8pm
Wednesday, June 4th | 10am-8pm

Stamford, CT
Thursday, June 12th

Outside of these dates I am available in NYC. In-calls available in Union Square & the East Village. Out-calls available to high end hotels.

Peace & Love,
Ivy Rosalia