There would be three days of gift-giving, fasting, meditating and looking into each other's eyes to heighten the energy before intercourse. But, now, lovers across Europe and North America are beginning to uncover the ancient secrets of Tantra-as well as Taoism and other mystical religions. Last month, in Vancouver, Canadian-born travel writer Tim Ward drew a crowd of 500 to a reading of Arousing the Goddess, his recently published book about his personal experiences with mystical sex in India. Attracted by promises of intimacy, vitality and prolonged sexual rapture, couples and singles of all ages are signing up in increasing numbers for workshops. Holistic sex isn't just something you do for fun-there is a profound spiritual connectedness.
Many people have a feeling that something is missing.
Some supporters point out that, in the era of AIDS, Tantra offers couples a way to explore their sexuality while remaining in a committed relationship. Tantra is based on the traditional Eastern belief that a circuit of energy flows through the body, in much the same way that blood runs through veins and arteries. Although there is no anatomical evidence for the existence of chakras, Margo Anand, a respected psychologist and promoter of Tantric sex who was recently invited to collaborate with staff at Harvard and Stanford University medical schools, believes that the chakras correspond to parts of the body's endocrine system that regulate vitality and energy. Toby Earp, a Montreal teacher, reports a less dramatic experience. The idea is to become more open and present to your partner.