Tantra is actually a philosophy and a spiritual ideology from India with a tradition of more than 1500 years, having its roots in Hinduism and Buddhism.
What we call Tantra today has got quite little to do with this old tradition. The inflationary use of the term Tantra in Europe today is making it hard to understand and less credible at the same time.
Today, it mostly refers to the so-called Neotantra, connected with a whole scene or sub culture. Nevertheless, theres no need to identify yourself with the scene to enrich your own life with tantric elements.
When Im speaking about Tantra, I identify myself with the following aspects of this philosophy and practice, also relevant for my work:
The embrace of all that life brings also the dark side
The dismissal of the terms right or wrong non-duality.
The recognition of strength and beautyinside of every being and the respect for it.
The fundamental belief that enlightenment, fulfillment and happiness in THIS existence are achievable and possible and taking place through our bodies. Utilize your body!
The possibility to create a deeper form of being through full presence and conscious treatment of oneself and others.
The understanding of ecstasy and lust as natural forms of expression of the human being as gates to deeper understanding of oneself.