I have been asked by a number of my blog Christian blog readers if I believe that Tantra fits into a Christian lifestyle. It’s definitely an intriguing thought experiment to consider what the teachings of Jesus might look like if he were to fully embrace Tantra. While the following interpretation is speculative, it aims to merge the essence of Christian and Tantric teachings.
In this alternative perspective, Jesus might advocate for Christian Tantra as a path to deepening one’s relationship with God, oneself, and others. At the core of both Tantra and the teachings of Jesus is the notion of oneness and interconnectedness. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one,” and similarly, Tantra aims to dissolve the illusion of separateness, seeking unity with the universe or the divine.
Jesus often spoke of the kingdom of God being “within you.” Tantra also places a heavy emphasis on inner spiritual experience. Through practices like meditation, mantra chanting, and yes, even the much-discussed sexual rituals, one aims to awaken the divine energy within. Jesus could interpret these as a path to experience God’s presence deeply and intimately.
The sexual aspects of Tantra, often what the practice is most known for in the West, might be reframed by Jesus to emphasize the sacredness of the sexual union as a reflection of divine love. This wouldn’t be a leap; the Bible itself uses marital love as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church. In a Christian Tantric view, the act becomes a sacred ritual that honors God by fully engaging in the act of creation and union, doing so with love, respect, and a focus on mutual pleasure and connection.
Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion would fit beautifully into the Tantric philosophy. Tantra teaches us to accept and love ourselves as we are, which aligns well with the Christian concept of unconditional love. Jesus could advocate for Tantra as a way to practice self-love and, by extension, to love one’s neighbor authentically.
The teachings of Jesus often involve a reversal of societal expectations, such as the first being last and the last being first. Similarly, Tantra asks us to embrace aspects of life considered “taboo” or “profane” and see them as paths to the divine. This shared ethos of subverting societal norms to attain spiritual enlightenment could be another point of intersection between Jesus and Tantra.
However, even in this imaginative scenario, Jesus might lay down some guidelines for practicing Tantra within a Christian framework. The aim should always be a closer relationship with God, and the focus would therefore be on the spiritual aspects of Tantra rather than merely the hedonistic aspects. If one is fully dedicated to leading a life of faith, all rituals, practices, and mantras should align with the teachings of the Bible and the central Christian message of love, forgiveness, and salvation through Christ.
In my speculative blending of Christian and Tantric philosophies, Jesus might fully endorse Tantra as a way of deepening one’s spiritual connection, so long as it aligns with the overarching themes of love, unity, and a focus on God. He might see it as a powerful tool for Christians who seek a more embodied, holistic spirituality that includes every aspect of human life as a path to the divine.
In my personal journey as a Tantric practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse group of individuals, including Christian pastors and Catholic priests. One recurring theme I’ve observed, particularly among clergy, is a deep-seated guilt or confusion surrounding their sexual desires. Unfortunately, when these desires are suppressed or deemed sinful, they can manifest in harmful ways, including sexual deviance that strays far from the ethical guidelines of most religious traditions.
Tantra offers a sanctuary for these complex emotions and energies. By creating a safe space where individuals can openly discuss, meditate on, and explore their sexual desires, Tantra allows for a healthy channelling of this potent life force. The Tantric philosophy of embracing all facets of human experience, including sexuality, aligns with the universal spiritual teachings of love, acceptance, and compassion. In doing so, Tantra offers a unique avenue for spiritual leaders and followers alike to reconcile the apparent dichotomy between spirituality and sexuality.
Incorporating Tantra into Christian, Catholic, or any other religious practice could be a transformative and healing experience. Far from being antithetical to religious life, Tantra could serve as a tool to deepen one’s relationship with the divine, enhance self-understanding, and avoid the pitfalls that come from repressing fundamental aspects of human nature. In a world where religious and spiritual paths are so often seen as being at odds with human sexuality, Tantra invites us to consider the radical notion that the sacred and the sensual are two sides of the same divine coin.
For those of you who are religious and find yourselves struggling with your sexual desires, I hope this blog post is illuminating. If you have additional questions or find yourself needing further clarity, please comment or email me:
Getnakedwithjoy@gmail.com
From my heart to yours, Joy
