Probably the most misunderstood or misinterpreted of all the yoga, the sixth branch of trantra is the pathway of ritual, which includes consecrated sexuality. The key word here is “consecrated” which means to make it sacred, to set it apart as something holy or hallowed.
In tantric practice we experience the divine in everything we do. A reverential attitude is therefore cultivated, encouraging a ritualistic approach to life. It is amusing to not that, although tantra has become associated exclusively with sexual ritual, most tantric schools actually recommend a celibate lifestyle.
In essence, tantra is the most esoteric of the six major branches. It will appeal to those yogis who enjoy ceremony and relate to the feminine principle of the cosmos which yogis call shakti. If you see and are deeply moved by the significance behind celebration and ritual (holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other rites of passage), tantra yoga may be for you.
Many tantric yogis find magic in all types of ceremony, lending a richness to their life and relationships. This could be a Japanese tea ceremony, taking of the Eucharist ro the consummation of a relationship.
Enjoyed reading this again on December 31 2012