What Is Tantra Heart?

New state of being!
Tantra Heart is a profound and playful way for learning to live in bliss. What distinguishes Tantra Heart from other yogic paths is using kundalini energy—sexual and creative power from the root chakra—to clear emotional blockages and realize your true Self.

Clear of past hurt, the heart opens.  Frustration, boredom and fear melt away, for they are simply clouds over the magnificent love always inside you.  Tantra Heart is the union of sex, love and awareness—within your body, with a partner, with everyone—so that each moment becomes indescribable joy.

A dynamic practice!
Tantra Heart is supported by Kriya Yoga, the ancient and skillfully designed sets of techniques for safely activating your kundalini (most powerful and creative) energy.

I have heard about Cobra Breath, what is it & what can I expect?

The key technique in the Tantra Heart system is the Cobra Breath, a precious gift to humankind from Babaji, a Himalayan yogi of great power and wisdom. This ancient breath technique prepares the mind and body for the safe, controlled movement of unlimited energy and wisdom, called kundalini.

The Cobra Breath pulls Shakti (or magnetic) energy into the spine, changing the electromagnetic properties of the cerebrospinal fluid, allowing kundalini to move up the spine. As the brain bathes in this magnetized fluid, the nervous system is transformed, and you awaken to a new consciousness. There are seven levels of Cobra Breath, each opening specific energy channels and dimensions of consciousness.

I am excited to learn Cobra Breath. How do I do this?

You embark on the Cobra Breath learning & practice through (1) the “Tantra Heart Personal Empowerment Program” by phone or skype, or (2) the Tantra Heart 1 workshop “Learning to Live in Joy, Excitement & Love” offered in our home studio and also in other cities. Email richard@tantraheart.com to discuss what path is best for you.

What kinds of people are involved in Tantra Heart?

Our community consists of people from all walks of life, from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. Beauticians, lawyers, licensed massage therapists, school teachers, yoga instructors, herbalists, contractors, doctors, artisans, students, and musicians (just to name a few!) have all found meaning in the practices of Tantra Heart Kriya Yoga.

What is the age range of participants?

Most people who learn Tantra Heart are between thirty and sixty years of age. Some are in their twenties and some are seventy and older. Eighteen is the minimum age for classes and retreats.

Is Tantra Heart just for couples?

No. Singles and couples are equally welcomed in all of our programs. No one is left out. No one is a “third wheel.” The Tantra Heart techniques you learn are highly effective practiced alone or with a partner. You do not need a partner to participate, in fact there are many advantages to participating as a single. You can give full attention to awakening your personal energy body.

We have been married for ten years this fall. How can we take our lives to a new level?

Ten years together is a strong base from which to grow. Between 7 & 10 years is a period when things often feel “stuck” in the sex/love flow of relationship. With the experience of Tantra Heart Kriya Yoga you can make a shift to a new level of being that is beyond description. The union of sex, heart and consciousness awakens everything. Enjoy the exploration and the experimentation.

Do you have people in relationship who attend alone the first time? I am interested in coming to one of your sessions but my spouse will not be coming with me. I feel uncomfortable attending alone.

You are asking a question we hear often. For many people coming to Tantra the first time brings up discomfort. Couples coming together the first time often feel uncomfortable too. In our teaching we share that Tantra is not about feeling comfortable, it is about increasing consciousness, energy & love beyond limitations.

Often one partner comes to the sessions without the other partner when either schedule or personal preference makes coming together impossible. Some couples take turns coming because of childcare responsibilities. Usually, one person in a partnership is more excited (more a pioneer in exploring Tantra Heart) than the other. The person coming to the sessions can be a scout for the relationship bringing back new learning, attitudes and techniques to the relationship for change & enrichment. Following your high interests is important for yourself and the relationship.

I am interested in your programs but my partner is not. How do I convince my partner that the connection of sex and spirit is important and will enhance our relationship?

Here’s a suggestion. Change your approach of “convince my partner” to “invite my partner” to join you in the connection of sex & spirit. Invitation is honoring and reduces resistance.
Within your relationship be willing to be the leader of the sex & spirit exploration. If your partner chooses not to come to programs at first, affirm your “faithfulness to each other,” and then share with your partner that you are going to these programs alone as a “scout” for the relationship. You want to bring home valuable contributions to the growth and happiness of the relationship.

My partner thinks that I put too much emphasis on sex thus taking away the spontaneity. She says I make it into a goal of the relationship.  I don’t know what to do?

In each relationship…each person has a style or unique approach about sex. In coaching couples, we help both partners honor each other’s style. Then we invite each person to (1) share her/his own style with courage and openness and (2) to be interested and supportive to the other’s unique sexual style.

We encourage students to take turns leading sexual experiences using their own styles. She leads one time in sexual sharing. He leads the next.

Without this taking turns of leading-following, there are “tug of wars” about whose style/approach dominates. Often the 2 partners try to control one another regarding sex. This usually leads to frustration.
Each person is unique regarding sex. Suggestion … honor the uniqueness of each partner, practice both. With love.

Is sexual activity a part of Tantra Heart programs?

Learning to feel and move sexual energy is an important part of living successfully. You will learn techniques to awaken and enjoy the primal, creative, sexual energy that is available to everyone, but explicit sexual activity is not included in the beginner level group programs. You learn wonderful sexual techniques to explore in the privacy of your own home. Coaching sessions can include sexual activity based on the important interests and needs of the student. Governmental law about sexual activity is adhered to.

What is the level of sexual contact within the varied classes that you teach?

Good question. Many people ask about this. The heart of our programs is learning to feel and move energy (prana in Sanskrit). Sex is the great vital force that rises to generate life energy of the soul (Kundalini in Sanskrit).

Beginning classes and programs involve learning to feel and move sexual energy. Nudity and sexual touch are not involved. Learning to activate the pelvis is.

At very special times in intermediate and advanced classes, sexual arousal through touch or union are included. This is always voluntary, safe, performed in a beautiful way, and created in a sacred ritual manner. Tantra is not sex for sensationalism, it is sex joined with heart and consciousness for transforming personal reality to the divine. You are welcome to call or email anytime for more details.

Can Tantra improve my sex life?

Tantra can definitely bring increased satisfaction and excitement to your sex life, and much more –it has a wonderful influence on all areas of your life. To learn to experience what we call Energy Sex enhances friction sex in ways most people have never imagined.

What if I don’t want to participate in some of the exercises?

No one is ever forced to do anything. Your safety is of primary importance. In Tantra Heart you are given techniques to move what holds you back from your true fulfillment. Sometimes, in a loving way, you are invited to face your blocks or discomforts. People are always pleasantly surprised when old difficulties simply dissolve. When something is just “too difficult,” your decision to not participate is supported with respect and love.

Is full or partial nudity included in group activities? I noticed that sexual activity is restricted, but nudity was not mentioned. Are there controls in place (outer doors locked, shades drawn on windows, prohibition of cameras or video, etc.)?

The body (certainly the nude body) is fully honored in our programs. Nudity in the group sessions varies from program to program. For beginner programs nudity is usually not included. In more advanced programs, nudity is usually an option for parts of the experiences where appropriate. No one is ever required to be nude except for some of the specialized rituals of the Tantra Heart 3 advanced course.

We always establish safety & honoring within the group regarding nudity, so there is a feeling of sacredness. Typically doors are  locked (people do not come in unannounced), shades are drawn if non-participants may be going by outside, and cameras are never included during sessions.

The nude body is numinous, which means infused with mystery & awe, no matter the shape or imperfections. This new way of being with their body is an exciting discovery for each participant. This approach is freeing & loving of oneself and others.

How many people attend the classes and retreats?

The number of participants in the workshops vary. Sometimes there are six people, sometimes there are twelve or more.

Does coming to the course encompass things that I have already paid for in coaching with the Personal Empowerment Home Study Course?

The courses… “Learn to Live in Joy Excitement Love” Tantra Heart 1 and “Discover the Lover Within” Tantra Heart 2  are wonderful all-embracing transformational experiences. The wonderful group energy & prolonged practice together over the weekend of the course make them uniquely powerful. When choosing to participate in a course, some students continue their coaching sessions focused to their personal growth & life challenges being faced.  As part of your coaching,  when your schedule/budget permits, participate in the Tantra Heart courses to explore/discover the full range of the approaches & techniques… intensely. Having a coach and participating in courses, when or if possible, are a powerful combination.

What is the price and time it will take me to learn all 4 Cobra Breaths?

For most students the journey is a couple of years. Much faster than in the past in India where it would take 30 or 40 years. People are ready now to awaken to passionate enlightenment more quickly.

The cost varies upon the types of workshops and pace of coaching sessions that you choose. We are glad to customize the path to fit your budget, interest & schedule. Your awakening to full joy, excitement & love (not matter what you face) is the purpose for learning Tantra Heart & the Cobra Breaths . What is really great for you? I suggest that we talk by phone or Skype. Interested? If yes, please send richard@tantraheart.com a date & time that is good for you. The call will take 15-20 minutes. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

What can I do to prepare for one of your courses or coaching sessions?

Here are suggestions:
o    Simply be yourself. Trust yourself with love.
o    Look and read through our website www.tantraheart.com
o    Be open to new experiences, feelings and surprisingly new ways of perceiving the world.
o    If you like to read, we can recommend a book connected to your interest.
o    Practice enjoying and being present with whatever you do at any moment: driving, talking, eating, walking, etc.
o    You are welcome to call or email us anytime.

Does Tantra Heart involve the emotions?

As you practice the techniques, you find yourself feeling emotions more clearly. Sometimes this is exhilarating, sometimes challenging. Simply being more aware of your emotions frees you to be authentic and powerful. You learn to accept and honor all the emotions, easy ones & difficult ones, without judgment. Through this acceptance you are able to experience a deeper connection with the people in your life and more fulfilling relationships. You find yourself with a positive outlook on life and a greater awareness of your life purpose. You find it easier to live in the present moment, instead of fretting about the past or worrying about the future.

When an intense Kundalini energy awakened for me, I was startled.  I am scared by this energy but want to experience it again.

In our experience Kundalini rises from the root at the base of the body. When awakened  Kundalini intensifies and is intensified by the chakras (major energy centers) in the spine. Each Kundalini experience is unique among those who experience it, and is unique for the same person in each moment that it unfolds. Fear is a common response to Kundalini awakening, especially when a person’s body-mind is not prepared for it.

The Cobra Breath gifted to humankind by Babaji Nagaraj, the wonderful enlightened teacher of India, is the most powerful, safe and sustaining way to awaken and integrate Kundalini. We teach Cobra Breath in the Tantra Heart 1 workshop, “Learning to Live in Bliss”  (see our calendar of workshops for the next one).

We also teach Cobra Breath within the Tantra Heart Personal Empowerment Home Study Course (which includes coaching sessions by phone or skype with us). Email us richard@tantraheart.com to receive more information about these opportunities. Personal Coaching is an excellent way to explore your high interests and challenges in depth.

What exactly is Tantric massage? How does it differ from relaxation, sports, therapeutic massage? How can I learn it?

Tantric massage in our system emphasizes the feeling and moving of energy which is also called Prana, life force or inner vitality. The sensations of the outer body like touch are included with wonderful attention and pleasure.

However, the inner streaming of energy expands the sensations to the spiritual dimensions as well as the physical. In Tantric massage the sexual energy is also honored and expanded. Sometimes this includes genital massage but personal choice and the difficulty of laws against touching the genitals in exchange for money restricts actual touching of the genitals except by a person other than the massage coach.

Opening the sexual energy with the hands of the giver just a few inches above the genitals is amazingly powerful for those who can feel & move energy. The sexual energy is connected to the whole body, especially to the heart and third eye in the brain, for a wonderful new experience of wholeness and spiritual ecstasy for the receiver. This is quite different than the purposes of sports & therapeutic massages.