This modern, comprehensive guide to Tantra celebrates the sacredness of desire & the human body. Much more than an erotic sex manual, The Essence of Tantric Sexuality explains the Hindu Tantric tradition, its philosophy and its principles. The authors, a devoted married couple, demystify Tantra in ways that make this ancient tradition accessible to beginners, offering authentic exercises and techniques that will turn your every moment of pleasure into an opportunity to experience the divine.

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Product Description

Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson have written a modern and comprehensive book that celebrates the sacredness of the body (and desire) within the Hindu Tantric tradition, one which aims to dispel remnants of our Puritan past that define many natural activities of our daily life, including sexual activity and desire, in negative terms.

Based upon the teachings of Dr. Jonn Mumford, their book is much more than an erotic sex manual-though, it is that, too! The authors explain the Tantric philosophy and its principles, demystify it for beginners, and offer authentic exercises and techniques that will help turn your every moment of pleasure into an opportunity to experience the divine.



Award-Winner in the Health: Sexuality category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.
Award-Winning Finalist in the Religion: Eastern Religions category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87815 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Review
"A book for Tantra beginners and all readers, who would like to learn more about the philosophy of the love art." (translation from German) -- Emotion Magazine

"A joy to review and amazing to read about. I would recommend this tantalizing and great teacher to those seriously interested in learning the marriage of sexuality on a physical and spiritual level." -- Mystic Living Today

"Michaels & Johnson have crafted a solid, detailed, and highly readable brief text intended for those with a moderate or greater background in yoga or other Tantric practices." -- Michaels & Johnson have crafted a solid, detailed, and highly readable brief text intended for those with a moderate or greater background in yoga or other Tantric practices. Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality

From the Publisher
"I cannot recommend The Essence of Tantric Sexuality highly enough to those readers who wish to deepen the connection with their beloved partners. This beautifully written, yet scholarly, book makes available the true meaning of Tantra, its origins and how the very words from Tantra's past have led to our present day thinking. The Essence of Tantric Sexuality dispels many of the popular myths about Tantra while offering readers a way to begin to incorporate some of the wisdom of the East into their daily lives."—Alice K Ladas, Co-author of The G Spot

"The authors write with uninhibited lucidity, erudition and humour. Everything is a gateway, an entry point to the potentiality of Life, for the Tantric. They have made a magnificent contribution to both the classical and contemporary literature of Tantra. This book is indeed a revelation of the essence of Tantric sexuality!"—Yogacharya Swami Ajnananda Saraswati (Paul Skye), author of Mastery of Stress

"Mark Michaels (Swami Umeshanand) and Patricia Johnson (Devi Veenanand), using the strong light of Dr. Jonn Mumford’s (Swami Anandakapila) 1976 Gnosticon lectures, illuminate deeply into the cave of ancient Tantra and share with us how vitally relevant Tantra is for today. Not shy with any area of Tantra, they guide us through Tantric thinking and practices, showing how ancient techniques are still vibrant and meaningful. With this work we are given passwords to access knowledge, understanding and power that were formerly available only to the selected few. The reader will find immediate and engaging access to the Tantric world of spirit and sexuality for men and women of all sexual orientations."—Bruce Anderson, author of Tantra for Gay Men

"At last! A book that presents authentic Hindu Tantra in a delightfully accessible format.  The Essence of Tantric Sexuality is a must-read for everyone just beginning to explore Tantra and an invaluable, nuanced resource for more experienced practitioners. Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson have done a stunning job of placing Dr. Jonn Mumford's Gnosticon lectures in context between their ancient roots and their modern application. Most impressive is Michaels' and Johnson’s ability to separate-without prejudice or judgement--the essence of authentic Tantra from the many varieties of popular American neo-Tantra. This is a truly liberating book."—Barbara Carrellas, founder of Urban Tantra® and author of Urban Tantra, Luxurious Loving

"The two effortlessly model the tantric tradition that invokes the beloved as an incarnation of the divine."—The Village Voice

About the Author
Mark Michaels (Swami Umeshanand Saraswati) and Patricia Johnson (Devi Veenanand) are the authors of The Essence of Tantric Sexuality, based upon the works of Dr. Jonn Mumford. A devoted married couple who have been teaching Tantra and Kriya yoga together since 1999, their popular workshops have been featured in several publications, including the Village Voice, Now Magazine, and Breathe Magazine.

The authors are senior students of Dr. Jonn Mumford (Swami Anandakapila Saraswati), and have been named lineage holder of the OM Kara Kriya® system for the Americas and Europe. Sunyata, co-author of The Jewel in the Lotus, named Michaels his lineage holder in 2001. Michaels and Johnson have studied Bhakti Yoga with Bhagavan Das, Tantra with Dr. Rudy Ballentine, and have been featured in Dr. Judy Kuriansky's Idiot's Guide to Tantric Sex.

Michaels is a graduate of New York University School of Law and holds Masters Degrees in American Studies from NYU and Yale. Patricia Johnson is a professional opera singer. They reside near New York City.




Patricia Johnson (Devi Veenanand) and Mark Michaels (Swami Umeshanand Saraswati) are the authors of The Essence of Tantric Sexuality, based upon the works of Dr. Jonn Mumford. A devoted married couple who have been teaching Tantra and Kriya yoga together since 1999, their popular workshops have been featured in several publications, including the Village Voice, Now Magazine, and Breathe Magazine.

The authors are senior students of Dr. Jonn Mumford (Swami Anandakapila Saraswati), and have been named lineage holder of the OM Kara Kriya® system for the Americas and Europe. Sunyata, co-author of The Jewel in the Lotus, named Michaels his lineage holder in 2001. Michaels and Johnson have studied Bhakti Yoga with Bhagavan Das, Tantra with Dr. Rudy Ballentine, and have been featured in Dr. Judy Kuriansky's Idiot's Guide to Tantric Sex.

Michaels is a graduate of New York University School of Law and holds Masters Degrees in American Studies from NYU and Yale. Patricia Johnson is a professional opera singer. They reside near New York City.

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Customer Reviews

Replaces many books on my bookshelf
The Essence of Tantric Sexuality by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson

I have studied Tantra for five years and have trudged through numerous books on the subject. Until I read this book, I was under the false impression that Tantric study was demanding, laborious and technical. What occurs in this book is that all of the excess is trimmed away and we are left with a clear path on how to use Tantra to reach new levels of ecstasy.

The book is based on a series of lectures given by Dr. John Mumford in 1976. What these lectures accomplish is to successfully combine eastern and western perspectives on Tantra. The translation of eastern beliefs into a manageable path for the western mind is what makes this book so valuable.

From the use and mastery of yantras, geometric symbols whose purpose it is to open the chakras, to the Tantric massage, everything is laid out in simple to understand steps. Don't get me wrong. Each simple step is backed up by in depth explanations and extensive examinations of linguistic origins of many words to reveal how their meanings connect in incredible ways.

Over fifty pages are dedicated to the three levels of erogenous zones and a systematic method of manipulating them to open the chakras in the most advantageous pattern. By following the path prescribed in the book, the tertiary erogenous zones are made available, a group of areas on the body which are not sensitized unless preceded by the manipulation of the primary and secondary erogenous zones. These simple techniques and patterns extend the number of erogenous zones on the body from eight to eighteen.

From this basic knowledge, the Tantric massage can be added in order to begin the opening of the Chakras. What occurs when the Chakras are opened and the erogenous zones are all activated, is an extended period of excitement in which extended and multiple orgasms can be experienced.

A couple of chapters address the sensual power of the olfactory nerve. A detailed explanation of why our sense of smell is so powerful and aphrodisiac. The authors then explore what scents are most powerful on men and women.

I won't mention any titles, but this book is a refreshing replacement for a book I have been working through for the past two years. I will use this book when teaching Tantra and will keep it handy when planning sessions for clients. The Essence of Tantric Sexuality (ISBN-13 978-0-7387-0900-0) is the first book I have ever reviewed that I read carefully and underlined throughout. I anticipate that I will soon wear this copy out and require a replacement. For anyone interested in Tantra on a personal or professional basis, this book should be on your bookshelf or by your bedside.

Clarity At Last!

I am a longtime reader in the fields of personal growth, human potential, and an area of inquiry that could be described as "sacred sexuality," The first thing I found to like about this new volume by Michaels and Johnson is its lack of a long, wordy subtitle. You know the kind, summarizing everything in the book so that your interest will be aroused (pardon the pun!). Here, the title is short and to the point, just as I expect the "essence" of anything to be, and the essential information promised is actually delivered.

If you have ever found yourself wondering, "What is Tantric sexuality, really?" and "Is Tantra my spiritual path?" I couldn't think of a better book to begin with. By the time you are finished reading, you will be in a good position to judge the quality of other books or workshops. You will have insight into how the spiritual path of Tantra views and works with sexual energy (for Tantra is about the whole of life, not only sex). You will have in hand the fundamental understandings needed to gain some whiffs of the enlightened bliss that Tantric practitioners seek. And if you desire to commit yourself spiritually, you will be in a much better position to judge whether Tantra is for you. As this book makes clear, to liberate oneself into a living experience of universal unity is a challenging task. Despite the promises of easy pleasure made in certain circles, the Tantric path is ultimately as demanding as any spiritual path needs to be to confront our self-limiting human habits.

That's not to say that this isn't also a useful book for the spiritually eclectic. While Michaels and Johnson are devoted practitioners and initiates of an ancient lineage, their presentation gives the context the reader needs to make intelligent decisions about integrating this information into his or her approach to life, whatever it may be.

After many years of reading, attending workshops, and trying to sort out for myself the growing body of teachings and practices called "Tantra," I feel tremendously fortunate to have had this book come into my life. Clarity at last!

--Sibylle Preuschat, Flower Essence Practitioner, Montclair, New Jersey

The Best Tantra Book You'll Ever Read
Whether you are simply curious about Tantra, already know something about it, or are already knowledgeable, this is the book for you. The authors studied with the individual most responsible for bringing Tantric practices to the West, and they artfully, seriously and delightfully pass along what they have learned in this slim volume. "How to" manual, history book, explanation of Eastern philosophy: it is all here.

There is a huge pile of Tantra books available,trying to take advantage of the fact that sex sells. Many of them are exploitive and ignorant. This one is the real deal: expert, wise and loving.