Tantra and Its Bad Reputation

How Do We Perceive Tantra?

You may already have your own experience with tantra perhaps you practice it or enjoy tantric massages. And maybe, like me, you’ve also encountered the knowing smiles or misunderstandings that often appear when you bring up the topic.

Why does tantra and especially tantric massage still have a reputation among some people as something “suspicious”?
Let’s take a closer look.

 
Where Do the Myths About Tantra Come From?
In India, the birthplace of tantra, the word is often associated with black magic. In the West, however, tantra has been unfairly reduced to sexuality or even confused with cheap erotic services scented with incense.

Neither black magic nor orgies were ever the true path of tantra. These misconceptions arose from mixing different ideas and misunderstanding the essence of the teaching.

The same misunderstanding often applies to the famous Indian temples filled with sculptures of loving couples. Their deeper meaning the union of body and spirit is often lost on those who see only the surface.
In tantra, this sacred union is called maithuna the state in which man and woman unite as two halves of one whole.

 
Tantra as a Path of Compassion
Tantra is as old as humanity itself and has evolved through the ages.
Just as Christianity has had its darker periods, tantra too has experienced times when it drifted away from its pure roots.

An old legend tells the story of how tantra came to be:

One day, the goddess Parvati asked Shiva to reveal a path to liberation for ordinary people — those who did not live as monks.
Shiva answered her plea and created sixty-four tantra shastras — teachings that show how to grow and reach spiritual maturity through ordinary life.

From its very beginning, tantra was intended not only for ascetics but also for householders — people who live in relationships, work, love, and seek to come closer to themselves.

 
Modern Tantra and Its Forms
Today there are many different schools of tantra.
The original tradition blends with elements of psychotherapy, bioenergetics, or shamanism — depending on the focus of each teacher and lineage.

Notable figures in the modern tantric world include:

John Hawken, student of Margo Anand (Skydancing Tantra)
Alan Lowen (Art of Being)
Bc. Michaela L. Torstenová, founder of Tantra masáže Praha
Mgr. Katka Kramolišová, focused on women’s tantra
Ing. Petr Šindelář, known as Manguri
Mgr. Denisa Palečková and Richard Vojík, and others
Each brings a unique perspective and experience. Together, they have helped tantra to be seen less as a misunderstood taboo and more as a path to a deeper, more conscious life.

 
Who Is Tantra For?
Anyone can practice tantra for personal growth.
It is a path toward inner freedom, joy, and conscious living.

However, if you decide to entrust yourself to someone in a massage, therapy, or seminar it’s important to choose carefully.

 
How to Recognize a Good Tantric Guide

A qualified tantric therapist or masseur:

Has education in bodywork and psychology
Knows anatomy and techniques of conscious touch
Respects your boundaries and needs
Communicates openly and without manipulation
Works under professional supervision
Encourages your strength and freedom, not dependence
Tantra is not a place for charlatans or “erotic masseuses” without training.
A true guide leads with respect, care, and deep understanding.

 
Tantra Is Worth Discovering
Don’t let myths, prejudices, or unfortunate experiences discourage you.
Tantra is a beautiful, profound path that helps us return to ourselves, to our natural essence, and to genuine joy in life.

“Tantra doesn’t ask you to be perfect. It only asks you to open your heart and step onto the path.”

And that path is truly worth taking.