"In tantra you discover that by honoring the god or goddess in your partner, you can… perceive the same potential in yourself."

by Helene Larson Yates

This article is edited for publication on the Internet. For the article in full, see Solimar magazine at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Crown Books, Tower Records, and Virgin Stores. On sale June 22, 1999. You can also subscribe online by clicking here or by calling toll free: 1 (877) 925-1213.

Can making love really change the world? Love and peace obviously go well together. In the 60s, "Make Love, Not War!" was an enticing stand for nonviolence. Actually it may be that simple. Take tantra.

In this ancient Eastern mystical practice, sexual love is a sacrament. Sometimes referred to as the yoga of sex, its goal is actual unity, a link with life force itself; the god Shakti (male, cosmic consciousness) merging with the goddess Shiva (female, creative energy).

"People have sex, but seldom really make more love happen," says Caroline Muir. She and her husband Charles are leading tantra teachers and authors of Tantra, the Art of Conscious Loving. Charles adds, "[When you are] empowered by love, the outside world doesn't discombobulate you. Bring God into the bedroom and sanctify the union. Let's bring more heaven to earth."

Attesting to tantra's popularity, the Muirs' workshops are consistently sold out. Lawyers, doctors, Hollywood stars and even ministers are among its practitioners. A priest who attended a program alone said he was there on an inner journey, underscoring the fact that tantra applies to loving yourself.

It is the kind of work that has potential to heal the earth, according to one of the Muirs' students. "There is so much pain, crime and abuse associated with sexuality," she shared, "so much wasted energy… Sex has become a commodity, and everyone's starving for real love and connection."

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At seminars, communication is improved to enhance lovemaking, and techniques are taught to help men and women attain multiple and prolonged orgasms. Students are given homeplay, not homework. SkyDancing Tantra teachers Jeffre TallTrees and Sandy Pokras say, "Practicing feels so good. What a pity if you don't get an exercise [right] the first time. You've got to try again and again!"

On a more serious note, they point out that there is a build-up of guilt and regret around sexuality which blocks the natural forces that can cleanse and enlighten us. Also known as "spiritual sexuality," tantra helps use sexual energy to find truth and wisdom to clear these blocks. It also increases intuition and establishes a connection with the divine.

"Tantra means 'weaving,' in the sense of unifying the many and often contradictory aspects of the self into one harmonious whole," states Margo Anand, author of The Art of Sexual Ecstasy. "In tantra you discover that by honoring the god or goddess in your partner, you can… perceive the same potential in yourself."