Although sometimes confused with the spiritual system of Tantra per se, it is actually just one aspect of this ancient, pre-Hindu system. Tantric sexuality involves both the physical and the spiritual realms, as well as the conjunction of the two. Physically, it includes techniques for extending periods of sexual activity for a long time, even hours. This has attracted the attention of many who wish to explore various forms of sexual enjoyment, something that can’t be achieved if sexual activity lasts a short time.

Spiritually, the goal of Tantric sexuality is to achieve “yoga,” union with the Godhead. Many practitioners of Tantric sexuality believe that extended periods of sexual activity, accompanied by breathwork, repetition of words or phrases of power, and visualization, can lead directly to this union.

Many practitioners also believe in a psychophysiological human structure that may be complex or relatively simple. The best-known parts of this structure are the three primary nadis (paths of energy) and the chakras (vortexes in those paths). Using visualization and breathwork combined with sexual activity results in motion of the body’s energy through the chakras and nadis, eventually resulting in the experience of enlightenment.