Tantra: The Cult of the Feminine

by André Van Lysebeth

Known only for the virtues of its sexual practice, ancient Tantric ideology is a universal and wide-reaching ideology virtually ignored in the West. In Tantra: The Cult of the Feminine, one of Europe's foremost Tantric authors and teachers, Andre Van Lysebeth, gives readers a balanced, well-informed, modern examination of the secret teachings and symbolism of Tantra. Espousing no dogma, Tantra involves a search for reality that contradicts neither science nor religion. For Tantra, all of the myriad energy forms in the universe -- gravity, nuclear cohesion, electromagnetism -- exist throughout the cosmos. "Scientifically speaking, the universe is a gigantic continuum ranging from sub-atomic to astronomical dimensions. Tantrists have perceived this unity for over thirty-five centuries," points out van Lysebeth in his introduction. Originally published in 1992, Tantra has become the classic text on the subject, the source for serious students. Eight full-color illustrations and 36 line drawings complement a comprehensive and contemporary explanation of Tantra, complete with meditations. Andre does a remarkable job of bringing ancient theories into the modern world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Occult, Sexuality

408 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1992

About the author

André Van Lysebeth has practiced yoga since 1945 and is the founder of the Belgian Yoga Federation and co-founder of the European Yoga Foundation.

Reviews

[Francesc Sandalinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro debería ser una lectura esencial para todos. Propone una filosofía que conecta con la historia y la ciencia, ofreciendo una perspectiva distinta y profundamente enriquecedora, en contraste con el mecanicismo predominante en nuestra sociedad actual.

En un mundo donde se discute la importancia de la educación sexual en las escuelas, esta obra ofrece una base ideal para educar, explorando conceptos que trascienden lo meramente físico para adentrarse en lo espiritual y cultural.

Aunque fue escrito hace tiempo, aborda temas vigentes como el patriarcado y la veneración de lo femenino, cuestionando la visión masculina de conquista que ha contribuido al estado actual del mundo. Este libro nos invita a reflexionar y a replantearnos nuestra forma de entender la vida, la sexualidad y las relaciones humanas.

[Matt Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Van Lysebeth was a yogic master who wrote and studied extensively on the topic and passed away in 2004. Based in Belgium, but having travelled in India, he was fortuitous to study under Sivananda Saraswati, spreading Ashtanga Yoga precepts through teaching and books, generally in French. His later studies turned to the much maligned topic of Tantra, exploring the worldview, history, misconceptions and backlash from just about all other traditions and its subsequent burial. Yoga, with its focus on breath, body health, mantra and worship of creative forces feeds perfectly into tantric practices leading to long, respectful, tonifying and even enlightening sexual relations.

The book is subtitled The Cult Of The Feminine - an interesting choice, given that the word Cult is loaded with varying definitions including moral deviancy, anti-Christian belief systems, and even megalomaniac driven vehicles to madness and paucity. The reason I take some issue with it is that the feminine is such a universal concept, as directly expounded in this book, and that a narrowing and divisive word seems out of place in its title. Ideology or Wonder would reflect the writings more carefully. If the title keeps certain prudes away, it's a shame, though perhaps that was the intended effect of the author or translator while this body of work is so at odds with the current patriarchal and materialistic world, it will take much time to be nurtured and accepted.

Tantra is somewhat at odds with some of the more doctrinal elements of major religions, but not with the core messages of the religions, indeed it could be a very empowering spiritual path for both sexes. The reader is presented with astounding information about the underlying cruciality of the creative force of the feminine, specifically that the "template" for life appears to be female. We know that the sex of a baby is determined by the chromosome of the sperm - at the six week mark when the ovum absorbs the spermatozoon, the gonads will develop into male or female. But, for example, in a pregnant doe rabbit, if the embryo is castrated, whether it has ovaries or testicles, the resultant will always be female. This has been shown for many other species, leading to the conclusion that the female is the blueprint from which the male is drawn. Male fertilisation does certainly assist by allowing a helpful mutation to be spread among females quickly over a generation, increasing the pace of evolution. However the male appears to be a modified female. Quite a challenge to the viewpoint, for example, of Eve being created from Adam.

If you're looking for a "how-to" manual for the more physical techniques you may have heard about, perhaps try something like the works of Mantak Chia, as this book is much more about philosophies. It explores hindu and aryan gods and the emergence of Shiva and Shakti, the archetypes worked with in Tantric practice. Jewish mysticism and buddhism are also referenced, the latter has a large body of tantric Vajrayana teachings which are related but quite different in practice and aims, monks and nuns being notably celibate! (There is however a fantastic story about one of the controversial Dalai Lamas, The Fifth, who appears to have been a devotee and master of the Tantra described in the book, who took lovers, much to his colleagues' disdain.) Buddhist tantra is concerned with one of the faster paths to enlightenment whereby the energy of desires and perceived needs in every moment are transformed into fuel for understanding the nature of our situation. Sexual desire and coupling would be considered the height of desire and so can provide very powerful insights and practice, but only some advanced students enter into this. It's not covered in this book but Reginald A. Ray and Lama Thubten Yeshe among many others have written about this wonderful subject.

The popularity of tantra in the modern world partly came about through new age type workshops, centred on California in the US, and although probably helping people with their sex life and intimacy, unfortunately this "Neo-Tantra" may come without the depth of understanding of this profound practice. According to Shambati Saraswati, "neo-tantra ritualises sex. Authentic tantra sexualises ritual."

The tone of the book is friendly but academic, it's quite long and difficult, while reading I finished at least five other books but always came back and found it rewarding. Within are some wonderful insights into the universality of the lingam and yoni, connecting these with the mantra Om, the Ahkh symbol and also buddhism's Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Witchcraft is discussed at length since it is one of the oldest belief systems, supposedly dating further back than 35,000 years from cold Europe. It relates non dogmatically to cycles of nature, something which our feminine nature is more able to perceive. There are no core texts or codified beliefs, and the movement has been suppressed by opposing systems, still associated with darkness today. However it's pointed out that where God is thought of as being outside nature during our history, resources have been plundered and respect for the planet wanes.

What a fascinating and revolutionary book, dealing with universality and connection with ourselves and other. The word tantra meaning "loom" or "weaving" does also reference the universe's fabric being interconnected, this study being one way to increase the awareness of consciousness.

[Isabel Losada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little lengthy and the late Andre used far too many exclamation marks but a wonderful overview of the cult of the feminine in history and including an entire chapter on how to strengthen the sexual muscles. A little hard to find and expensive but a must read for anyone with a genuine interest in the history of tantric practice.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. While I couldn't help but roll my eyes at its cringingly clueless (if well-intentioned) chapters on homosexuality, I was surprised by how enjoyable and informative this weighty book was. The author came across as a hearty, well-read, continental fellow who'd matter-of-factly discuss tantric philosophy over a cappuccino. The author also described Dravidian and Vedic history that helped put Tantra into context for me, and explained some of the tantric bits and bobs I've seen in action here in Hawaii.

[Juan Mestre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabtastic view of what tantra really is. Not the common, wrong sex-commercial approach that modern authors surround the tantra concept with

[Jaxs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this read, answered so many things, also gave me just as many if not more questions than I started with but all in all very eye opening in some personal areas. But also such a good broad overview of a subject that gives a reader enough information to understand and just enough to want more, to want to dive deeper. This is the first book I’ve read on Tantra, and I’ll be needing more books.

[Martin Hassman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jedna z mála knih o tantře v češtině, ve které je jen malá část věnována sexuálním praktikám a větši část historickému indickému pozadí (sic!).

[Sivani Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pivotal book for people who want to understand Tantric philosophy on a deeper level.

[Monika Müller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book translated into English. If the reader wishes to read a Tantra book which gives fast some tricks for enhancing the own sexual life, one feels deceived when using this book for the own need. André van Lysebeth is a very thorough researcher and teacher of the tantric way of life which has its roots in the ancient Indian culture. Specially men can find in this book some very profound knowledge about the male body and tantric practices. It is not a book what's easy to read (therefore my rating is 4 instead of 5), but it is one of the most profound books on Tantra I have read.

[Elizabeth Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very down to earth book on the subject. However, I thought it could benefit from elaborating on how homosexual/bisexual relationships fit into tantric theory. Their is a brief mentioning of the relationship between the two which was defined by the balance of the energies of the masculine and feminine as opposed to physical bodies; but overall it felt like an aside or a brush off. Presently, I think such a large question deserves a larger answer. Overall it read very beautifully.

[Michal Krča · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has introduced me to a very interesting topic, but I could not say I enjoyed the form. It was apparently written by westerner, but as an introduction great. Despite Lysebeth's criticism of Osho, I am going to read his approach next.

Throughout the major part of the book I could not avoid the feeling that this person was more into theory than into practical aspects. But then I reached the end of the book and it surprised me pleasantly.

[Inchka Mytteristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most interesting book I´ve read on Tantra ...

[Rajan Mogha]

This is a very down to earth book on the subject. I want to read this book.

[Beatriz Díaz Ballesteros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hay capítulos que se leen mejor que otros, pero por lo general es un gran libro incluso para los que no saben aún nada sobre el tantra. Muy, muy completo.

[Vojtěch Rylko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tantra as is. With historical background. Hard to read.

[Manoj K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every adult should read this book, the earlier in life the better!