Tantra: The Art of Mind-Blowing Sex

by Val Sampson

Whether you are in a relationship, whether you are single, gay or straight, or young or old, Tantra will bring a new dimension to your sex life and your relationships. From extending orgasms (or just having them in the first place), to healing sexual problems to developing a sense of spiritual connection, Tantra is for every 'body'. Tantra is not just about being sexy - it's about being alive to your senses. It is particularly appealing to women because it is they who take the lead. Tantra also gives women the opportunity to celebrate their femininity and men are encouraged to revere it. Many women are self-conscious about their bodies - Tantra will help you to be conscious of your body but in a positive and empowering way. And for men the pressure to perform is removed, replaced by reciprocation, connection and ultimate fulfilment (so no more grunting, turning over and falling asleep).

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published June 13, 2002

Reviews

[Sourabh Mathur · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who grew up with a basic understanding of Tantra's philosophical and spiritual roots in India, picking up Tantra: The Art of Mind-Blowing Sex by Val Sampson was an exercise in curiosity. The title itself signals a particular focus and indeed, the book largely delivers on that promise, albeit through a distinctly Western lens.

At best, this book functions as a well-written sex manual for couples looking to explore new avenues of intimacy. It's undeniably accessible and aims to introduce techniques that can enhance sexual connection. Written in a straightforward, easy-to-digest manner, it offers some practical tips focusing on presence, breath and extended pleasure, which can certainly be valuable for improving bedroom dynamics, regardless of the label.

However, for anyone hoping to delve into the profound and multifaceted tradition of Tantra, this book falls significantly short. From an Indian perspective, true Tantra is a vast spiritual path, a holistic system encompassing mindfulness, energy work (prana), meditation, yoga, ritual and a deep understanding of the cosmos and the self. Sexual union, while a part of some Tantric practices is seen as a metaphor for the union of Shiva and Shakti, the divine masculine and feminine energies and a means to higher consciousness, not merely an end in itself for "mind-blowing sex."

Sampson's work, like many Western interpretations, tends to extract the sexual aspects of Tantra and present them in isolation, often stripped of their deeper philosophical and spiritual context. There are indeed "snippets" of what might resonate with Tantric principles – the importance of breath, eye contact, and prolonged intimacy but these are presented primarily as techniques for physical pleasure and connection, rather than as tools for spiritual awakening or self-realization. The profound journey of self-discovery, the intricate energy systems and the disciplined practices that are integral to authentic Tantra are largely absent or glossed over.

Furthermore, a significant detractor throughout the reading experience is the author's overt aim to promote her workshops. This constant self-promotion takes away from the book's essence, making it feel less like a genuine exploration of a subject and more like an extended advertisement. It consistently pulls the reader out of any potential immersion, undermining the very connection and presence the book purports to teach.

In essence, if you're looking for a guide to enhance sexual experiences with a touch of "exotic" terminology, this book might serve its purpose as a sex manual. But if your interest in Tantra stems from a desire to understand its true spiritual depth, its rich philosophical underpinnings, or its path to liberation, you absolutely should not read this book. Its superficiality and promotional undertones prevent it from being a gateway to genuine Tantric wisdom. For that, one would need to look much, much deeper into the traditional texts and teachings.

[Ali Dada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Val Sampson, fills the void of books that talk about physical sex with a spiritual perspective on sex. This is one of the books that inspired us to write "The Perfumed Garden 2", and address the subject wholistically from a Spiritual sex perspective. We love the conversation about sexual energy, and tantra, and the author does an amazing job. No one book can cover it all, but just like electricity which we take for granted anything that gives us some inner wisdom about sexual energy and spirituality is worth a read. We highly recommend it, but if that is not your thing that is totally understandable.

[worrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Watered down book on tantric sex (not tantra). Enough tantra to just about count, little enough spiritual language to appeal to the non-spiritual. Interspersed with softly lewd photos of men and women with traditionally model-like bodies... On the same spread as brief blurbs about women's bodily insecurities and men's performance anxiety... that'll help haha.
Gets two stars because I think it could work as a soft introduction to the completely unknowledgeable on the subject.

[Roger Randolph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shallow

I thought the book was repetitive. She includes nude photos which have no purpose. The people in the photos are models after the author say looks are meaningless