The Essence of Tantric Sexuality
by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson

a review by
Errol McLendon, CTM, CTI

 

I have studied Tantra for five years and have trudged through numerous books on the subject. Until I read this book, I was under the false impression that Tantric study was demanding, laborious and technical. What occurs in this book is that all of the excess is trimmed away and we are left with a clear path on how to use Tantra to reach new levels of ecstasy.

The book is based on a series of lectures given by Dr. John Mumford in 1976. What these lectures accomplish is to successfully combine eastern and western perspectives on Tantra. The translation of eastern beliefs into a manageable path for the western mind is what makes this book so valuable.

From the use and mastery of yantras, geometric symbols whose purpose it is to open the chakras, to the Tantric massage, everything is laid out in simple to understand steps. Don’t get me wrong. Each simple step is backed up by in depth explanations and extensive examinations of linguistic origins of many words to reveal how their meanings connect in incredible ways.

Over fifty pages are dedicated to the three levels of erogenous zones and a systematic method of manipulating them to open the chakras in the most advantageous pattern. By following the path prescribed in the book, the tertiary erogenous zones are made available, a group of areas on the body which are not sensitized unless preceded by the manipulation of the primary and secondary erogenous zones. These simple techniques and patterns extend the number of erogenous zones on the body from eight to eighteen.

From this basic knowledge, the Tantric massage can be added in order to begin the opening of the Chakras. What occurs when the Chakras are opened and the erogenous zones are all activated, is an extended period of excitement in which extended and multiple orgasms can be experienced.

A couple of chapters address the sensual power of the olfactory nerve. A detailed explanation of why our sense of smell is so powerful and aphrodisiac. The authors then explore what scents are most powerful on men and women.

I won’t mention any titles, but this book is a refreshing replacement for a book I have been working through for the past two years. I will use this book when teaching Tantra and will keep it handy when planning sessions for clients. The Essence of Tantric Sexuality (ISBN-13 978-0-7387-0900-0) is the first book I have ever reviewed that I read carefully and underlined throughout. I anticipate that I will soon wear this copy out and require a replacement. For anyone interested in Tantra on a personal or professional basis, this book should be on your bookshelf or by your bedside.



"The Essence of Tantric Sexuality ",
by Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson
© Llewellyn Publications
Images used by kind permission from Llewellyn Publications.