Below are some of the main differences between classical tantra and neotantra that speak to the philosophical evolutions and practice-based changes in tantric thought. As opposed to focusing on sex, classical tantra involves more mantras, yantras, and rituals, says tantra teacher and bodyworker Samya Dhyan. “It doesn’t involve many sexual practices; even if there are some, they are mostly through visualization,” she tells mbg. Neotantra originated as a more modern adaptation of classical tantra over the course of the last 150 years or so, Grace explains, and it focuses on sacred sexuality as its main practice, goal, and path toward transcendence. (Here’s our full guide to tantric sex in the neotantra tradition, penned by Grace herself.) Neotantra is much more sexually exploratory. “In neotantra, sexual energy is considered the most potent energy available for the practitioner to play with and to dive deeper into various colors of being alive in this human form,” Dhyan explains. “So it can include conscious sexual interaction as part of the practice.” Some classical tantra practices directly involve deity workshop, and other accounts of classical tantra have even described the use of magic, sorcery, and other supernatural elements. Neotantra, while very spiritual in nature, is much more grounded in the psychosomatic experience, as well as the energy work. (Including, for example, energy orgasms.) In a sense, neotantra is more accessible in this regard given its open and customizable approach that includes different teachings and multiple philosophies. The lack of reliance on ancient scriptures also allows practitioners to learn from a wide array of teachers. Neotantra takes a different approach: “Even though many people do get initiated by their teachers, gurus, or sects, it is not considered mandatory,” Dhyan explains. This gives practitioners the freedom to move from one sect or teacher to another. To some tantric practitioners, neotantra’s seemingly democratized form of tantra is unorthodox given its often experimental teachings and practices. But neotantra practitioners often celebrate the countless opportunities for spiritual growth and self-actualization that are more personalized and less bound by restriction. “Even though neotantra primarily focuses on sacred sexuality as a means to reach to sacredness, the adherents go through practices for other spiritual purposes as well,” she adds. These include “empowering their feminine and masculine energies, emotional release techniques, bioenergetic work, learning the chakra system, and Taoistic practices.” In this regard, neotantra is similar to classical tantra in the pursuit of personal transcendence. Jesi is also a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Research Fellow, Leader Alliance Mellon Initiative Fellow, Rosen Fellow, and a CUNY Pipeline for Careers in College Teaching and Research Fellow. Their research and academic work focuses on how structural violence impacts interpersonal social relations and Black maternal health.
