These texts describe the esoteric teachings of Tantra, a belief system which
originated in India, praticed by a small number of Hindus and Buddhists. Tantra
has become a synonym in the West for unbridled sexuality; however sexuality
per se is only one facet of this elaborate spiritual practice, as a
representation of the union of the soul with the Goddess. Rather, this attitude
reflects the spiritual vacuum of mainstream Western religions when it comes to
sacred sexuality. A deep study of Tantra can take a lifetime, and is not for the
undisciplined or the thrill-seeker.

Tantra does not advocate an epicurian or libertine philosophy. Quite the
contrary, the practices which involve behavior which is regarded by conventional
Hinduism as 'sinful' (such as eating meat, drinking alcohol, and having sexual
union), normally requiring expatiatory behavior, are supposed to only be engaged
in by spiritually advanced practicioners in the appropriate ritual context. A
set of alternative practices are recommended by Tantra for general use
(substituting sweets for meat, and praying and chanting for sexual union). (It
should also be noted the Hindu concept which we describe here as sin is somewhat
different than the Christian version).

Taken with these caveats, the assertion of Tantra that sexual energy can be
harnessed to achieve union with the divine is fairly unique among world
religions. The encounter with this school of thought by western occultists had a
profound impact on the development of modern
Neo-paganism.