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Tantric tradition also does not rest on a uniform text written by a single author. To the contrary, it is quite old and based on many texts from different eras and even on different esoteric traditions in Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism it is a religious philosophy according to which Shakti is usually the goddess worshiped as a cult and the universe is considered as the product of the divine play between Shakti and Shiva, the female and the male principle presented in the images of the two deities. In particular, Tantra deals with spiritual and ritual practices aimed at the liberation from ignorance and at the cycle of rebirth. Tantric movement has its impact on Bon religion in Tibet, on Hindu Buddhist and Jain religious traditions, and on yoga.

Tantric schools that deal with sexual rites and joint development are few in number and the sexual practices do not exceed even 5% of their teachings. According to Tantra, man and his inner world is a reflection of the entire cosmic energy. The two universal forces, male and female, are in each of us, not in the form of gender specific qualities but as universal principles.

Tantric sexual rites were intended to raise the energy levels of the participants and to connect the internal microcosm with the universe, man with God. Tantrists attach importance to the body rather than ignoring it or considering it a hindrance to spiritual development.

I want to introduce a short set of exercises (rites), aimed at maintaining the physical health and energy balance in man. It is called the Five Tibetan Rites.

FIRST TIBETAN RITE

Stand upright and extend your arms at shoulder level, palms facing down, and start turning around in a clockwise direction. Dervishes do this exercise hundreds of times, lamas a dozen, just to stimulate the chakras.

According to Christopher Kilam the optimum number is 21.

SECOND TIBETAN RITE

1. Lie on your back with your arms at your side.

2. Press your chin to your chest.

3. Lift your legs, keeping them straight, without folding your knees.

4. Start as you can and repeat as many times as you can. The ultimate goal is again 21 repetitions.

THIRD TIBETAN RITE

1. Kneel on the floor and straighten your body. Place your hands on your hips.

2. Press your chin to your chest.

3. Lean back, gently craning your head backwards.

4. Start again as you can and repeat as many times as you can, trying to reach the goal of 21 repetitions again.

FOURTH TIBETAN RITE

1. Sit on the floor with your legs straight and feet apart, and with your arms on the floor.

2. Press your chin to your chest.

3. Let your head go back as far as you can.

4. Without bending your arms and without moving your arms or legs, bend your knees and lift your trunk to a horizontal position. Tense your muscles, then relax.

5. It is not necessary to perform all rites from the outset. Start with those which you can do. Remember, however, that the Tibetan rites work in conjunction with each other. Start doing them as you can and repeat them as many times as you can. The rest will come with time and persistence.

FIFTH TIBETAN RITE

1. Get down on the floor on your hands and knees, your body bent, arms stretched and palms on the floor, toes are bent and step on the ground. Gently lean your head far back as you can.
 
2. Without lifting your palms and feet from the floor, bend your body at the hips and lift it into a position resembling an inverted "V". Press the chin to the chest.

What do exercises have to do with love? Firstly, all the "exercises" in the eastern traditions work on many levels, and their purpose is not only to balance the physique and bring physical health but also to have an affect at the emotional, mental and energetic level. You have heard the thought that we are attracted to people who resemble us. If we are filled with negative emotions and doubts, it is unlikely that we will meet and attract a smiling, balanced and bright person.

Tantric sexual practices are distinguished for their rites and attitude towards your loved one, considering him or her a "carrier" of divine power. These rites use plenty of ointments, fragrances, flowers, candles, a special environment that predispose the two lovers. This exterior attracts western people but, unfortunately, we rarely gain an insight of the core of the rite, which is actually important. Without this core, the rite is nothing more than a sex game that brings excitement to the drowsy marital bed. By no means is this bad, but it does not solve the problems between the two partners. Let us have an insight. Unfortunately, there are no sources, describing the esoteric side of these rites in a comprehensible and applicable manner. Many contemporary authors who write about Tantra and love rites are using the descriptions and methods of Taoist Master Mantak Chia. That is why we will now turn to China and to the art of sleeping chambers to see what is hidden from the eyes of the curious Westerner who is also thirsty for knowledge.

The art of sleeping chambers