February 16th, 2010 
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- ISBN13: 9780738709000
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Product Description
Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson have written a modern and comprehensive book that celebrates the sacredness of the body (and desire) within the Hindu Tantric tradition, one which aims to dispel remnants of our Puritan past that define many natural activities of our daily life, including sexual activity and desire, in negative terms.
Based upon the teachings of Dr. Jonn Mumford, their book is much more than an erotic sex manual-though, it is that, too! The authors explain the Tantric philosophy and its principles, demystify it for beginners, and offer authentic exercises and techniques that will help turn your every moment of pleasure into an opportunity to experience the divine.
Award-Winner in the Health: Sexuality category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.
Award-Winning Finalist in the Religion: Eastern Religions category of the National Best Books 2007 Awards.
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It says in the book these two people are students of Jonn Mumford. This comes off sounding like a tape recording of Jonn Mumford rambling on the same subjects that are covered in his other books. The paragraphs are too long and rambling. There are no good illustrations of any methods you would find helpful. There are no exercises clearly set apart and easily dileneated much less something you could look back at for future reference.
In short, this book seems amateurish, and worse than that, just plain boring. I found it hard to get through and not very helpful.
I suppose they had all their pals get on here and write these glowing reviews.
The book/s by bodhi avinasha are superior in every way (especially one called “Jewel in the Lotus” and I would just look that one up on amazon if I were you. It’s a much more helpful book if you actually want to learn how to practice this.
Best of luck.
Rating: 1 / 5
“Tantra uses touch as the primary sensory avenue for the focusing of the mind and when sexual sensation expresses itself in orgasm, the bursting or climax, we achieve a state of yoga, or union.”
Those looking for a general introduction to Tantric Yoga will find this an invaluable and informative book.
Based on the lectures given by Dr Jonn Mumford (aka Swamiji, or Swami Anandakapila) and developed further by the authors, Essence gives an insight into the practical exercises and techniques available for the western Tantrika (practitioner), as well as a greatly expounded explanation for those unfamiliar with Tantric sexuality.
Rudimentary instructions begin with some basics: the use of yantras, or symbols, for visualization techniques; and mudras, hand gestures or body positions, used for creating psychophysical change.
Following these lessons, the authors then delve into various sexual aspects, reminding the reader that it is the process of getting to an orgasm that is more important than the actual climax itself. Essence deals with various exercises and rituals in order for men and women, individually or as a couple, to make that journey more fun, more rewarding, and more fulfilling so that the climax becomes the culmination of an already-exciting discovery process, ultimately a meeting with the divine.
They deal with sexuality in a straightforward, very matter-of-fact, and graphic manner.
Those willing to approach with an open mind and a teachable spirit will find a lot of material here to help understand many aspects of sexual pleasure, not only between two people, but also individually.
The authors cover many different areas of inducing pleasure, including masturbation, sexual fantasies, the use of perfumes and massage, and an in-depth look at the erogenous zones in men and women (and, yes, there are more than two!).
Later in the book, similarities are drawn between the symbology of Tantra and other religions and beliefs, including the Catholic Mass.
If you can handle the graphic sexual descriptions and illustrations, this is indeed a book with information worth perusing, studying, and practicing.
Rating: 5 / 5
excellent text and very helpful. I enjoyed the ‘modern’ interpretation of this very ancient practice. Very readable – with detailed information.
Rating: 5 / 5
I LOVE this book! I bought it on the recommendation of some close friends who said it was a must read, and I have to say they were 100% on the mark. Because of the “Essence of Tantric Sexuality,” I have a whole new outlook on sex and sexuality (not to mention better and more sensual sex!), plus I was able to teach my mate some new tricks (though to be honest I’m still perfecting those
I was a bit concerned before reading the book that a lot of what it has to say would be beyond my understanding, as I was a total novice to tantra. But I soon found I was mistaken. The book is so well written – the authors use simple to understand language to make otherwise complex ideas easy to digest – and I was astonished at how quickly I moved through the chapters and how much of it I retained.
If you’re looking for a great book on tantra this is the one. A++++!
Rating: 5 / 5
This is an excellent book which makes Tantra accessible to westerners. It clarifies the
differences between Hindu Tantra and “Neo-Tantra”. It is insightfully and intelligently
written. The sections on the erogenic zones as well as the suggestions for sexual work
with your partner are my favorite parts. Trying some of these suggestions has already
enriched my sexual life with my partner as well as my awareness of and feeling of
presence within my body. I also love the bits of humour. You can’t put it down — very
highly recommended.
Rating: 5 / 5