Our monthly Tantra Talks explore a wide range of topics, but last night may have been one of the most controversial: Sex and Power Games with Kamala Devi and Guest Speaker, Ran Baron.
This event was like an intimate dialogue with two experienced Tantra and BDSM (Bondage Discipline, Dominance Submission, Sadism and Masochism) players. Together we explored the power dynamics and the hidden sexual inuendo found within esoteric teachings and sexo-spiritual practices, from Aliester Crowley and other sex cults to the crazy wisdom of benign spiritual organizations. Ran Baron asserts that Sex, the most powerful energy of all and can be the doorway to the Divine or the gateway to Hell. During the provocative Q & A, the best questions was:
What does BDSM, Kink and Power exchange have to do with Sacred Sex?
Of the many overlapping aspects, here are some of the highlights:
- Both Tantra and BDSM are taboo and misunderstood in mainstream and spiritual societies.
- Both Tantra and BDSM practices put us in the moment and are used to deepen ones state of presence.
- Both Tantra and BDSM can put us into erotic trance and altered states of consciousness.
- Both Tantra and BDSM can include role play such as: God/Goddess, Guru/Disciple, Master/servant…
- Breathwork is so important in both Tantra and BDSM.
- Both Tantra and BDSM include high levels of communication, boundaries, and trust.
- Both teach us about ultimate expression of surrender.
- “In order to know virtue, we must first acquaint ourselves with vice.” ― Marquis de Sade.
Indeed this is a vast topic, and this list is intended to wet your apetite. Here is another fun teaser. In this streaming video, Kamala Devi uses performance art to tell the story of how she first discovered she was Kinky.
Liberation Through Bondage by Kamala Devi from kamala devi on Vimeo.
After the closing circle, the community ended with more questions than answers. If you want to explore these topics further, you are invited to 1) contact Ran Baron for private sessions or 2) join Kamala Devi for an upcoming Tantra and/or Polyamory event:
1) Ran Baron is a Tantric Daka, a spiritual seeker and sought after public speaker in the fields of theology, eastern philosophy, and mysticism. Having ventured through various spiritual paths himself, Baron was ordained as a Hindu priest (Brahmana), certified as a Yoga and Tai Chi instructor, and has been studying and practicing Buddhism, Zen, Hinduism and Yoga in many of its different flavors since the age of 14. Baron has instructed numerous meditation workshops and yoga retreats and has given hundreds of talks and lectures about the nature of spirituality and self inquiry. He continues to share his unique view and vast experience in his talks.
http://ranbaron.com/
2) Join us for a Tantra Talk or Poly Potluck. The general format of these community events is we start with a brief mix and mingle, then kick off with fun icebreakers, do an opening circle to create a safe and confidential space, and then go into a lecture or talk followed by group discussion and we always throw in a few experiential practices.
These introductory event is geared for singles, couples and polyamorus families of all levels. Some of our past topics include: Chakras, Shiva/Shakti polarity, Shamanism, Life Coaching, Tantric Orgasm, Body image, Kama Sutra, Mediation, Shadow work, Enlightenment, Goddess Worship, Puja and more!
Check out our calendar of events: http://www.kamaladevi.com/events
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”–Rumi
