Tantra is a misused concept in the West. I suggest that we simple stop using the word ‘tantra’. Here are my alternatives.

If you refer to the true tantra please call it tantric hinduism or tantric buddhism. And know that it has nothing or very little to do with sexuality. In my experience only about 0,001 % of those that think of themselves as tantric are true tantric yogis.

Call it mindfulness instead of tantra

If you by tantra mean mindful sex then please just call it that: mindful sex. There is nothing wrong with sex. There is nothing wrong with mindfulness. It is actually a really nice combination and it does not include misuse of terms. Mindful sex includes energy sex.

If you by tantra mean mindfulness of sensuality in a broader sense then why not just call it that? Mindful sensuality or mindful sensing. Mindful eating is included in that category and it is a general mindfulness practice to come to our senses.

Being mindful means to be aware in a nonjudgmental way. Right mindfulness is when your awareness is combined with loving-kindnesss. Mindfulness is ethical and healthy. It is not just to live in the moment like an animal.

In conclusion: I suggest that ‘mindfulness’ replace ‘tantra’ in the way that we seem to want to use ‘tantra’ in the modern culture.

The Secret or The Law of Attraction is a popular new age believe that thoughts can change the world directly. It became popular from a documentary movie and a following book by Rhonda Byrne. During the years I’ve met a lot of people that based their lives on this “secret”. Mostly women. This is what I have learned.

The real secrets about The Secret

Secret #1: It creates bad karma

The Secret is basically a modern kind of abuse of the buddhist principle of karma. The Secret teaches that material desire is a good thing whereas buddhism actually teaches that this desire is a root cause of existential suffering. Just based on my personal live experiences I think there is some truth to the concept of thoughts, ideas and intentions create manifestations in the physical world. But this is actually something to be handled very consciously because this craving is the main cause for human suffering. Especially now in the modern world. And from a Buddhist perspective craving more material things and money actually creates bad karma that will backfire on you in this life or your next rebirth.

Secret #2: It makes you passive

Thoughts don’t actually become things in the way The Secret teaches. It mostly creates a dream world where you sit and think instead of going out and doing something real. The real secret is that thoughts and intentions become actions which change the physical world. I have personally experienced women who never get any succes in life because they base their life on The Secret bullshit with thinking instead of action. Wake up and do something! That is my recommendation for real power women.

Secret #3: It prevents political protests

The Secret believers who want world peace and social political change sit and visualise the perfect world instead of opening their mouths and taking the rightful indignation to the streets. This is a perfect way for the powers that be to eliminate protests before they begin. Believers of The Secret actually think that it will make things worse if they engage in real political work because “thoughts become things”. The Secret is The Perfect Bullshit Storm for those that want to continue with all the unjustices, frauds and wars. If I was a conspiracy theorist I could argue that The Secret was actually invented by capitalist war mongers so that they can go on with their dirty business.