31 Best Tantra Books On Tantric Sex And Traditional Tantra

Tantra books are not hard to come by these days.

But how do you know which ones are worth reading? If you’re looking for books on the ancient spiritual tradition that will have a lasting impact on your life — sexually, spiritually, physically, and mentally — you’ve come to the right place! I have curated the ultimate list of the best tantra books for beginners, tantric sex, and traditional classical tantra.

What is Tantra?

Tantra is an ancient Indian practice that dates back more than 5,000 years. In Sanskrit, the word Tantra means woven together.

For the sake of clarity, know that Tantra’s not a religion but a powerful practice that believes most of the human suffering arises from the mistaken concept of separation and instead offers the celebration of senses and life to reach higher states of being.

How do I start learning Tantra?

Books are a helpful start! They give a grounding in the philosophy, techniques, and practices. However, a mentor is recommended to travel further down the path, which we’ll explore in the next section.

Can you practice Tantra on your own?

Yes — you absolutely can.

And if practiced diligently, it will bring shifts to all facets of your life. However, all intermediate to advanced practitioners on the Tantric path got there through a mentor’s support and wisdom. There is no replacement for the direct guidance of one who has walked the path before you. They will gently nudge you to continue expanding into your true potential in the world.

What are the best Tantra books for beginners?

I have divided the best books on Tantra into three categories —  beginners, Tantric sex, and traditional Tantra, since these are quite different in nature.

Here are my top 8 picks for the best Tantra yoga books for beginners:

1. Tantra: the Supreme Understanding by Osho

Osho illuminates Tantra’s esoteric and mystical teachings with a uniquely fresh perspective. His books on Tantra brings powerful philosophical and spiritual insights with wisdom and humor.

2. Introduction to Tantra: The Transformation of Desire by Lama Yeshe

Lama Yeshe presents Tantra, through Tibetan Buddhism, as a practice leading to joy and self-discovery. Carefully read this text, and you will receive a clear, simple vision of reality relevant to the twenty-first century.

3. Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving by Charles Muir and Caroline Muir

Explore ancient Tantric secrets for couples in Charles and Caroline Muir’s in-depth book to deepen relationships, intimacy, and passion. This revolutionary book familiarises readers with a blended physical, spiritual, and emotional approach to achieving ecstasy in love.

4. Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love by Daniel Odier

Daniel Odier uncovers Shivaic Tantrism in this most eganging Tantric memoir. This secret spiritual path seeks to transcend the ego and rediscover the divine by embracing life’s passions. In addition, Odier’s memoir shares the story of his interaction with Devi, a great yogini who would take him on a mystical journey to absolute love like none he had ever imagined.

5. Sexual Energy Ecstasy: A Practical Guide To Lovemaking Secrets Of The East And West by David Ramsdale, Ellen Ramsdale

Sexual Energy Ecstacy is a compassionate and practical masterpiece. Not only do the authors provide in-depth techniques to secrets of the male and female body, but the book is also an arresting read.  

6. The Art of Sexual Ecstacy by Margot Anand

This book is touted as the most extensive and comprehensive Tantric sex book. Expect the detailed Tantric practice outlined for beginner and advanced practitioners alike. Learn rituals for a deeper level of connection, acquire new attitudes and broaden your range of experience to rekindle your sexual relationship through the lost art of Tantric lovemaking.

7. The Power of Tantra Meditation: 50 Meditations for Energy, Awareness, and Connection by Artemis Emily Doyle and Bhairav Thomas English

In The Power of Tantra Meditation, explore how Tantra can focus the mind, awaken energy flow, and invoke a higher state of being and meaning in your life. This book casts aside the common myths and misconceptions surrounding Tantra, offers body and mind engagement, and is made for modern life. Weave these practices into your life for a great sense of ease, vibrancy, and happiness.

8. The Book of Secrets: 112 Meditations to Discover the Mystery Within by Osho

No neo-Tantra guide would be complete with Tantric yoga guru Osho. This book brings the practical application of the secrets of the ancient science of Tantra available to a contemporary audience. Osho challenges readers to examine and break free of conditioned belief systems and prejudices that limit the capacity to enjoy the richness of life.

9 best Tantra books on Tantric sex

The book lists here will give you immense wisdom into the neo-Tantra path, which is a modern approach to Tantra and focuses more on the sexual aspect of the path.

Here are my top 9 picks of the best tantra books on tantric sex:

9. The Heart of Tantric Sex: A Unique Guide to Love and Sexual Fulfillment by Diana Richardson

The Heart of Tantric Sex is one of the most revolutionary books on Tantric sexuality ever written. It has challenged and changed countless people’s views around sex to become free and transformed their sex lives. Explore this guide for sexual ecstasy and epic love and learn the true value of a relationship. This book is perfect to learn about Tantra for beginners or even to reignite your passion for Tantric sex if you’re already a practitioner.

10. Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy by Mantak Chia

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Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy uncovers the ancient sexual secrets and spiritual journey of the Taoist sages. Learn Taoist practices for alchemical transmutation of the body, mind, and spirit. Also, develop full sexual potency as a pathway to higher bliss.

11. Tantric Sex for Men: Making Love a Meditation by Diana Richardson and Michael Richardson

This how-to for men is based on many years of experience leading retreat seminars for couples, supported by Osho’s teachings on neo-Tantra and sexuality. By reading this, men find the path to a more caring, considerate, and fulfilling approach to Tantric sex and true love.

12. Tantric Orgasm for Women by Diana Richardson

Tantric Orgasm for Women is a revolutionary book on female sexuality that focuses on relaxation as the path to deep orgasmic states. Learn about the role of the clitoris, breasts, and vagina in achieving orgasm, as well as ancient Tantric meditations for increased sensitivity and awareness through sacred sex.

13. Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-first Century by Barbara Carrella

Barbara Carrellas Urban Tantra is for modern sexual explorers wanting a mix of erotic how-tos and heart-centered spiritual wisdom in the Tantric way. Learn about multi-partner play and intersections between Tantra and BDSM.

14. The Multi-Orgasmic Man: Sexual Secrets Every Man Should Know by Mantak Chia

Master of Taoist and sexuality Mantak Chia and writer Douglas Abrams Arava demystify Sexual Kung Fu, a Chinese tradition developed over thousands of years. This book transforms a man’s sex life with ancient techniques allowing him to experience:

• Multiple orgasms without losing your erection.
• Whole-body orgasms.
• An increase in your sexual energy and vitality.

15. The Enlightened Sex Manual: Sexual Skills for the Superior Lover by Daniel Deida

David Deida adds richly to the discourses of neo-Tantric lovemaking. These pages uncover the secret to enlightenment and Tantric sex in this groundbreaking manual to reclaim passion in your own life. Learn how to transform “skin friction” into the embodiment of ecstasy, develop sexual mastery and explore the wildness of your sexuality.

16. Yoni Shakti: A woman’s guide to power and freedom through yoga and Tantra by Uma Dinsmore-Tuli

Although this text draws on a lot of traditional Tantra — it’s groundbreaking work because the women’s Tantric yoga path has never been more thoroughly explored in its history than in this revolutionary manual. It provides a complete Tantric guide for women from their first bleed to postmenopause.

So if you’re looking for a book that connects you to your womb and draws on feminism, Tantric wisdom, and practices — here is your must-read.

17. Soul Sex: Tantra for Two by Al Link and Pala Copeland

This book applies neo-Tantric practices to create a lifelong and loving relationship. Communication and intimacy fuel the rituals and exercises revealed within these pages. Finally, you’ll also learn about Soul Sex to build an extraordinary sex life for you and your lover.

14 best Tantra books on traditional Tantra

These are the best books on classical Tantra, which is a powerful and healing combination of yoga postures (asanas), breath work, philosophy, chakra work, and meditation. Neo-Tantra branched out of traditional Tantra only in the last 150 years and is a less systemic and holistic practice when we compare it to traditional Tantra.

Here are my top 14 picks of the best tantra books on traditional tantra:

18. Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition by Christopher D. Wallis

The Tantric timeless tradition Christopher uncovers is truthfully a fascinating journey to the true lineages and transformational practices of this tradition. Follow the unfolding of this sacred tradition beginning over 1,500 years ago in the far north of India through translations from primary Sanskrit sources.

19. Kundalini Tantra: 1 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Saraswati’s detailed body of work is a crucial text of Tantra. This renowned spiritual teacher shares the fundamental concepts of Tantra — namely, Kundalini and the Chakras.

20. Sri Vijnana Bhairava Tantra: The Ascent by Swami Satyasanganda Saraswati

Of all of the recommended books, this is one of the root texts of Tantra. The theme of Bhairava Tantra is Dharana, which refers to the concentration of the mind. This translation and commentary of a classical Tantric text excellently shed light on the practice of Dharana in daily life.

21. Tantra: Path of Ecstasy by Georg Feuerstein

If you’re looking to truly understand- Tantra Feuerstein provides an accessible introduction to this immensely enriching spiritual tradition’s history, philosophy, and practice. This is authentic Tantra at its best, with guidance for spiritual practice and attaining higher consciousness, and becoming attuned to the entire universe.

22. Tools for Tantra by Harish Johari

Tools for Tantra is an essential read for those seeking to learn the benefits and art of yantras. These are precise geometric forms used for centuries as a tool for self-realization and attainment of mystical powers.

23. The Serpent Power by Sir John Woodroffe

Sir John George Woodroffe’s extensive and complex published works on the Tantras created immense interest in Hindu philosophy and yoga in the West. This book imparts the reader with the philosophical & mythological nature of Tantra as well as the esoteric anatomy, secret mantra, chakras, and psychic centers.

24. The Recognition Sutras: Illuminating a 1,000-Year-Old Spiritual Masterpiece by Christopher D. Wallis

This book explores the spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that is the Pratyabhijnahrdayam, which means “The Essence of the Recognition Philosophy,” Great Tantric master named Kshemaraja wrote this one thousand years ago, in the valley of Kashmir. It has never been accurately translated or fully explained until now.

25. Aghora: At the Left Hand of God by Robert E. Svoboda

Robert E. Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. He uncovers the ancient discipline of Aghora and records Vimalananda’s experiences and insights into human nature and the struggle for spiritual purification. The teachings are a beautiful lesson in spiritual connection and faith.

26. Kundalini Aghora – Vol. 2 by Robert E. Svoboda

The second book of Svoboda’s trilogy explores the principles of Kundalini — the force of forces. Tantra, mantra, the sacred fire, chakras, and consciousness are all conveyed with supreme understanding. Enter into invisible realms with the personable form of Vimalananda’s storytelling and recounting of life’s episodes.

27. The Garland of Letters by Sir John Woodroffe

The Garland of Letters is for those into Tantric yoga, mantra, the Vedas, and more. The topics are profoundly deep, and you will likely need to have a foundation in the Tantra to fully appreciate the beautiful yogic philosophy hidden in this treasure.

28. Desire: The Tantric Path to Awakening by Daniel Odier

Desire: The Tantric Path to Awakening explores Tantra’s more subtle techniques and principles and the triple mastery of the breath, thought, and the body’s natural processes. In the Tantric way the body is the temple, and the heart is the center of divinity. Desire reveals the secret way of Tantric that has been passed down in the major Tantric treatises such as the Vijnanabhariva Tantra.

29. The 112 Meditations From the Book of Divine Wisdom by Lee Lyon

Lyon’s text is far more than just a collection of powerful meditations. It is an incredible tapestry of the Tantric connection to life —intimate, kind, amused, amazed, and delighted. You will learn to engage with your life fully, no longer just observing or being mindful of it.

30. Nawa Yogini Tantra: Yoga for Women by Swami Muktananda

Swami Muktananda’s book looks at women’s spirituality. Yoga is typically centered around the male’s subtle, energetic and physical body. This text offers steadfast knowledge and insights into creating female-orientated yoga practices for all stages of a woman’s life that is largely undocumented in many other books exploring traditional Tantra.

31. Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide To Joy by Sadhguru

Sadhguru reveals the sophisticated and empowering system in this traditional Tantra yoga book. In these pages, learn how to harness and activate inner energies to reach optimal capacity in your body and mind.

You’ll also uncover the means of turning yourself into the architect of your own joy. Inner Engineering has distilled the profound wisdom and time-tested tools of Tantra in a way that is fresh, that is fresh, modern, and radiantly transformative.

Conclusion

It sounds like a lot of research, doesn’t it?

The Tantra books serve to start budding Tantra students on their journey. However, if you’re looking to truly live the Tantric path as a man, then it’s time to watch my free training to experience Tantra’s sexual and personal bliss. With this bliss, you can attract a loving relationship or reignite the passion in a lackluster relationship in only nine weeks.

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