Two groups of people have heard of the term “tantric.” The first group sees it as a form of meditation while other people know it mainly as a way to have better sex. The truth is that anything tantric is influenced by a philosophical and religious tradition rooted in India and a collection of literature known as the tantras. Out of this philosophy comes a number of devices intended to aid meditational practices and include tantric music.

Just like Western perception, this type of music is either used in meditation or as an aid to sexual practices. Westerners are already accustomed to the idea of turning on the radio or a particular song on a CD in order to help create the mood for an evening session of romance. Tantric music intended for romance has the goal of both creating the mindset and also creating a cadence for bodily movement.

Consider the different forms of lovemaking. Some couples go for a primal quickie that has no technique aside from aggressive grappling. Others take it slow and focus on each other. They keep the action going upstairs as much as they have it going downstairs. Yet other couples see sex as a spiritual activity that binds a couple and has sacred consequences. Not only do they take it slow but try to turn it into a ritual with the same cadence as meditation. Rhythmic music can help them do this.

The advantage of a slow rhythm is that the body of both partners can be very responsive to a steady beat while not taking it too fast can help to avoid a decline in sensitivity or else overstimulation. A slow tempo means that the body does not react too quickly but has plenty of time to build tension. A couple that builds heat and then releases it a few times has the potential for a much more explosive finish than a couple that hurries through with an uninspired technique.

In regular meditation, music might be used to create calm and encourage thoughts that are either nonchaotic or directed towards personal expansion. India has a long history of encouraging meditation as a vehicle for spiritual expansion and gaining states of increased consciousness. Many practitioners believe that growth occurs during periods of very calm thoughts when it is possible for the conscious mind to see the deeper parts of the mind. Whether or not personal expansion is achieved, tantric music can be very soothing to listen to and can promote a peaceful state of mind.