tantra

Tantra refers to esoteric spiritual traditions originating in Hinduism and Buddhism, involving rituals, meditation, and symbolic practices aimed at channeling divine energy.

In Western usage, tantra often specifically means tantric sex—spiritual practices that treat sexual union as a path to enlightenment or deeper connection: They attended a tantra workshop to deepen their intimacy.

The term can be used loosely for any approach to sexuality emphasizing mindfulness and prolonged arousal. (Capitalized Tantra emphasizes the formal religious tradition.)