When we say that tantra is a “feminine way,” we’re not (or shouldn’t be) talking about women in the biological sense, but about a principle—what many traditions call feminine in a symbolic and energetic sense.
Tantra is a path that prioritizes feeling over direction. Instead of trying to dominate experience, it invites us to let it flow through us. This attitude is symbolically associated with the feminine because it implies openness, receptivity, and transformation.
Furthermore, in many more “ascetic” spiritual traditions, the body is something to be transcended. In tantra, however, it is a fundamental instrument of awareness. This embodied orientation is often described as “feminine” because it values what is cyclical, sensorial, and alive.
That said, it’s important to avoid two misunderstandings: this doesn’t mean that tantra is a practice only “for women,” and it doesn’t mean that men are less suited.
Every person has both polarities—active and receptive, directional and sensitive. To say that tantra is a feminine path means that it requires the development (in anyone who practices it) of qualities such as listening, presence, openness, and the ability to be transformed.
In short, “feminine” here is a symbolic language: it indicates how the path is followed, not who can follow it.
The next Summer Journey, Inner Fire, focuses on tantric exploration for men and women, bringing integration and love between the two polarities, both in our inner world and in our encounters with others…
IN TUSCANY
FROM AUGUST 22 TO 29
Many, including Osho, believe that women are better suited to lead tantra courses.
“Only a woman can teach Tantra, only a woman can be a Tantra group leader, it will be difficult for a man. Yes, sometimes a man can also be, but then he will have to become very, very feminine. A woman is already, she has already those qualities, those loving, affectionate qualities; she naturally has that care, that love, that feeling for the soft.”
Osho, The Tantra Experience
Traditionally, tantra is a practice that integrates body, emotions, and awareness. In this context, qualities such as deep listening, empathy, and the ability to create a safe space are crucial. These are traits that, for both cultural and educational reasons, many women have developed to a particularly strong degree. This doesn’t mean they are exclusively feminine qualities, but rather that they are more frequently encouraged and cultivated in women.
Another key element is the relationship with the body and with sensitivity. Tantra requires a deep familiarity with the nuances of sensory and emotional experience. Many teachers are able to guide this process gently and gradually, encouraging a less performative and more experiential approach. This can help students feel less judged and more open to exploration.
Any approach too focused on “doing” (achieving a result, improving a performance, reaching a goal) can clash with tantra, where presence, listening, and the ability to remain within the experience without forcing it are key. If a teacher—whether male or female—adopts an overly directive or performative approach, they risk:
– pushing students toward objectives rather than perception,
– speeding up when slowing down would be appropriate,
– transforming experiential practices into “techniques to be performed.”
That said, automatically associating this style with men is an oversimplification. It’s true that many men have been socialized to value action and results, but this isn’t a fixed destiny. If a male teacher works on himself specifically to develop bodily and emotional listening, then he’ll be able to integrate structure and sensitivity in interesting ways.
Furthermore, the orientation toward “doing” isn’t just a limitation: it can become a resource if well-integrated.
Tantra also requires:
– the ability to guide with clarity,
– giving containment and structure to practices,
– helping students avoid getting lost or remaining in passive vagueness.
The point, therefore, is not to eliminate “doing,” but to balance it with listening. A good tantra teacher knows when to offer and when to withdraw, when to give direction and when to leave space.
More than a question of gender, therefore, the quality of teaching depends on the maturity, training, and integrity of the teacher.
This is why we are so proud to have a team of such well-prepared, experienced, empathetic, and directive male and female teachers!
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