You will get the most out of your Tantra learning experience if you are fully prepared and know what to expect. So here are a few more pieces of advice.

Don't Be Afraid to State Your Preferences

Not every teacher is a good fit for every student. If there is a certain instructor or type of instructor you prefer (for example, if you feel more comfortable with a teacher of the same gender as you), you should feel free to speak up. A good Tantra instructor will not mind or be offended at all. Most likely, she has heard the same questions or requests many times in the past. Tantra teachers are aware that this is a very personal spiritual experience, one in which a good personal connection and rapport with the instructor is essential. The staff should try to do whatever they can to make you feel most at ease. So, if you prefer to have a specific instructor, just say so. Obviously, this mainly applies to Tantra centers with a group of staff members, or events where more than one instructor will be on hand.

Costs and Time Commitments Vary Widely

Like most people, you probably have limited time as well as a tight budget. Neither should be an obstacle in your quest for Tantric knowledge. When it comes to Tantra instruction, you can invest as much or as little time and money as you wish. Short classes — especially the lecture variety that are often presented at local colleges — tend to be pretty cheap. Also, events where there is a large group of attendees are generally more affordable on a per-person basis. As a general rule, the smaller the group, the higher the cost will be for each attendee. Obviously, individual one-on-one instruction can be somewhat pricier.

Likewise, the time commitment can really vary. You can attend a single one-hour lecture, or a week-long Tantra excursion. There are programs where you attend instruction for six or more hours per day, for several days in a row. Obviously, this type of program is not for everyone. You need to be really committed and have a chunk of available time (not to mention money — this type of program can cost $2,000 or more).

Make It a Vacation

If you have some available time, and a little bit of money to spend, consider taking a Tantra vacation. This is where your trip does double-duty: It is a getaway from the daily stresses of everyday life, but is also a great way to get some in-depth Tantra training. If you are in a committed relationship, bring your partner. This will make for a wonderful romantic getaway, and you can study Tantric techniques together. Services like Intimacy Retreats (see their information in the Resources section of this book) specialize in Tantra getaway vacations in exotic locations like Hawaii. Female readers will be interested to know that there are also some women-only retreats in exotic locations. This would be a great “girls-only getaway” for you and a group of friends. And, who knows, you just might meet a sexy Hawaiian hunk while strolling along the beach in between seminars.