Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the answers of TNT’s frequently asked questions below.
Last updated: 14 October 2024
Is TNT a cult that brainwashes people?
Click here to read the entire answer written in the new preface of the book 50 Misconceptions of Sex by Alexa Vartman, founder of The New Tantra.
What is Tantra and Neo-Tantra?
In the East, Tantra is the name for a broad range of esoteric practices that appeared around the middle of the 1st millennium AD. Core aspects of traditional tantra include the ritualistic use of the contrast between the masculine and the feminine, celebrating the body and sexuality, anti-puritanism, self-experimentation, a playful non-conformism and an enthusiastic engagement with all aspects of life.
In the West, Neo-Tantra is often associated with New Age culture, including supernatural beliefs, pseudoscience, exotic clothes, astrology, diet fads, “healing” and “therapy”, crystals and amulets, escapism, “enlightened gurus” with Eastern-sounding names, cuddly “love and light” workshops and so on.
TNT offers neither traditional nor New Age tantra.
What is “New” about The New Tantra?
Why does Tantra often make use of sexuality?
Why is Tantra often controversial?
What is Crazy Wisdom?
What is radical self-reliance?
Can I join a TNT workshop as agnostic / skeptic / atheist?
Yes. TNT workshops focus on developing practices and skills rather than acquiring a specific belief system.
What is the 21 Day Challenge?
One of the core TNT practices is staying sexually active and functional without having “peak/spasm orgasms” (that is, conventional ejaculatory or clitoral orgasms). This reminds of the celibacy and abstinence practices that are central to many religious and spiritual paths, but without the guilt, obsession and shame that always come with sexual repression. You can try this at home by staying sexually active without having a peak orgasm for 21 days and noticing the effects.
Please visit 21daychallenge.com for more information and free sign up.
Is TNT solely focused on sexuality?
No. TNT workshops also put emphasis on meditation, “cleaning your room” / ”getting your life in order” and non-religious devotion practices. You will have the opportunity to explore these practices to some extent in every TNT workshop.
Do I “join” TNT by attending a TNT workshop?
TNT is not a members’ club and there is no need to remain in contact with a workshop’s participants or its facilitators.
Is there a single TNT path or TNT community?
No. TNT workshops aim to provide you with tools and skills that you can use to develop your own individual path and your own individual network.
I am gay / lesbian / transsexual. Can I join a TNT course ?
Yes, and many have done so. If this FAQ and overall TNT website appeal to you, you are most welcome.
Can I refuse to do an exercise in a TNT workshop?
Yes. You will not be pressured into doing an exercise you do not want to do. You can also always stop an exercise. Also, the universal stopword “appletree” will stop all physical interaction at once.
What are some of the standard TNT safety rules?
TNT workshops feature STD safety procedures, a stop-word that halts all physical interaction immediately (“appletree”), rules of consent, exercises on setting boundaries, the presence of supervising assistants and more.
Learn more under TNT’s Code of Conduct.
What to be careful about during a TNT workshop?
What sounds fun, interesting and exciting during a TNT workshop might look very differently a few days later in the sobering light of daily life. Therefore, always consider your boundaries and limits. TNT workshops include exercises to help you with this.
What are the rules of conduct for workshop facilitators?
TNT workshop facilitators cannot have sex with anyone for 18 months after their first TNT workshop, with some rare and specific exceptions. Learn more under TNT’s Code of Conduct.
I am strictly monogamous. Can I attend the TNT workshops?
Yes. You can attend any TNT workshop and do the exercises with your partner, when needed.
Do I need to bring a partner to the TNT workshops?
No. You are welcome to sign up as single.
Depending on the exercise, participants mix and match, but there is always the possibility to say no and change partner. You don’t have to interact with anyone you don’t feel like interacting with. Also many couples like to work with others during the exercises as there are beneficial learning opportunities from practising with a range of different people.
Are TNT workshops a replacement for therapy or “healing”?
No. TNT workshops are not intended as therapy or “healing”. In case of trauma, psychological or medical issues, please seek help from a doctor or licensed therapist instead.
I have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other issues that make me especially sensitive and vulnerable. Can I still do a TNT workshop?
No. TNT workshops are challenging and require a minimum of mental resilience and robustness. Please only join a workshop when those requirements are in place for you.
Is the aim of tantra “better sex” or “better relationships”?
No. That might well (and often does) happen, but this is not the intrinsic goal. Rather, Tantra aims at adultification – that is, developing an enthusiastic, skillful and open engagement with all aspects of life, positive and negative.
What are the origins of TNT?
Alexa Vartman founded TNT in 2010. Combining ancient and modern practices with a distinct no-nonsense rock’n’roll approach and attitude, she created and facilitated a range of workshops that went beyond both rigid tradition and New Age fluff. The current TNT workshops have evolved from these workshops.
What is TNT’s current structure?
Currently, TNT is the umbrella label under which a team of loosely collaborating facilitators provide workshops. The founder Alexa Vartman provides the workshop facilitators with advice. As the creative innovator of the TNT workshops, she gets a percentage of the TNT workshop earnings.
How is TNT evolving?
TNT is dynamic and co-created: workshop procedures, expertise and rules are continuously updated, modified and extended. The facilitators learn from workshop experiences and feedback.
How should I plan my time after a TNT workshop?
A TNT workshop can be intense, confronting and transforming. Therefore, arranging time to relax, contemplate and connect with friends or family after a workshop is a good idea.
Is TNT for me?
TNT is not for everybody. Consider this FAQ, this website and TNT’s Code of conduct carefully.
If it all sounds fairly reasonable and you want to experience TNT-style tantra at home, try the 21 Day Challenge for free, read the book 50 Misconceptions of Sex by founder Alexa Vartman, or purchase one of the online courses.
If you want to go a step further, talk to some people (online or in-person) that have attended TNT workshops. You can get in touch with them online on TNT’s public Facebook forum. If it still makes sense after that, adopt a critical but open attitude and try a workshop or private session.