Episode
Contemporary Tantra – Tova Olsson
- Podcast
- Ancient Futures
- Published
- Jan 14, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1921
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://ancientfutures.substack.com/p/tantra-tova-olsson
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Summary
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit ancientfutures.substack.com What exactly is Tantra, and how do modern teachings relate to traditions? Which other ideas inform intimacy workshops? Why is there often an emphasis on secrecy and power, and how is this exploited to enable abuse? Tova Olsson is a scholar of religion, as well as a teacher of yoga and Tantra. Our conversation explores these questions, along with many others – particularly the prevalence of what Tova calls “erotic spirituality”, and the extent to which Indian sources inform its practices. We also consider why tantric empowerment involves crossing boundaries, and whether non-duality dissolves accountability. In the process, we talk about scandals in multiple schools – from MISA and its offshoots (discussed in this Observer article and BBC podcast ) to Siddha Yoga (the focus of a 1994 New Yorker exposé ) and The New Tantra (whose founder features in this clip from Swedish public television). Tova’s academic work is available here – including articles on MISA and a Siddha Yoga teacher . She is the author of a book about yoga and Tantra, and teaches online courses at Saraswati Studies, which is also her handle on Instagram . -- 🔭 For comprehensive overviews of yogic traditions, join me at truthofyoga.com 🙏 Donations make this podcast sustainable – please consider subscribing or buy me a coffee ... Your support is greatly appreciated!