Abstract

Critics and commentators have been dissecting the themes of the Hollywood mega‐blockbuster, from its just war doctrine to its theories on environmental ethics. But there's a philosophical dimension that this otherworldly sex scene captures that most people have overlooked: the Tantra of Avatar. The characters Neytiri and Jake are the narrative vehicles for the telling of this romantic and seductive spiritual journey, which also conveys deeper lessons about how we can live with strength and moral clarity – and perhaps, if we're lucky, achieve a meaningful union with others and the world we share. The love story involves Jake first submitting to Neytiri as his teacher, then accepting her as his guide to becoming the man he needs to be before he can join her in their mind‐blowing embrace.