Want to learn how to last longer? Have better sex? Find your – and her – G-spot? These lessons lie in the ancient art of lovemaking called tantra, a practice appealing to increasing numbers of women and men, from carpenters to CEOs, and celebrities like Woody Harrelson and Sting. But who’s a good guru for you? Knowing the scene as I do, here are some guidelines.

Picture 25 couples encircling a male and female teacher team as they demonstrate Kama Sutra love positions on a mattress in the middle of a large hotel conference room.

“Dance on his magic wand, ladies,” advises Caroline Muir in her sexy voice, as she and her husband Charles gracefully swivel legs and hips. They get a standing ovation. Later, Charles tutors the men separately on how to pleasure their women on what is referred to as “her special night” (preparing himself, the room, bath, and her body) while Caroline coaches the women to accept it all. “His night” is the next day’s lesson. Imagine 22 strokes to pleasure his penis, and others for his base chakra (err, rectum) wherein lies his G-spot (believe it guys, your cringing could change to orgasmic delight).

The Muirs have awakened thousands to conscious loving in their seminars from Maui to the mainland, earning their reputation as premier tantra masters.

So, too, has another teaching team of Kutira and her musician husband Raphael, whose workshops on opening to love deliver all they promise, inspired by intoxicating Hawaiian settings, their CDs (like “Music to Disappear In”), and their own loving relationship.

No lover at the moment? Not to worry. Singles can pair up with single female attendees (imagine this: I’ve seen some lucky guys get picked by TWO women, or assigned an experienced female assistant!). Be prepared to “work” with strangers -- after all, the idea is to peer deep into others’ eyes to see the “God” and “Goddess” within.

There’s something for everyone in tantra -- from learning proper breathing to delaying ejaculation. You can attend alone or with a partner, and be worked on by one person or male-female team (the scene hasn’t hit the gay world yet). Treat yourself to a men’s-only group or a one-night “playshop” tantra party (try John Hill in Los Angeles). Send Her to a woman’s-only retreat (Caroline Muir and Joan Heartfield set the standard) to return giddy with her Goddess-ness, ready to orgasm (and even ejaculate) all over you.

Information galore is on the internet (www.tantra.com) or at 1-888-6-tantra (JaquleineTara is a respected resource). But beware, since there are no established credentials (Muir just ran his first teacher training), practitioners can be glorified prostitutes who read one book or attend one course and then take your $200 to rock on your lap and rub your heart center while giving you a hand or blow job. If someone is going to touch you for “sexual healing” or stick a finger up your butt for a “sacred spot massage,” better stick to well-known, highly visible providers with more to lose and hence more accountability. Start safely with courses like the Muirs, or Margot Anand’s SkyDancing sponsored by reputable organizations like New York’s Open Center, and therapists licensed in other areas, like L.A.-based masseuse Marci Javril, Maui-based Ph.D. communication therapist Alex Lessin, and Northern California-based Lori Starr whose “Breath Love & Passion” workshops offers a team of trained counselors and educators.

Expect going rates of $30 for group sessions, $80-$200 an hour for individual work, and $300-plus for weekends. Inquire about nudity and sexual exercises in sessions or only at-home. Request newsletters, videotapes, books, brochures (good ones: the Muir’s Source School of Tantra Yoga (808)572-8364 offers a free introductory audio, Raphael and Kutira’s Kahua Hawaiian Institute (808)572-6006, Starr’s Celebrations of Love (415)924-5483, Hill’s Sacred Love Institute (310)288-1107.

Beware: once you open your heart -- and other body parts -- be prepared for uncomfortable emotions (jealousy, possessiveness, fears), and the “outside” up-tight world thinking you’re nuts. Yet, you’ll discover that the journey to bliss is well worth it.