Key Words | ||
Tantra |
A Sanskrit word. Tan means ‘loom’ (the device that creates pattern when one is weaving). Here, the ‘loom’ refers to our store consciousness, which creates the world “pattern” that we perceive around us. | |
Mantra | mystic formulas used as a method to guard the mind. | |
Guru | one’s special teacher whom one received the tantric teachings. | |
Dharmapala | Dharma protectors. | |
Samaya vows | special commitments observed by a tantric disciple. | |
Sadhana | complete text which includes prayers and meditation for a tantra practitioner. | |
Abisheka | Empowerment to practice Saddhana. | |
Mandala | a representation of an Enlightened being or Cosmo. | |
Vajra
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a ritual object which symbolizes indestructibility or transformation of ‘ordinary’ mind into Enlightened state. | |
Lama
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a realized practitioner (monk or layman) who is qualified to give teachings and empowerment. | |
Rinpoche |
a title reserved for very realized lama, usually a reincarnate practitioner who choose to remain in the Samsaric world to help beings rather than going to the Buddha’s pureland. |
Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita introduced Buddhism from India into Tibet in the 8th century, at the request of the Tibetan king Songsten Gampo. Prior to Buddhism, the local folk religion is known as Bon. |
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Padmasambhava | A great Tantric master who subdue the local spirit to enable the successful installation of Buddhism in Tibet. |
Shantarakshita | A great scholar who introduced the Buddha Dharma to Tibet. |
Nyingmapa | the ancient tradition, originated with Padmasambhava. |
Kagyupa | from the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa, stress is on meditational approach. |
Sakyapa | from the Indian Mahasiddha Biwarpa, stress is on both studies and meditation. |
Gelugpa | founded by the learned lama Tsongkapa. Stress is on studies and monastic codes. |
Vajrayana also stresses the importance
of Guru. Recalling one’s Guru is beneficial
In Vajrayana, one also sees the
various form wrathful deities. However, some deities are actually
local spirits or demons Kriya – suited to less intelligent student. Emphasize on external form such as cleanliness, fasting, ritual etc. Charya – suited to middle intelligent student. Emphasize on both outer and inner peace. Yoga – suited to intelligent student. Stress on internal meditation. Annutara – for superior student who can turn any circumstances into the path of practice. Types of Meditation Samantha – develop concentration Vipashyana – develop insight Abhisheka – Empowerment to practice A special ritual where a tantric disciple is introduced to a particular meditation deities and given the instruction on how to meditate as well as chant the Mantra. The general approach to Tantra is to gain a solid foundation in the Buddha Dharma, starting from the Four Noble Truths etc. This is important because otherwise a student can be easily distracted by the various aspects of Tantra and develop a wrong motivation towards the practice of Buddha Dharma. |