Tantra as a Continuum of Buddha-Nature

Tantra is a continuum of Buddha-nature. Etymologically, it is both an everlasting mental stream and a loom for weaving sutra insights into simultaneous practice. There are three levels of tantra. The basis level involves fundamental factors of the mind – namely, the evolving networks of positive force and deep awareness, the abiding void nature of the mind, and mind’s ability to be uplifted by the inspiration coming from the Buddhas and our teachers. The pathway level focuses on generating Buddha-figures and understanding their voidness. The resultant level refers to the Buddha-bodies, including the omniscient mind. Tantra integrates the foundational sutra elements, including refuge, renunciation, bodhichitta, and voidness. Through infographic visualizations of yidams on the pathway level, tantra enables practitioners to transform ordinary body, speech, and mind into pure forms. As a resultant vehicle, tantra proves more efficient than sutra’s causal path. It uses Buddha-figures as bases for voidness meditation and accesses clear light mind, which accelerates non-conceptual realization. Ultimately, all beings possess the potential for enlightenment through these methods. However, this demands sustained effort, compassion, keeping the vows and understanding of dependent arising to manifest Buddha-qualities for universal benefit.

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