Tantra

Introduction Tantra, in brief, is a Mahayana system of practice to reach enlightenment so as to be of best benefit to all beings. As the word “tantra” connotes, it employs an everlasting continuum of practice with Buddha-figures as a path to purify away the obscuring factors...

Kriya tantra (ritual tantra) is the first of the four tantra classes in the Sarma classification scheme and the first of the six tantra classes in the Nyingma scheme. It puts a great deal of emphasis on cleanliness, vegetarianism and purification. PreliminariesBefore sitting...

The Proper Motivation for Study and Practice  We should set the proper motivation for listening to these teachings on the six practices of Naropa (Na-ro chos-drug), popularly known as the “six yogas of Naropa.” Namely, we should dedicate our hearts to others and to attaining...

Understanding the Purpose of Tantra I’d like to discuss how to practice tantra effectively. This is important for those of us who are already involved with tantra practice because we might not be engaging in those practices in the most effective manner, and in order to make...

We’re going to be speaking about tantra and various aspects of it. I’ll try to leave a little bit of time open for more questions in order to give you an opportunity to ask different things that might be of interest to you concerning the topic. Sutra Study and Practice ...

Introduction If we’ve received a tantric initiation, we usually commit to doing the associated practice every day for the rest of our lives. Many Tibetans take these empowerments with the motivation of planting seeds for their future lives, with no aim to really practice...

Common Features of Tantra Tantra is a type of practice which is found not only in Buddhism, but also in Hinduism and, to a small extent, also in Jainism – the three major Indian religions. And so when we want to look at what Buddhist tantra is all about, it’s very...

[As background, see: The Main Features of Tantra] Methodology Tantra is well known as being a quicker and more efficient method for achieving enlightenment than is sutra. To appreciate tantra and put full enthusiasm into its practice in a realistic manner, it is important...

Tantra as a Structure on Which to Weave Sutra Practice This evening I’ve been asked to speak a little bit about tantra in general. When we look at the word tantra, it’s a Sanskrit word and what it means is the warp of a loom. A loom is something that you weave cloth on, and...

The Definition of the Word Tantra Buddha's teachings include both sutras and tantras. The sutras present the basic themes of practice for gaining liberation from uncontrollably recurring problems (Skt. samsara) and, beyond that, to reach the enlightened state of a Buddha, with...