Tantra

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

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...

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...

Introduction This weekend we are going to be talking about happiness and its role in sutra and tantra practice. There are of course many different ways to approach the topic, but what I propose to do first this evening, as a way of introduction, is to talk about where...

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...

Today, we are gathered in a very special place, Bodh Gaya, the site in India where the most skillful, compassionate, and kind universal teacher, Shakyamuni Buddha, manifested his state of enlightenment. The Dharma teaching we shall be dealing with here on this occasion is...

[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...

Overview Tantra is more efficient than sutra for four different points, if we’d like to analyze it – get a little bit of structure here. The practice is closer to the resultant stage.There’s a closer union of method and wisdom, so a closer union of method and discriminating...

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...

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 ...