Articles by alphabetic order
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 Ā Ḍ Ḥ Ī Ḷ Ṃ Ṇ Ñ Ṅ Ṛ Ṣ Ś Ṭ Ū Ö Ō
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0


Difference between revisions of "Buddhist Tantras"

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Removed redirect to Category:Tantras)
Tag: Removed redirect
 
(6 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
[[File:378 ii.jpg|thumb]]
  
  
 +
<poem>
 +
The [[Buddhist Tantras]] are a varied group of [[Indian]] and [[Tibetan]] texts which outline unique [[views]] and practices of the [[Buddhist tantra]] [[religious]] systems.
  
 +
[[Buddhist Tantric texts]] began appearing in the [[Gupta Empire]] period  though there are texts with [[elements]] associated with [[Tantra]] that can be seen as early as the third century. 
  
 +
By the eighth century [[Tantra]] was a dominant force in [[North]] [[India]] and the number of texts increased with numerous [[Tantric]] [[pandits]] [[writing]] commentaries.
  
−
The Buddhist Tantras are a varied group of Indian and Tibetan texts which outline unique views and practices of the Buddhist tantra religious systems.
+
The earliest known date-able [[Buddhist Tantra]] is possibly the [[Guhyasamāja Tantra]] which is dated to the fifth century by [[Alex Wayman]] (but to the eighth by [[Japanese]] [[scholars]]).
  
−
Buddhist Tantric texts began appearing in the Gupta Empire period  though there are texts with elements associated with Tantra that can be seen as early as the third century.  By the eighth century Tantra was a dominant force in North India and the number of texts increased with numerous Tantric pandits writing commentaries.
+
Another early [[Tantra]] is the [[Mahavairocana Tantra]], which was mentioned and collected by the [[Chinese]] [[pilgrim]] [[Wu-xing]] ([[無行]]) c. 680 CE.  
  
−
The earliest known date-able Buddhist Tantra is possibly the Guhyasamāja Tantra which is dated to the fifth century by Alex Wayman (but to the eighth by Japanese scholars).  Another early Tantra is the Mahavairocana Tantra, which was mentioned and collected by the Chinese pilgrim Wu-xing (無行) c. 680 CE.  
+
According to [[Tibetologist]] [[Alex Wayman]], the [[Buddhist Tantras]] arose from "a previous lore reaching back into the [[Vedic literature]] and amalgamating this [[tradition]] with various [[Buddhist]] [[tenets]]".  
  
−
According to Tibetologist Alex Wayman, the Buddhist Tantras arose from "a previous lore reaching back into the Vedic literature and amalgamating this tradition with various Buddhist tenets".[5] Some of the material is also similar to content in the Yoga Upanishads. Buddhist Tantric traditions were variously influenced by Śaiva and Pancharatra Hindu traditions, local god/goddess cults, Yaksha or nāga rites as well as drawing on pre-existing Mahāyāna Buddhist ideas and practices.[6][7]
+
Some of the material is also similar to content in the [[Yoga Upanishads]]. [[Buddhist]] [[Tantric traditions]] were variously influenced by [[Śaiva]] and [[Pancharatra]] [[Hindu]] [[traditions]], local [[god]]/[[goddess]] [[cults]], [[Yaksha]] or [[nāga]] [[rites]] as well as drawing on pre-existing [[Mahāyāna]] [[Buddhist]] [[ideas]] and practices.  
  
−
Many early Buddhist Tantric texts, later termed “action Tantras” (kriyā tantra), are mostly collections of magical mantras or phrases for mostly worldly ends called mantrakalpas (mantra manuals) and they do not call themselves Tantras.[8] Later Tantric texts from the eighth century onward (termed variously Yogatantra, Mahayoga, and Yogini Tantras) advocated union with a deity (deity yoga), sacred sounds (mantras), techniques for manipulation of the subtle body and other secret methods with which to achieve swift Buddhahood.  Some Tantras contain antinomian and transgressive[disambiguation needed] practices such as ingesting alcohol and other forbidden substances as well as sexual rituals.  Some of the unique themes and ideas found in the Buddhist Tantras is the revaluation of the body and its use in attaining great bliss (mahasukha), a revaluation of the role of women and female deities and a revaluation of negative mental states, which can be used in the service of liberation as the Hevajra Tantra says "the world is bound by passion, also by passion it is released".
+
Many early [[Buddhist Tantric texts]], later termed “[[action Tantras]]” ([[kriyā tantra]]), are mostly collections of [[magical mantras]] or phrases for mostly [[worldly]] ends called [[mantrakalpas]] ([[mantra manuals]]) and they do not call themselves [[Tantras]].   
  
−
Buddhist Tantra quickly spread out of India into nearby countries like Tibet and Nepal in the eighth century, as well as to Southeast Asia. Buddhist Tantra arrived in China during the Tang Dynasty (where it was known as Tangmi) and was brought to Japan by Kukai (774–835), where it is known as Shingon.[12] It remains the main Buddhist tradition in Nepal, Mongolia and Tibet where it is known as Vajrayana.
 
  
−
There are between 1500 to 2000 surviving Indian Buddhist Tantric texts in the original Sanskrit, and over two thousand more Tantras solely survive in translation (mostly Tibetan or Chinese).[13] In the Tibetan canons, there are 450 Tantras in the Kanjur collection and 2400 in the Tengyur.
+
Later [[Tantric texts]] from the eighth century onward (termed variously [[Yogatantra]], [[Mahayoga]], and [[Yogini Tantras]]) advocated union with a [[deity]] ([[deity yoga]]), [[sacred]] {{Wiki|sounds}} ([[mantras]]), [[techniques]] for manipulation of the [[subtle body]] and other secret [[methods]] with which to achieve swift [[Buddhahood]].
  
 +
Some [[Tantras]] contain {{Wiki|antinomian}} and transgressive  practices such as ingesting [[alcohol]] and other forbidden {{Wiki|substances}} as well as [[sexual rituals]]. 
  
−
Tibetan classification systems
+
Some of the unique themes and [[ideas]] found in the [[Buddhist Tantras]] is the revaluation of the [[body]] and its use in [[attaining]] [[great bliss]] ([[mahasukha]]), a revaluation of the role of women and [[female deities]] and a revaluation of [[negative mental states]], which can be used in the service of [[liberation]] as the [[Hevajra Tantra]] says "the [[world]] is [[bound]] by [[passion]], also by [[passion]] it is released".
  
 +
[[Buddhist Tantra]] quickly spread out of [[India]] into nearby countries like [[Tibet]] and [[Nepal]] in the eighth century, as well as to [[Southeast Asia]].
  
−
Tantric texts were brought to Tibet in two historical periods, the 8th century and the 11th century.[15] The ancient translation school, or Nyingma and the later New translation schools organize Tantras into different categories.
+
[[Buddhist Tantra]] arrived in [[China]] during the [[Tang Dynasty]] (where it was known as Tangmi) and was brought to [[Japan]] by [[Kukai]] (774–835), where it is known as [[Shingon]].
  
 +
It remains the main [[Buddhist tradition]] in [[Nepal]], [[Mongolia]] and [[Tibet]] where it is known as [[Vajrayana]].
  
−
Ancient Translation School
+
There are between 1500 to 2000 surviving [[Indian]] [[Buddhist Tantric texts]] in the original [[Sanskrit]], and over two thousand more [[Tantras]] solely survive in translation (mostly [[Tibetan]] or [[Chinese]]). 
  
 +
In the [[Tibetan canons]], there are 450 [[Tantras]] in the [[Kanjur ]]collection and 2400 in the [[Tengyur]].
  
−
The Nyingma tantra collection is known as the [[Nyingma Gyubum]] and has six [tantra]] categories:
+
 
 +
 
 +
==[[Tibetan]] {{Wiki|classification}} systems==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Tantric texts]] were brought to [[Tibet]] in two historical periods, the 8th century and the 11th century. 
 +
 
 +
The [[ancient translation school]], or [[Nyingma]] and the later [[New translation schools]] organize [[Tantras]] into different categories.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==[[Ancient Translation School]]==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The [[Nyingma tantra collection]] is known as the [[Nyingma Gyubum]] and has six [[[tantra]]]] categories:
  
 
[[Three Outer Tantras]]:
 
[[Three Outer Tantras]]:
Line 49: Line 73:
  
  
−
[[New Translation Schools]]
+
==[[New Translation Schools]]==
  
  
Line 62: Line 86:
  
  
−
[Anuttarayogatantra]]
+
[[Anuttarayogatantra]]
  
 
[[Mother tantras]], [[Yogini tantras]]
 
[[Mother tantras]], [[Yogini tantras]]
Line 72: Line 96:
  
  
−
East Asian classificaton systems
+
=={{Wiki|East Asian}} classificaton systems==
  
  
Line 82: Line 106:
 
Richard K. Payne states:
 
Richard K. Payne states:
  
−
Rather than employing the fourfold system found in [[Tibet]], the [[Shingon]] system works on a distinction between those texts that present "proper practice" ("orthopraxy") and those that present practices that are both proper and improper, that is mixed ("heteropraxy").  
+
Rather than employing the fourfold system found in [[Tibet]], the [[Shingon]] system works on a {{Wiki|distinction}} between those texts that {{Wiki|present}} "proper practice" ("orthopraxy") and those that {{Wiki|present}} practices that are both proper and improper, that is mixed ("heteropraxy").  
  
  
−
Payne states that the contempory [[Shingon]] terminology for these categories is:
+
Payne states that the contempory [[Shingon]] {{Wiki|terminology}} for these categories is:
  
−
Pure [[esotericism]]
+
[[Pure]] [[esotericism]]
  
  
 
Mixed (miscelleanous, diffuse, etc.) [[esoteriscism]]
 
Mixed (miscelleanous, diffuse, etc.) [[esoteriscism]]
 +
  
  
Line 97: Line 122:
  
  
−
Many [[Tantric texts]] have titles other than '[[Tantra]]', including [[Dharani]], [[Kalpa]], [[Rajñi]], [[stotra]], [[doha]] and [[sutra]]. The [[Major Tantras]] also accumulated secondary literature, such as '[[Explanatory Tantras]]' ([[vyākhyātantra]]), commentaries and [[sadhana]] literature. [[Major Buddhist Tantric]] texts include:
+
Many [[Tantric texts]] have titles other than '[[Tantra]]', [[including]] [[Dharani]], [[Kalpa]], [[Rajñi]], [[stotra]], [[doha]] and [[sutra]]. The [[Major Tantras]] also [[accumulated]] secondary {{Wiki|literature}}, such as '[[Explanatory Tantras]]' ([[vyākhyātantra]]), commentaries and [[sadhana]] {{Wiki|literature}}. [[Major Buddhist Tantric]] texts include:
 +
 
  
  
Line 126: Line 152:
 
[[Mayajala Tantra]]
 
[[Mayajala Tantra]]
 
[[The Eighteen Texts of the Mind Series]] ([[Semde]]) (9th century)
 
[[The Eighteen Texts of the Mind Series]] ([[Semde]]) (9th century)
−
[[Kulayarāja Tantra]] - "The All Creating King"
+
[[Kulayarāja Tantra]] - "The All Creating [[King]]"
 
[[Kalachakra Tantra]], [[Nondual class]] (mid-11th century)
 
[[Kalachakra Tantra]], [[Nondual class]] (mid-11th century)
 
[[Seven texts of Space series]] (11th-14th centuries)
 
[[Seven texts of Space series]] (11th-14th centuries)
Line 149: Line 175:
 
[[Seven Treasures]]
 
[[Seven Treasures]]
 
[[Padma Kathang Sheldrakma]]
 
[[Padma Kathang Sheldrakma]]
−
[[Longchen Nyingthig
+
[[Longchen Nyingthig]]
 
[[Yuthok Nyingthig]]
 
[[Yuthok Nyingthig]]
 
[[Rinchen Terzö Chenmo]]
 
[[Rinchen Terzö Chenmo]]
  
  
−
Tantric authors
+
 
 +
==[[Tantric authors]]==
  
  
−
As Buddhist Tantra became more widely practiced in the middle of the seventh century, pandits at mainstream Buddhist scholastic institutions began to adopt the practices and write sadhanas and commentaries on Vajrayana praxis. Benoytosh Bhattacharyya notes that there are two main chronological lists of prominent Tantric authors, the first from [[Taranatha's]] works and the second from Kazi Dawasamdup's introduction to the Cakrasaṃvara Tantra.
 
  
 +
As [[Buddhist Tantra]] became more widely practiced in the middle of the seventh century, [[pandits]] at {{Wiki|mainstream}} [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|scholastic}} {{Wiki|institutions}} began to adopt the practices and write [[sadhanas]] and commentaries on [[Vajrayana]] praxis.
  
 +
[[Benoytosh Bhattacharyya]] notes that there are two main {{Wiki|chronological}} lists of prominent [[Tantric authors]], the first from [[Taranatha's]] works and the second from [[Kazi Dawasamdup's]] introduction to the [[Cakrasaṃvara Tantra]].
  
−
[[Taranatha's] list:
+
 
 +
 
 +
==[[Taranatha's]] list==
  
  
Line 168: Line 198:
 
[[Anangavajra]] (c.705), author of the [[Prajñopāyaviniścayasiddhi]]
 
[[Anangavajra]] (c.705), author of the [[Prajñopāyaviniścayasiddhi]]
 
[[Indrabhuti]] (c.717), author of the [[Jñānasiddhi]]
 
[[Indrabhuti]] (c.717), author of the [[Jñānasiddhi]]
−
[[Bhagavati Laksmi]] (c.729), female author of the [[Advayasiddhi]]
+
[[Bhagavati Laksmi]] (c.729), {{Wiki|female}} author of the [[Advayasiddhi]]
 
[[Lilavajra]] (c.741)
 
[[Lilavajra]] (c.741)
 
[[Darikapa]] (c.753)
 
[[Darikapa]] (c.753)
Line 176: Line 206:
  
  
−
[[Kazi Dawasamdup's]] list:
+
==[[Kazi Dawasamdup's]] list:==
 +
 
 +
 
  
 
[[Saraha]] aka [[Rahulabhadra]] (c. 633)
 
[[Saraha]] aka [[Rahulabhadra]] (c. 633)
Line 193: Line 225:
  
  
−
Other Indian tantric authors include:
+
==Other [[Indian tantric authors]] include==
 +
 
  
  
Line 201: Line 234:
 
[[Padmasambhava]]
 
[[Padmasambhava]]
  
−
Śāntarakṣita (725–788), whose authorship of the [[Tantric work]] [[Tattvasiddhi]] is attributed by various authors, but this is debated by scholars such as [[Ernst Steinkellner]].
+
[[Śāntarakṣita]] (725–788), whose authorship of the [[Tantric work]] [[Tattvasiddhi]] is attributed by various authors, but this is [[debated]] by [[scholars]] such as [[Ernst Steinkellner]].
 
   
 
   
 
[[Vilāsavajra]], 8-9th century author of the [[Namamantrarthavalokini]], a commentary on the [[Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti]].[20]
 
[[Vilāsavajra]], 8-9th century author of the [[Namamantrarthavalokini]], a commentary on the [[Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti]].[20]
 
[[Buddhajñāna]], 8-9th century author of the [[Śrīherukasādhanavṛtti]]
 
[[Buddhajñāna]], 8-9th century author of the [[Śrīherukasādhanavṛtti]]
  
−
[[Aryadeva]], author of the [[Lamp that Integrates the Practices]] ([[Caryamelapakapradipa]]), a commentary on the [[Guhyasamāja Tantra]], not to be confused with the [[Madhyamaka]] [[philosopher]] of the same name
+
[[Aryadeva]], author of the [[Lamp that Integrates the Practices]] ([[Caryamelapakapradipa]]), a commentary on the [[Guhyasamāja Tantra]], not to be confused with the [[Madhyamaka]] [[philosopher]] of the same [[name]]
  
−
[[Candrakirti]], 9th century author of the [[Pradipoddyotana]], not to be confused with the [[Madhyamaka]] [[philosopher]] of the same name
+
[[Candrakirti]], 9th century author of the [[Pradipoddyotana]], not to be confused with the [[Madhyamaka]] [[philosopher]] of the same [[name]]
  
 
[[Sakyamitra]], commentator on the [[Guhyasamāja Tantra]]
 
[[Sakyamitra]], commentator on the [[Guhyasamāja Tantra]]
Line 240: Line 273:
 
[[Vimalagupta]], [[Guhyasamāja]] commentator
 
[[Vimalagupta]], [[Guhyasamāja]] commentator
  
−
Cilupa, Guhyasamāja commentator
+
[[Cilupa]], [[Guhyasamāja]] commentator
  
 
[[Vajrahasa]], [[Guhyasamāja]] commentator
 
[[Vajrahasa]], [[Guhyasamāja]] commentator
Line 258: Line 291:
 
[[Pundarika]], a commentator of the [[Kalachakra tantra]]
 
[[Pundarika]], a commentator of the [[Kalachakra tantra]]
  
−
[[Sucandra]], [[Kalacakra]] commentary in sixty thousand stanzas
+
[[Sucandra]], [[Kalacakra]] commentary in sixty thousand [[stanzas]]
  
 
[[Yogaratnamālā]], author of a commentary on the [[Hevajra Tantra]]
 
[[Yogaratnamālā]], author of a commentary on the [[Hevajra Tantra]]
Line 269: Line 302:
  
  
−
[[Wayman, Alex]]; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 23.
 
−
Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
 
−
Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 19.
 
  
−
  Stephen Hodge, The Mahā-vairocana-abhisaṃbodhi Tantra, with Buddhaguhya’s Commentary (London: RoutledgeCurzon, 2003), 14–15.
+
  [[Wayman, Alex]]; The [[Buddhist Tantras]] {{Wiki|light}} on [[Indo-Tibetan]] [[esotericism]], Routledge, (2008), page 23.
−
  Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 12.
+
  [[Williams]], Tribe and Wynne; [[Buddhist]] [[Thought]]: A Complete Introduction to the [[Indian]] [[Tradition]], [[chapter]] 7
−
Henrik H. Sørensen, Richard K. Payne Edited by Charles D. Orzech General Editor Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia Handbook of Oriental Studies, page 20.
+
[[Wayman, Alex]]; The [[Buddhist Tantras]] {{Wiki|light}} on [[Indo-Tibetan]] [[esotericism]], Routledge, (2008), page 19.
  
 +
[[Stephen Hodge]], The [[Mahā-vairocana-abhisaṃbodhi Tantra]], with [[Buddhaguhya’s]] Commentary ([[London]]: RoutledgeCurzon, 2003), 14–15.
 +
[[Wayman, Alex]]; The [[Buddhist Tantras]] {{Wiki|light}} on [[Indo-Tibetan]] [[esotericism]], Routledge, (2008), page 12.
 +
Henrik H. [[Sørensen]], Richard K. Payne Edited by Charles D. Orzech General Editor [[Esoteric Buddhism]] and the [[Tantras]] in {{Wiki|East Asia}} Handbook of {{Wiki|Oriental Studies}}, page 20.
  
−
Grey, David B.; Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism
 
−
Wallis, Christopher; THE TANTRIC AGE: A Comparison Of Shaiva And Buddhist Tantra, February, 2016
 
−
“A Crisis of Doxography: How Tibetans Organized Tantra During the 8th-12th Centuries,” Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 28.1 (2005): 115–181.
 
  
−
Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
+
  Grey, David B.; [[Tantra]] and the [[Tantric]] [[Traditions]] of [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]]
−
Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
+
  Wallis, Christopher; THE TANTRIC AGE: A Comparison Of [[Shaiva]] And [[Buddhist Tantra]], February, 2016
−
  Grey, David B.; Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism
+
“A Crisis of {{Wiki|Doxography}}: How [[Tibetans]] Organized [[Tantra]] During the 8th-12th Centuries,” Journal of the [[International Association of Buddhist Studies]] 28.1 (2005): 115–181.
−
  Isaacson, Harunaga (1998). Tantric Buddhism in India (from c. 800 to c. 1200). In: Buddhismus in Geschichte und Gegenwart. Band II. Hamburg. pp.23–49. (Internal publication of Hamburg University.) pg 3 PDF
 
  
−
  Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
+
  [[Williams]], Tribe and Wynne; [[Buddhist]] [[Thought]]: A Complete Introduction to the [[Indian]] [[Tradition]], [[chapter]] 7
−
  Grey, David B.; Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism
+
[[Williams]], Tribe and Wynne; [[Buddhist]] [[Thought]]: A Complete Introduction to the [[Indian]] [[Tradition]], [[chapter]] 7
 +
Grey, David B.; [[Tantra]] and the [[Tantric]] [[Traditions]] of [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]]
 +
Isaacson, Harunaga (1998). [[Tantric Buddhism]] in [[India]] (from c. 800 to c. 1200). In: Buddhismus in Geschichte und Gegenwart. Band II. [[Hamburg]]. pp.23–49. (Internal publication of [[Hamburg]] {{Wiki|University}}.) pg 3 PDF
 +
 
 +
[[Williams]], Tribe and Wynne; [[Buddhist]] [[Thought]]: A Complete Introduction to the [[Indian]] [[Tradition]], [[chapter]] 7
 +
  Grey, David B.; [[Tantra]] and the [[Tantric]] [[Traditions]] of [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]]
  
 
  Payne (2005), p. 18
 
  Payne (2005), p. 18
  
−
  Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 14.
+
  [[Wayman, Alex]]; The [[Buddhist Tantras]] {{Wiki|light}} on [[Indo-Tibetan]] [[esotericism]], Routledge, (2008), page 14.
−
  Bhattacharyya, Benoytosh; An Introduction to Buddhist Esoterism, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1980, India, p.
+
  [[Bhattacharyya]], Benoytosh; An Introduction to [[Buddhist Esoterism]], {{Wiki|Motilal Banarsidass}} Publ., 1980, [[India]], p.
−
  Gray, David B; Compassionate Violence?: On the Ethical Implications of Tantric Buddhist Ritual; Journal of Buddhist Ethics, ISSN 1076-9005, Volume 14, 2007
+
  Gray, David B; [[Compassionate]] [[Violence]]?: On the [[Ethical]] Implications of [[Tantric Buddhist]] [[Ritual]]; [[Journal of Buddhist Ethics]], ISSN 1076-9005, Volume 14, 2007
  
−
  Tribe, Anthony; Tantric Buddhist Practice in India: Vilāsavajra’s commentary on the Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti
+
  Tribe, Anthony; [[Tantric Buddhist]] Practice in [[India]]: Vilāsavajra’s commentary on the [[Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti]]
−
  Gray, David B; Compassionate Violence?: On the Ethical Implications of Tantric Buddhist Ritual; Journal of Buddhist Ethics, ISSN 1076-9005, Volume 14, 2007
+
  Gray, David B; [[Compassionate]] [[Violence]]?: On the [[Ethical]] Implications of [[Tantric Buddhist]] [[Ritual]]; [[Journal of Buddhist Ethics]], ISSN 1076-9005, Volume 14, 2007
  
  
 
See also #REDIRECT[[:Category:Tantras]]
 
See also #REDIRECT[[:Category:Tantras]]
−
 
+
</poem>
  
  

Latest revision as of 06:31, 20 December 2020

378 ii.jpg


The Buddhist Tantras are a varied group of Indian and Tibetan texts which outline unique views and practices of the Buddhist tantra religious systems.

Buddhist Tantric texts began appearing in the Gupta Empire period though there are texts with elements associated with Tantra that can be seen as early as the third century.

By the eighth century Tantra was a dominant force in North India and the number of texts increased with numerous Tantric pandits writing commentaries.

The earliest known date-able Buddhist Tantra is possibly the Guhyasamāja Tantra which is dated to the fifth century by Alex Wayman (but to the eighth by Japanese scholars).

Another early Tantra is the Mahavairocana Tantra, which was mentioned and collected by the Chinese pilgrim Wu-xing (無行) c. 680 CE.

According to Tibetologist Alex Wayman, the Buddhist Tantras arose from "a previous lore reaching back into the Vedic literature and amalgamating this tradition with various Buddhist tenets".

Some of the material is also similar to content in the Yoga Upanishads. Buddhist Tantric traditions were variously influenced by Śaiva and Pancharatra Hindu traditions, local god/goddess cults, Yaksha or nāga rites as well as drawing on pre-existing Mahāyāna Buddhist ideas and practices.

Many early Buddhist Tantric texts, later termed “action Tantras” (kriyā tantra), are mostly collections of magical mantras or phrases for mostly worldly ends called mantrakalpas (mantra manuals) and they do not call themselves Tantras.


Later Tantric texts from the eighth century onward (termed variously Yogatantra, Mahayoga, and Yogini Tantras) advocated union with a deity (deity yoga), sacred sounds (mantras), techniques for manipulation of the subtle body and other secret methods with which to achieve swift Buddhahood.

Some Tantras contain antinomian and transgressive practices such as ingesting alcohol and other forbidden substances as well as sexual rituals.

Some of the unique themes and ideas found in the Buddhist Tantras is the revaluation of the body and its use in attaining great bliss (mahasukha), a revaluation of the role of women and female deities and a revaluation of negative mental states, which can be used in the service of liberation as the Hevajra Tantra says "the world is bound by passion, also by passion it is released".

Buddhist Tantra quickly spread out of India into nearby countries like Tibet and Nepal in the eighth century, as well as to Southeast Asia.

Buddhist Tantra arrived in China during the Tang Dynasty (where it was known as Tangmi) and was brought to Japan by Kukai (774–835), where it is known as Shingon.

It remains the main Buddhist tradition in Nepal, Mongolia and Tibet where it is known as Vajrayana.

There are between 1500 to 2000 surviving Indian Buddhist Tantric texts in the original Sanskrit, and over two thousand more Tantras solely survive in translation (mostly Tibetan or Chinese).

In the Tibetan canons, there are 450 Tantras in the Kanjur collection and 2400 in the Tengyur.



==Tibetan classification systems==



Tantric texts were brought to Tibet in two historical periods, the 8th century and the 11th century.

The ancient translation school, or Nyingma and the later New translation schools organize Tantras into different categories.



==Ancient Translation School==



The Nyingma tantra collection is known as the Nyingma Gyubum and has six [[[tantra]]]] categories:

Three Outer Tantras:


Kriya tantra

Charya tantra

Yoga tantra

Three Inner Tantras, which correspond to the Anuttarayogatantra:

Mahayoga

Anuyoga

Atiyoga (Tib. Dzogchen)



==New Translation Schools==



The Sarma or New Translation schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug, Sakya, and Kagyu) divide the Tantras into four categories:

Kriya tantra

Charya tantra

Yoga tantra


Anuttarayogatantra

Mother tantras, Yogini tantras

Father tantras

Nondual Tantra or Advaya Class



==East Asian classificaton systems==



The Japanese Shingon and Tendai schools are based on the Kriya and Charya tantras.

Shingon

Richard K. Payne states:

Rather than employing the fourfold system found in Tibet, the Shingon system works on a distinction between those texts that present "proper practice" ("orthopraxy") and those that present practices that are both proper and improper, that is mixed ("heteropraxy").


Payne states that the contempory Shingon terminology for these categories is:

Pure esotericism


Mixed (miscelleanous, diffuse, etc.) esoteriscism



==List of Buddhist Tantric texts==



Many Tantric texts have titles other than 'Tantra', including Dharani, Kalpa, Rajñi, stotra, doha and sutra. The Major Tantras also accumulated secondary literature, such as 'Explanatory Tantras' (vyākhyātantra), commentaries and sadhana literature. Major Buddhist Tantric texts include:



Guhyasamāja Tantra, Father Tantra class, (c. 5th - 8th century)
Mahavairocana Tantra, Charya Tantra class, (7th century)
Vajrapãṇyabhiṣeka Tantra
Vajrasekhara Sutra
Tattvasaṃgraha Tantra, Yogatantra class, (7th century)
Hevajra Tantra, Mother class, (8th century)
Cakrasaṃvara Tantra a.k.a Sri-Heruka-bhidhana, Mother class (8th century)
Guhyagarbha tantra, Mother class
Sarvabuddha Samayoga, Mother class
Vajramrta Tantra, Mother class
Vajrapañjara Tantra, Mother class
Vajrabhairava Tantra or Yamantaka Tantra, Father class, (8th century)
Mañjuśrī-mūla-kalpa (8th century)
Shurangama Sutra (8th century)
Shurangama Mantra
Susiddhikara Sutra (8th century)
Sarva-tathāgata-tattva-saṅgraha-sūtra (8th century)
Kurukullā Tantra
Mahākāla Tantra
Samvarodaya Tantra
Vajrapatala Tantra
Sri-Vajriimrta-tantra
Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti, Nondual class
Mahachinacara Tantra
Mayajala Tantra
The Eighteen Texts of the Mind Series (Semde) (9th century)
Kulayarāja Tantra - "The All Creating King"
Kalachakra Tantra, Nondual class (mid-11th century)
Seven texts of Space series (11th-14th centuries)
Mahāvarntaprasaranirajatantranāma - "Samantabhadra’s Royal Tantra of All-Inclusive Vastness"
Seventeen Tantras of Menngagde, Dzogchen (11th-14th centuries)
Saṃvara Tantra
Mahamaya Tantra
Vajrayogini Tantra
Sarvarahasya Tantra
Sri-Paramadya-Tantra
Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāraṇī or Mahākaruṇā Dhāraṇī, popularly known as the 'Great Compassion Mantra'
Chandamaharosana Tantra
Prajnopaya-viniscaya Siddhi
Naro Chos-Drug
Nigu Chos-Drug
Mila Gnubum
Sutra of Secret Bliss (Tachikawa-ryu, c.1114)
Kalika Purana
Padma Kathang Sanglingma
Bardo Thödol (1326–1386)
Nyingtig Yabshi
Seven Treasures
Padma Kathang Sheldrakma
Longchen Nyingthig
Yuthok Nyingthig
Rinchen Terzö Chenmo



==Tantric authors==



As Buddhist Tantra became more widely practiced in the middle of the seventh century, pandits at mainstream Buddhist scholastic institutions began to adopt the practices and write sadhanas and commentaries on Vajrayana praxis.

Benoytosh Bhattacharyya notes that there are two main chronological lists of prominent Tantric authors, the first from Taranatha's works and the second from Kazi Dawasamdup's introduction to the Cakrasaṃvara Tantra.



==Taranatha's list==



Padmavajra (c.693), author of the Guhyasiddhi
Anangavajra (c.705), author of the Prajñopāyaviniścayasiddhi
Indrabhuti (c.717), author of the Jñānasiddhi
Bhagavati Laksmi (c.729), female author of the Advayasiddhi
Lilavajra (c.741)
Darikapa (c.753)
Sahajayogini (c.765)
Dombi Heruka (c.777)



==Kazi Dawasamdup's list:==



Saraha aka Rahulabhadra (c. 633)
Nagarjuna (author of the Pañcakrama c. 645, not to be confused with the Madhyamika philosopher)
Sabaripa (c.657)
Luipa (c.669)
Vajraghanta (c.681)
Kacchapa (c.693)
Jalandharipa (c.705)
Krsnacarya (c.717)
Guhya (c.729)
Vijayapa (c.741)
Tilopa
Naropa



==Other Indian tantric authors include==



Buddhaguhya, wrote a commentary on the Mahavairocana Tantra
Vimalamitra, 8th century, wrote commentaries on the Guhyagarbha tantra

Padmasambhava

Śāntarakṣita (725–788), whose authorship of the Tantric work Tattvasiddhi is attributed by various authors, but this is debated by scholars such as Ernst Steinkellner.
 
Vilāsavajra, 8-9th century author of the Namamantrarthavalokini, a commentary on the Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti.[20]
Buddhajñāna, 8-9th century author of the Śrīherukasādhanavṛtti

Aryadeva, author of the Lamp that Integrates the Practices (Caryamelapakapradipa), a commentary on the Guhyasamāja Tantra, not to be confused with the Madhyamaka philosopher of the same name

Candrakirti, 9th century author of the Pradipoddyotana, not to be confused with the Madhyamaka philosopher of the same name

Sakyamitra, commentator on the Guhyasamāja Tantra

Nagabodhi, commentator on the Guhyasamāja Tantra

Bhavyakīrti, 10th century author of a commentary on the Cakrasaṃvara Tantra, the Śrīcakrasamvarapañjikā-śūramanojñā-nāma.

Sraddhakaravarman, commentator on the Guhyasamāja

Bhavabhaṭṭa, 10th century author of the Śrīcakrasaṁvarapañjikā, a Cakrasamvāratantra commentary

Jayabhadra, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Durjayacandra, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Vajrapani, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Tathagataraksita, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Bhavabadra, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Viravajra, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Manibhadra, Cakrasamvāratantra commentator

Śraddhākaravarma, Guhyasamāja commentator

Prasantajnana, Guhyasamāja commentator

Vimalagupta, Guhyasamāja commentator

Cilupa, Guhyasamāja commentator

Vajrahasa, Guhyasamāja commentator

Santipa

Kāṇha, author of the Yogaratnamālā on the Hevajra Tantra

Bhadrapāda, author of the Śrīhevajravyākhyākhyāvivaraṇa, on the Hevajra Tantra

Vajragarbha, author of the Ṣaṭsāhasrikā-Hevajra-ṭīkā

Ratnakīrti, 11th century

Ratnākaraśānti, wrote the Muktāvalī, a commentary on the Hevajra

Pundarika, a commentator of the Kalachakra tantra

Sucandra, Kalacakra commentary in sixty thousand stanzas

Yogaratnamālā, author of a commentary on the Hevajra Tantra

Abhayakaragupta, 11th-early 12th century CE.



Footnotes



 Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 23.
 Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
 Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 19.

 Stephen Hodge, The Mahā-vairocana-abhisaṃbodhi Tantra, with Buddhaguhya’s Commentary (London: RoutledgeCurzon, 2003), 14–15.
 Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 12.
 Henrik H. Sørensen, Richard K. Payne Edited by Charles D. Orzech General Editor Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia Handbook of Oriental Studies, page 20.


 Grey, David B.; Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism
 Wallis, Christopher; THE TANTRIC AGE: A Comparison Of Shaiva And Buddhist Tantra, February, 2016
 “A Crisis of Doxography: How Tibetans Organized Tantra During the 8th-12th Centuries,” Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 28.1 (2005): 115–181.

 Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
 Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
 Grey, David B.; Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism
 Isaacson, Harunaga (1998). Tantric Buddhism in India (from c. 800 to c. 1200). In: Buddhismus in Geschichte und Gegenwart. Band II. Hamburg. pp.23–49. (Internal publication of Hamburg University.) pg 3 PDF

 Williams, Tribe and Wynne; Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, chapter 7
 Grey, David B.; Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism

 Payne (2005), p. 18

 Wayman, Alex; The Buddhist Tantras light on Indo-Tibetan esotericism, Routledge, (2008), page 14.
 Bhattacharyya, Benoytosh; An Introduction to Buddhist Esoterism, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1980, India, p.
 Gray, David B; Compassionate Violence?: On the Ethical Implications of Tantric Buddhist Ritual; Journal of Buddhist Ethics, ISSN 1076-9005, Volume 14, 2007

 Tribe, Anthony; Tantric Buddhist Practice in India: Vilāsavajra’s commentary on the Mañjuśrīnāmasamgīti
 Gray, David B; Compassionate Violence?: On the Ethical Implications of Tantric Buddhist Ritual; Journal of Buddhist Ethics, ISSN 1076-9005, Volume 14, 2007


See also #REDIRECTCategory:Tantras



Source

https://encyclopediaofbuddhism.org/wiki/Buddhist_Tantras

Retrieved from "http://www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=Buddhist_Tantras&oldid=281240"