Difference between revisions of "Various Aspects of Tantra"
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<poem> | <poem> | ||
| − | by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche | + | by [[His Holiness]] [[Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche]] |
| − | Translated by Gavin Kilty. Prepared by Michael Lewis. Printed in From Tushita, edited and published by Michael Hellbach, Tushita Editions, 1977. | + | Translated by Gavin Kilty. Prepared by Michael Lewis. Printed in From [[Tushita]], edited and published by Michael Hellbach, [[Tushita]] Editions, 1977. |
| − | The Relationship between Buddhist Tantra and Hindu Tantra | + | The Relationship between [[Buddhist Tantra]] and [[Hindu]] [[Tantra]] |
| − | Although some scholars have maintained that Buddhist tantra was derived from Hinduism, this is not correct. The theory, prevalent among those who adhere to the tenets of the Hinayana, is based on a superficial resemblance of various elements of the two systems, such as the forms of the deities, the meditations on psychic veins and airs, the fire rituals, etc. Though certain practices, like the repetition of mantras, are common to both Hindu and Buddhist tantric traditions their interpretation, i.e. the inner meaning, is vastly different. Furthermore, Buddhist tantra is superior because, unlike Hinduism, it contains the three principal aspects of the Path: renunciation, the enlightened attitude and the right philosophy. | + | Although some [[scholars]] have maintained that [[Buddhist tantra]] was derived from [[Hinduism]], this is not correct. The {{Wiki|theory}}, prevalent among those who adhere to the {{Wiki|tenets}} of the [[Hinayana]], is based on a [[superficial]] resemblance of various [[elements]] of the two systems, such as the [[forms]] of the [[deities]], the [[meditations]] on [[psychic]] veins and airs, the [[fire]] [[rituals]], etc. Though certain practices, like the repetition of [[mantras]], are common to both [[Hindu]] and [[Buddhist]] [[tantric]] [[traditions]] their interpretation, i.e. the inner meaning, is vastly different. Furthermore, [[Buddhist tantra]] is {{Wiki|superior}} because, unlike [[Hinduism]], it contains the three [[principal]] aspects of the [[Path]]: [[renunciation]], the [[enlightened attitude]] and the right [[philosophy]]. |
| − | To elaborate: as even animals want freedom from suffering, there are non-Buddhist practitioners who wish to be free from contaminated feelings of happiness and so cultivate the preparatory state of the fourth absorption (Dhyana). There are even some non-Buddhists who temporarily renounce contaminated feelings of happiness and attain levels higher than the four absorptions. However, only the Buddhists renounce all these as well as neutral feelings and all-pervasive suffering. Then by meditating on the sufferings together with their causes, which are mental defilements, they can be abandoned forever. This is why, while non-Buddhists meditate on the form and formless states and attain the peak of worldly existence, samadhi, they cannot abandon the mental defilements of this state. So, when they meet with the right circumstances anger and the other passions develop, karma is created and the wheel of the circle of rebirth begins to turn. | + | To elaborate: as even [[animals]] want freedom from [[suffering]], there are non-Buddhist practitioners who wish to be free from contaminated [[feelings]] of [[happiness]] and so cultivate the preparatory state of the [[fourth absorption]] ([[Dhyana]]). There are even some non-Buddhists who temporarily {{Wiki|renounce}} contaminated [[feelings]] of [[happiness]] and attain levels higher than the four absorptions. However, only the [[Buddhists]] {{Wiki|renounce}} all these as well as [[neutral]] [[feelings]] and all-pervasive [[suffering]]. Then by [[meditating]] on the [[sufferings]] together with their [[causes]], which are [[mental]] [[defilements]], they can be abandoned forever. This is why, while non-Buddhists [[meditate]] on the [[form]] and [[formless states]] and attain the peak of [[worldly existence]], [[samadhi]], they cannot abandon the [[mental]] [[defilements]] of this state. So, when they meet with the right circumstances [[anger]] and the other [[passions]] develop, [[karma]] is created and the [[wheel]] of the circle of [[rebirth]] begins to turn. |
[[File:0606.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:0606.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Because of this and similar reasons, such practices are not fit to be included in the Mahayana. They resemble neither the common sutra path comprising: the attitude of renunciation which wishes for freedom from the cycle of rebirths; the wisdom which correctly understands egolessness, which is the right philosophy acting as an opponent to ignorance-the root of cyclic existence; and the development of the mind which aims for complete enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings; nor do they resemble the practices of the exclusive tantric path of the Great Vehicle. | + | Because of this and similar [[reasons]], such practices are not fit to be included in the [[Mahayana]]. They resemble neither the common [[sutra path]] comprising: the [[attitude]] of [[renunciation]] which wishes for freedom from the cycle of [[rebirths]]; the [[wisdom]] which correctly [[understands]] [[egolessness]], which is the right [[philosophy]] acting as an opponent to ignorance-the [[root]] of [[cyclic existence]]; and the development of the [[mind]] which aims for [[complete enlightenment]] for the sake of all [[sentient beings]]; nor do they resemble the practices of the exclusive [[tantric path]] of the [[Great Vehicle]]. |
| − | The Origin of Tantra | + | The Origin of [[Tantra]] |
| − | The tantras were spoken by the Buddha himself in the form of his supreme manifestation as a monk, also as the great Vajradhara and in various manifestations of the central deity of specific mandalas. The great beings, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Vajrapani and others, urged by the Buddha, also taught some tantras. | + | The [[tantras]] were spoken by the [[Buddha]] himself in the [[form]] of his supreme [[manifestation]] as a [[monk]], also as the great [[Vajradhara]] and in various [[manifestations]] of the central [[deity]] of specific [[mandalas]]. The great [[beings]], [[Manjushri]], [[Samantabhadra]], [[Vajrapani]] and others, urged by the [[Buddha]], also taught some [[tantras]]. |
| − | In terms of the four classes of tantra, the Kriya tantras were taught by the Buddha in the form of a monk, in the realm of the thirty-three gods on the summit of Mt. Meru, and in the human world where Manjushri and others were the chief hearers. | + | In terms of the [[four classes of tantra]], the [[Kriya tantras]] were taught by the [[Buddha]] in the [[form]] of a [[monk]], in the [[realm of the thirty-three]] [[gods]] on the summit of [[Mt. Meru]], and in the [[human world]] where [[Manjushri]] and others were the chief hearers. |
| − | The Pung-Zang tantras were taught in the realm of Vajrapani. Others were taught by the teacher, Buddha himself, and with his blessings some were explained by Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani while others were spoken by worldly gods. | + | The Pung-Zang [[tantras]] were taught in the [[realm]] of [[Vajrapani]]. Others were taught by the [[teacher]], [[Buddha]] himself, and with his [[blessings]] some were explained by [[Avalokiteshvara]], [[Manjushri]] and [[Vajrapani]] while others were spoken by [[worldly]] [[gods]]. |
| − | The Carya tantras were also taught by the teacher Buddha in the form of his supreme manifestation in the celestial realms and in the realm called Base and Essence Adorned with Flowers. | + | The [[Carya]] [[tantras]] were also taught by the [[teacher]] [[Buddha]] in the [[form]] of his supreme [[manifestation]] in the [[celestial]] [[realms]] and in the [[realm]] called Base and [[Essence]] Adorned with [[Flowers]]. |
| − | The Yoga tantras were taught by the Enlightened One when he arose in the form of the central deity of each mandala in such places as the summit of Mt. Meru and in the fifth celestial realm of desire. | + | The [[Yoga tantras]] were taught by the [[Enlightened One]] when he arose in the [[form]] of the central [[deity]] of each [[mandala]] in such places as the summit of [[Mt. Meru]] and in the fifth [[celestial realm]] of [[desire]]. |
[[File:1061.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:1061.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | The Anuttara tantras were also taught by the Buddha. In the land of Ögyan the Buddha, having manifested the mandala of Guhyasamaja, taught King Indrabodhi this tantra. The Yamantaka tantras were taught by the teacher Buddha at the time of the subduing of the demonic forces and they were requested by either the consort of Yamantaka or by the consort of Kalacakra. The Hevajra tantra was taught by Lord Buddha when he arose in the form of Hevajra in the land of Madgadha at the time of destroying the four maras. The tantra was requested by Vajragarbha and by the consort of Hevajra. Having been requested by Vajra Yogini, the Buddha, in the manifestation as Heruka on the summit of Mt. Meru, taught the root tantra of Heruka and, when requested by Vajrapani, taught the explanatory tantra. As for the Kalacakra tantra, the mighty Buddha went south to the glorious shrine of Dharnacotaka and there, manifesting the mandala of the Dharmadhatu speech surmounted by the mandala of Kalacakra, taught this tantra to King Chandrabhadra and others. Although he appeared in many different manifestations, actually the tantras were taught by the enlightened teacher, Lord Buddha. | + | The [[Anuttara tantras]] were also taught by the [[Buddha]]. In the land of Ögyan the [[Buddha]], having [[manifested]] the [[mandala]] of [[Guhyasamaja]], taught [[King]] [[Indrabodhi]] this [[tantra]]. The [[Yamantaka tantras]] were taught by the [[teacher]] [[Buddha]] at the [[time]] of the subduing of the {{Wiki|demonic}} forces and they were requested by either the [[consort]] of [[Yamantaka]] or by the [[consort]] of [[Kalacakra]]. The [[Hevajra tantra]] was taught by [[Lord Buddha]] when he arose in the [[form]] of [[Hevajra]] in the land of Madgadha at the [[time]] of destroying the [[four maras]]. The [[tantra]] was requested by [[Vajragarbha]] and by the [[consort]] of [[Hevajra]]. Having been requested by [[Vajra Yogini]], the [[Buddha]], in the [[manifestation]] as [[Heruka]] on the summit of [[Mt. Meru]], taught the [[root tantra]] of [[Heruka]] and, when requested by [[Vajrapani]], taught the [[explanatory tantra]]. As for the [[Kalacakra tantra]], the mighty [[Buddha]] went [[south]] to the glorious [[shrine]] of Dharnacotaka and there, [[manifesting]] the [[mandala]] of the [[Dharmadhatu]] {{Wiki|speech}} surmounted by the [[mandala]] of [[Kalacakra]], taught this [[tantra]] to [[King]] [[Chandrabhadra]] and others. Although he appeared in many different [[manifestations]], actually the [[tantras]] were taught by the [[enlightened]] [[teacher]], [[Lord Buddha]]. |
| − | What happens during an initiation | + | What happens during an [[initiation]] |
| − | In the initiations of each of the four classes of tantra there are many differences, some great and some small, and so therefore one initiation is not sufficient for all mandalas. At the time of initiation some fortunate and qualified disciples, when receiving the initiation from a qualified master, develop the wisdom of the initiation in their mind streams. Unless this happens, sitting in initiation rows and experiencing the initiations of the vase and water, etc. will implant instincts to listen to the Dharma but little else. An initiation is necessary to study tantra because if the secrets of tantra are explained to someone who has not received initiation, the guru commits the seventh tantric root downfall and the explanation will be of no benefit whatsoever to the mind of the disciple. | + | In the [[initiations]] of each of the [[four classes of tantra]] there are many differences, some great and some small, and so therefore one [[initiation]] is not sufficient for all [[mandalas]]. At the [[time]] of [[initiation]] some [[fortunate]] and qualified [[disciples]], when receiving the [[initiation]] from a qualified [[master]], develop the [[wisdom]] of the [[initiation]] in their [[mind]] streams. Unless this happens, sitting in [[initiation]] rows and experiencing the [[initiations]] of the vase and [[water]], etc. will implant {{Wiki|instincts}} to listen to the [[Dharma]] but little else. An [[initiation]] is necessary to study [[tantra]] because if the secrets of [[tantra]] are explained to someone who has not received [[initiation]], the [[guru]] commits the seventh [[tantric]] [[root]] downfall and the explanation will be of no [[benefit]] whatsoever to the [[mind]] of the [[disciple]]. |
| − | The relationship between Sutra and Tantra | + | The relationship between [[Sutra]] and [[Tantra]] |
| − | Regarding renunciation and bodhicitta, there is no difference between Sutrayana and Tantrayana, but regarding conduct there is. Three kinds of conduct have been taught: the disciple who admires and has faith in the Hinayana should separate himself from all desires; the disciple who admires the Mahayana should traverse the stages and practice the perfections; while he who admires the deep teachings of tantra should work with the conduct of the path of desire. | + | Regarding [[renunciation]] and [[bodhicitta]], there is no difference between [[Sutrayana]] and [[Tantrayana]], but regarding conduct there is. Three kinds of conduct have been taught: the [[disciple]] who admires and has [[faith]] in the [[Hinayana]] should separate himself from all [[desires]]; the [[disciple]] who admires the [[Mahayana]] should traverse the stages and practice the [[perfections]]; while he who admires the deep teachings of [[tantra]] should work with the conduct of the [[path]] of [[desire]]. |
[[File:18 armed cundi.jpeg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:18 armed cundi.jpeg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | From the point of view of the philosophy, there is no difference in emptiness as an object of cognition but there is a difference in the method of its realization. | + | From the point of [[view]] of the [[philosophy]], there is no difference in [[emptiness]] as an [[object]] of [[cognition]] but there is a difference in the method of its [[realization]]. |
| − | In the sutra tradition the conscious mind engages in meditative equipoise on emptiness, while in tantra the innate wisdom, an extremely subtle mind, is involved and the difference therefore is great. The main practice of Sutrayana, engaging in the path as a cause to achieve the form body and wisdom body of a buddha, is the accumulation of wisdom and virtue for three countless eons and the accomplishment of one's own buddhafields. Therefore, Sutrayana is known as the causal vehicle. In tantra one concentrates and meditates, even while still a beginner, on the four complete purities which are similar to the result—that is, the completely pure body, pure realm, pure possessions and pure deeds of an enlightened being. Thus tantra is known as the resultant vehicle. | + | In the [[sutra]] [[tradition]] the [[conscious mind]] engages in [[meditative equipoise]] on [[emptiness]], while in [[tantra]] the innate [[wisdom]], an extremely [[subtle mind]], is involved and the difference therefore is great. The main practice of [[Sutrayana]], engaging in the [[path]] as a [[cause]] to achieve the [[form body]] and [[wisdom body]] of a [[buddha]], is the [[accumulation]] of [[wisdom]] and [[virtue]] for three countless eons and the [[accomplishment]] of one's own [[buddhafields]]. Therefore, [[Sutrayana]] is known as the [[causal vehicle]]. In [[tantra]] one [[concentrates]] and [[meditates]], even while still a beginner, on the [[four complete purities]] which are similar to the result—that is, the completely [[pure]] [[body]], [[pure realm]], [[pure]] possessions and [[pure]] [[deeds]] of an [[enlightened being]]. Thus [[tantra]] is known as the [[resultant vehicle]]. |
| − | The Four Traditions | + | The Four [[Traditions]] |
| − | As for the sutra tradition, the explanation of the Hinayana and Mahayana is the same in all the four great traditions. Also, as far as the preliminary practices are concerned, there are no differences apart from the names. In the Gelug tradition they are called the Stages of the Path of the Three Motives; in the Kargyü they are known as the Four Ways to Change the Mind; the Sakya refer to Separation from the Four Attachments; while the Dri-gung Kargyu speak of the Four Dharmas of Dag-pa and the Five of Dri-gung. | + | As for the [[sutra]] [[tradition]], the explanation of the [[Hinayana]] and [[Mahayana]] is the same in all the four great [[traditions]]. Also, as far as the [[preliminary practices]] are concerned, there are no differences apart from the names. In the [[Gelug tradition]] they are called the [[Stages of the Path]] of the Three Motives; in the Kargyü they are known as the Four Ways to Change the [[Mind]]; the [[Sakya]] refer to [[Separation from the Four Attachments]]; while the [[Dri-gung]] [[Kargyu]] speak of the Four [[Dharmas]] of Dag-pa and the Five of [[Dri-gung]]. |
| − | In tantra, the individual master's way of leading the disciples on the path depends on his experience and the instructions of the tantric root texts, together with the commentaries of the great practitioners. These result in the entrance into practice being taught a little differently. However, all are the same in leading to the final attainment of the state of Vajradhara. | + | In [[tantra]], the {{Wiki|individual}} [[master's]] way of leading the [[disciples]] on the [[path]] depends on his [[experience]] and the instructions of the [[tantric]] [[root texts]], together with the commentaries of the great practitioners. These result in the entrance into practice being taught a little differently. However, all are the same in leading to the final [[attainment]] of the state of [[Vajradhara]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:45, 19 March 2014
by His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche
Translated by Gavin Kilty. Prepared by Michael Lewis. Printed in From Tushita, edited and published by Michael Hellbach, Tushita Editions, 1977.
The Relationship between Buddhist Tantra and Hindu Tantra
Although some scholars have maintained that Buddhist tantra was derived from Hinduism, this is not correct. The theory, prevalent among those who adhere to the tenets of the Hinayana, is based on a superficial resemblance of various elements of the two systems, such as the forms of the deities, the meditations on psychic veins and airs, the fire rituals, etc. Though certain practices, like the repetition of mantras, are common to both Hindu and Buddhist tantric traditions their interpretation, i.e. the inner meaning, is vastly different. Furthermore, Buddhist tantra is superior because, unlike Hinduism, it contains the three principal aspects of the Path: renunciation, the enlightened attitude and the right philosophy.
To elaborate: as even animals want freedom from suffering, there are non-Buddhist practitioners who wish to be free from contaminated feelings of happiness and so cultivate the preparatory state of the fourth absorption (Dhyana). There are even some non-Buddhists who temporarily renounce contaminated feelings of happiness and attain levels higher than the four absorptions. However, only the Buddhists renounce all these as well as neutral feelings and all-pervasive suffering. Then by meditating on the sufferings together with their causes, which are mental defilements, they can be abandoned forever. This is why, while non-Buddhists meditate on the form and formless states and attain the peak of worldly existence, samadhi, they cannot abandon the mental defilements of this state. So, when they meet with the right circumstances anger and the other passions develop, karma is created and the wheel of the circle of rebirth begins to turn.
Because of this and similar reasons, such practices are not fit to be included in the Mahayana. They resemble neither the common sutra path comprising: the attitude of renunciation which wishes for freedom from the cycle of rebirths; the wisdom which correctly understands egolessness, which is the right philosophy acting as an opponent to ignorance-the root of cyclic existence; and the development of the mind which aims for complete enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings; nor do they resemble the practices of the exclusive tantric path of the Great Vehicle.
The Origin of Tantra
The tantras were spoken by the Buddha himself in the form of his supreme manifestation as a monk, also as the great Vajradhara and in various manifestations of the central deity of specific mandalas. The great beings, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Vajrapani and others, urged by the Buddha, also taught some tantras.
In terms of the four classes of tantra, the Kriya tantras were taught by the Buddha in the form of a monk, in the realm of the thirty-three gods on the summit of Mt. Meru, and in the human world where Manjushri and others were the chief hearers.
The Pung-Zang tantras were taught in the realm of Vajrapani. Others were taught by the teacher, Buddha himself, and with his blessings some were explained by Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani while others were spoken by worldly gods.
The Carya tantras were also taught by the teacher Buddha in the form of his supreme manifestation in the celestial realms and in the realm called Base and Essence Adorned with Flowers.
The Yoga tantras were taught by the Enlightened One when he arose in the form of the central deity of each mandala in such places as the summit of Mt. Meru and in the fifth celestial realm of desire.
The Anuttara tantras were also taught by the Buddha. In the land of Ögyan the Buddha, having manifested the mandala of Guhyasamaja, taught King Indrabodhi this tantra. The Yamantaka tantras were taught by the teacher Buddha at the time of the subduing of the demonic forces and they were requested by either the consort of Yamantaka or by the consort of Kalacakra. The Hevajra tantra was taught by Lord Buddha when he arose in the form of Hevajra in the land of Madgadha at the time of destroying the four maras. The tantra was requested by Vajragarbha and by the consort of Hevajra. Having been requested by Vajra Yogini, the Buddha, in the manifestation as Heruka on the summit of Mt. Meru, taught the root tantra of Heruka and, when requested by Vajrapani, taught the explanatory tantra. As for the Kalacakra tantra, the mighty Buddha went south to the glorious shrine of Dharnacotaka and there, manifesting the mandala of the Dharmadhatu speech surmounted by the mandala of Kalacakra, taught this tantra to King Chandrabhadra and others. Although he appeared in many different manifestations, actually the tantras were taught by the enlightened teacher, Lord Buddha.
What happens during an initiation
In the initiations of each of the four classes of tantra there are many differences, some great and some small, and so therefore one initiation is not sufficient for all mandalas. At the time of initiation some fortunate and qualified disciples, when receiving the initiation from a qualified master, develop the wisdom of the initiation in their mind streams. Unless this happens, sitting in initiation rows and experiencing the initiations of the vase and water, etc. will implant instincts to listen to the Dharma but little else. An initiation is necessary to study tantra because if the secrets of tantra are explained to someone who has not received initiation, the guru commits the seventh tantric root downfall and the explanation will be of no benefit whatsoever to the mind of the disciple.
The relationship between Sutra and Tantra
Regarding renunciation and bodhicitta, there is no difference between Sutrayana and Tantrayana, but regarding conduct there is. Three kinds of conduct have been taught: the disciple who admires and has faith in the Hinayana should separate himself from all desires; the disciple who admires the Mahayana should traverse the stages and practice the perfections; while he who admires the deep teachings of tantra should work with the conduct of the path of desire.
From the point of view of the philosophy, there is no difference in emptiness as an object of cognition but there is a difference in the method of its realization.
In the sutra tradition the conscious mind engages in meditative equipoise on emptiness, while in tantra the innate wisdom, an extremely subtle mind, is involved and the difference therefore is great. The main practice of Sutrayana, engaging in the path as a cause to achieve the form body and wisdom body of a buddha, is the accumulation of wisdom and virtue for three countless eons and the accomplishment of one's own buddhafields. Therefore, Sutrayana is known as the causal vehicle. In tantra one concentrates and meditates, even while still a beginner, on the four complete purities which are similar to the result—that is, the completely pure body, pure realm, pure possessions and pure deeds of an enlightened being. Thus tantra is known as the resultant vehicle.
The Four Traditions
As for the sutra tradition, the explanation of the Hinayana and Mahayana is the same in all the four great traditions. Also, as far as the preliminary practices are concerned, there are no differences apart from the names. In the Gelug tradition they are called the Stages of the Path of the Three Motives; in the Kargyü they are known as the Four Ways to Change the Mind; the Sakya refer to Separation from the Four Attachments; while the Dri-gung Kargyu speak of the Four Dharmas of Dag-pa and the Five of Dri-gung.
In tantra, the individual master's way of leading the disciples on the path depends on his experience and the instructions of the tantric root texts, together with the commentaries of the great practitioners. These result in the entrance into practice being taught a little differently. However, all are the same in leading to the final attainment of the state of Vajradhara.
