Vajrayana, also known as Tantric Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism that originated in India and later spread to Tibet, Nepal, and other parts of Asia. It is characterized by its use of ritual practices, mantras, mudras, and visualizations to achieve spiritual transformation and liberation. The main idea behind Vajrayana is that enlightenment can be attained in a single lifetime through the direct experience of one's true nature. This can be achieved by working with the body, speech, and mind in a specific way. One of the key practices in Vajrayana is the use of mantra, which involves the repeated recitation of a sacred word or phrase. Mantras are believed to have a transformative power that can purify the mind and bring about spiritual realization.
Mantras are believed to have a transformative power that can purify the mind and bring about spiritual realization. Another important aspect of Vajrayana is the use of mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, which are used to invoke specific qualities or energies. These gestures can help to focus the mind and cultivate a deeper awareness of one's spiritual nature.
Vajrayana: The Diamond Vehicle
The major stream of Buddhism in Tibet, the Vajrayana emerged in the 7th century out of the Mahayana tradition. This form of Buddhism, sometimes called “Tantric Buddhism,” asserts that distinctive ritual practices and objects such as mantras, mandalas, and mudras allow one to attain awakening more quickly.
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In the 7th century, a major movement within Mahayana Buddhism arose. This stream of Buddhism, called the Vajrayana, is most prominent in Tibet and its surrounding regions, although forms of it are found in China and Japan. The Vajrayana, literally the “Diamond Vehicle” or the “Thunderbolt Vehicle,” understands itself to be an esoteric form of Mahayana Buddhism with an accelerated path to enlightenment.
This Tibetan tradition sees itself as embodying both the teaching and meditation practice of the Theravada monks, as well as the teaching of the “emptiness” of all conditioned things that is distinctive to Mahayana philosophy. Vajrayana is also called Tantrayana, because it is based on the tantras, the systems of practice which emphasize the indivisibility of wisdom and compassion, symbolized as the union of male and female.
Three terms characterize the practice of Vajrayana, each one of which has overt ritual meanings, inner psychophysical meanings, and secret transcendent meanings:
- Mantra—a syllable or phrase for chanting or meditation, containing within it the sacred power and cosmic energies of a Buddha or bodhisattva. The mantra literally “protects the mind” from negative mental states by invoking these divine energies within oneself.
- Mandala—a “circle” or cosmic diagram for ritual or interior visualization, representing various realms of Buddhas and bodhisattvas and their cosmic energies in two- or three-dimensional forms.
- Mudra—a “symbol” or “ritual gesture,” made by the position of the hands or body, and signifying the qualities and presence of various Buddhas and bodhisattvas in Vajrayana ritual.
Since the Tibetan uprising in 1959, more than 100,000 Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhists have become refugees in India and around the world. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is head of one of the four major lineages of Tibetan monks and leads a Tibetan government in exile in north India. Other Tibetan teachers, called lamas, tulkus, or rinpoches, settled in the United States during the 1960s and 70s, where they attracted a largely Euro-American following. Only in the 1990s did substantial numbers of Tibetan lay Buddhists arrive in the United States. As a result, America is now a place where a centuries-old Vajrayana tradition encounters a decades-old American convert Vajrayana practice.
The major stream of Buddhism in Tibet, the Vajrayana emerged in the 7th century out of the Mahayana tradition. This form of Buddhism, sometimes called “Tantric Buddhism,” asserts that distinctive ritual practices and objects such as mantras, mandalas, and mudras allow one to attain awakening more quickly.
Visualization is also a central practice in Vajrayana. Practitioners are encouraged to visualize themselves as enlightened beings, such as Buddha or a deity, and to imagine themselves in a pure and sacred environment. This visualization can help to cultivate a sense of connection with the divine and cultivate the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and skillful means. Vajrayana also includes a range of ritual practices, including offerings, prostrations, and various ceremonies. These rituals are seen as a way to purify negative karma, accumulate positive merit, and invoke the blessings of enlightened beings. The spell of Vajrayana lies in its ability to engage the practitioner on multiple levels – using the body, speech, and mind – to create a powerful and transformative spiritual experience. It provides a wide range of techniques and methods that can be tailored to the individual practitioner's needs and inclinations. However, it is important to note that Vajrayana is a complex and advanced form of Buddhism. It requires a qualified teacher and a firm foundation in the basic principles of Buddhism. It is not suitable for everyone and should be approached with caution and guidance. Overall, Vajrayana offers a unique and profound path to spiritual awakening and liberation. Its emphasis on direct experience, ritual practices, and devotional practices makes it a powerful and transformative form of Buddhism that continues to inspire and captivate practitioners around the world..
Reviews for "The Practice of Tonglen in Vajrayana: Transforming Suffering into Compassion"
1. Rebecca - 2/5 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "The Spell of Vajrayana" as I am fascinated by Eastern philosophies, but I found this book to be quite confusing. The author delves into complex concepts without much explanation, assuming the reader has prior knowledge. The writing style felt disjointed and the pacing was off. Overall, I felt lost and disconnected from the content, which made it difficult to fully appreciate the message the author was trying to convey.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I couldn't make it past the first few chapters of "The Spell of Vajrayana". The language used was overly flowery and pretentious, making it very difficult to decipher what the author was trying to say. The book lacked structure and organization, jumping from one topic to another without any clear transitions. I also found the constant references to obscure Eastern terms and concepts to be alienating, as there was no real explanation provided. Overall, it felt like an exercise in intellectualism rather than a genuine attempt to communicate ideas.
3. Lisa - 2/5 stars - "The Spell of Vajrayana" had potential, but it ultimately fell short for me. The author covers a wide range of topics, from meditation to mindfulness, but fails to provide any practical guidance or concrete examples. It felt like a collection of abstract ideas without any real-world application. Additionally, the writing style was overly poetic and abstract, making it difficult to grasp the author's main points. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more substance from this book.
4. John - 2/5 stars - I found "The Spell of Vajrayana" to be overly mystical and esoteric, which made it difficult to connect with the material. The author's use of metaphor and symbolism was excessive and often made comprehension more challenging. While I appreciate the depth of research that went into this book, I would have preferred a more straightforward and accessible approach. It felt like it was written for an exclusive audience, rather than a wider readership seeking to understand Vajrayana Buddhism. Overall, I was left feeling frustrated and disengaged throughout my reading experience.