|
|
||
Although
suggested that there are only two main traditions of Buddhism (Theravada
and Mahayana), in recent times the Vajrayana system from Tibet has become
so widespread, especially in the West, that it has come to be recognized
in its own right as a separate denomination. Distinct
from Mahayana to
which it was |
| closely affiliated.
Vajrayana represents the occult branch of Buddhism that is today practiced
mainly in Tibet as well as some parts of Bhutan and Nepal. Also it is
widely studied in Europe and throughout the Americas. Also known as Tantric Buddhism, it owes its origin to the scholar Padmasamdhava who traveled from Tibet to Bengal. He assimilated the Hinayana and Mahayana doctrines of Buddhism with the pagan Bon religion of Tibet and the occult practices of Tantric Hinduism. This innovation in Buddhist thought is less philosophical and far more practical. Tantra refers to certain writings which are concerned, not with philosophical niceties, but with the basic how to of enlightenment, and not just with enlightenment in several rebirths but enlightenment here and now. |
In order to accomplish this feat, dramatic methods are needed, ones which, to the uninitiated, may seem rather bizarre. Tantra was the domain of the ‘Siddhu’, the adept someone who knows the secrets, a magician in the ways of enlightenment. Tantra involves the use of various techniques, thus beside meditation and contemplation, it also prescribes the visualization of Buddhas passionately embracing their shaktis and the use of ritual diagrams (mandalas), special chants (mantras), specific postures (mudras) and sexual practices (maithuna) to attain enlightenment and liberation. The idea of these practices is not to indulge the senses. The aim is to experience and understand the fleeting nature of the material world. A true ‘adept’ or ‘Siddhu’ thus becomes fully aware that material existence or ‘samsara’ is no different from spiritual release or ‘nirvana’.
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
