2. 1 Vajrayāna (Tantric) Buddhism Jeffrey L. Richey, Ph.D. REL 260 Buddhism Berea College Spring 2004

3. 2 WHAT IS TANTRA? Tantra (Sanskrit: “warp” of loom, “strands” of braid) = Indian esoteric tradition in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism Outgrowth of Mahāyāna speculation about timing of enlightenment, as well as interaction with Hindu bhākti Under supervision of siddha (saint), devotees use powerful, dangerous, often transgressive techniques to obtain enlightenment quickly Vajrayāna = “diamond” or thunderbolt” vehicle

4. 3 TANTRIC MEDITATION Under a guru (Tibetan: lama), devotees visualize and identify with Buddhas and bodhisattvas within in order to achieve enlightenment, using ritual elements as catalysts for transforming consciousness: 1. kāma (desire, especially sexual) 2. mantra (sacred words) 3. mudrā (ritual gestures) 4. mandala (cosmic diagrams) Two types of tantra: 1. “Right-handed” – internal and spiritual (knowledge-oriented) 2. “Left-handed” – external and concrete (action-oriented)

5. 4 TANTRIC MUDRĀS “Debate” “Fearlessness” “Compassion” “Warding Off Evil”

6. 5 THE MANDALA IN TANTRIC BUDDHISM Tantric tool for accessing and utilizing the enlightened consciousness both without (in Buddhas) and within (in Buddha-nature) that creates and sustains universe Grid or template for tracking flow of power in universe, with source at center and all else radiating outward Thus, mandala = mesocosm that bridges microcosm (human body) and macrocosm (universe)

7. 6 TIBET BEFORE TANTRA (pre-600s CE) Cult of divine king: 1. Descendant of celestial beings who reach earth via “sky rope” 2. Perennially reborn essence of royal ancestors 3. Giver of law ( = cosmic order) Priestly class (also regarded as incarnations of predecessors): 1. Bon (“reciters”) – preside over coronations, funerals, sacrifices 2. Shen – shamans who communicate with spirit world

8. 7 TANTRIC BUDDHISM COMES TO TIBET By 600s CE, Tibet is major unified power in Asia, rivaling both Chinese Tang Empire (618-907) and Hindu kingdoms in India Chinese- and Nepalese-born Buddhist wives allegedly bring Buddhist traditions to the Tibetan court (c. 627-650) By 700s, Indian (Tantric) Buddhist missionaries active in Tibet, and indigenous religion suppressed by royal decree

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10. 9 TANTRIC BUDDHISM IN TIBET Mongol annexation of Tibet (c. 1200) leads to establishment of Buddhist viceroys in Tibet Period of Mongol influence characterized by “discovery” of gTer-ma (“treasure texts”) By 1642, politically and religiously independent Tibet ruled by Dalai Lama (Mongolian: “Ocean Guru”): 1. Leader of Gelugpa (“system of virtue”) sect 2. Regarded as tulku (incarnation) of Avalokiteśvara

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