Buddhist Studies Institute
Category Tantrism
Tantrism, whether Buddhist or Hindu, can best be characterized as practices, a set of techniques with a strong focus on rituals and meditation providing a path to liberation through knowledge and freedom.
In Buddhism, the Vajrayana traditions are known for tantric ideas and practices, which are based on Indian Buddhist Tantras.
They include Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Esoteric Buddhism, Japanese Shingon Buddhism and Nepalese Newar Buddhism.
Art, History, and Heritage
The Tantric Phurba – A protective ritual dagger
The phurba is a ritual dagger used in Tantric practices. It is used to protect against negative energies and to promote positive change.
The phurba is not to be used for violence or harm, and should only be used for ritual purposes. It is a powerful tool for protection and should be used with care and respect.
Origin of Phurba in Tibet
The renowned Buddhist master Padmasambhava, who was initiated by the Indian sage Prabhahastin, is said .
Tibetan Mandala tantric practices & benefits
Tibetan mandala tantric practices are used to cultivate and generate energy, and to bring about transformation and healing.
Tibetan Mandala as a meditation tool
Mandalas can be created with a variety of materials commonly including sand, paint or fabric (appliqué).
According to the Tibetan teachings the mandala is a tool for working with the energies of the cosmos including :
the bodythe mindthe spirit
In other words, the mandala can help control inner feelings by accessing and channeling .
The Mahamudra Practice – Unveiling the True Nature of the Mind
Mahamudra is a form of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the nature of mind.
In Mahamudra, practitioners aim to see the true nature of their minds, which is said to be empty and open.
Origin of the Mahamudra Practice
The main text of Mahamudra is "The Root Text of the Middle Way" by the Indian master Nagarjuna (not to be confused with the earlier philosopher).
The actual practice and lineage of mahāmudrā can be traced back to wandering mahasiddhas or great .
Chöd practice explained by Tsultrim Allione
Chöd practice is a practice developed by a Tibetan woman teacher named Machig Labdrön in the 11th century.
What is Chöd?
Chöd is a confrontation process with fear and then pushing through it to achieve freedom.
In other words, Chöd is a practice of feeding, not fighting, that which assails us.
In the traditional practice, you are transforming your body into a nectar and then feeding it a series of guests (fears).
Who can practice Chöd?
The type of person .
Nyingma tantras – Beyond the methods of Highest Yoga
The doxography employed by the Nyingma tradition to categorize the whole of the Buddhist path is unique. Nyingmapas divide the Buddhist path into 3 sutra systems, 3 outer tantras and 3 inner tantras.
In the later schools the inner tantric teachings are known as Anuttarayoga Tantra, which corresponds to Mahayoga in the Nyingma system, while the Mahamudra teachings of the later schools are said to lead to similar results as the Dzogchen teachings.
The main Dzogchen .
Buddhist tantras – Manipulation of the subtle body
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 .
Five Elements of Human Body
The Universe is made up of five elements, Earth, Water Fire, Air, and Space. In the same way, a human body is also made up of these five elements called panchamahabhuta. The knowledge of these five elements is an essential pre-requisite for someone advancing in Yoga practice.
Whether we know it or not, all yoga practices work on the five elements. The foundation of yoga therapy and of
Ayurveda is also a knowledge of these elements (tattwas). Ayurveda uses these elements to .
Kundalini yoga – A Tantric Yoga
Kundalini yoga is derived from kundalini which is defined in Vedantic culture as the energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is activated and channeled upward through the chakras in the process of spiritual perfection. Kundalini is believed to be power associated with the divine feminine. Kundalini yoga as a school of yoga is influenced by Shaktism and Tantra schools of Hinduism.
It derives its name through a focus on .
Interpreting Vajradhara – The Father of Tantras
According to the Gelug and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Vajradhara is also known as the ultimate Primordial Buddha or Adi Buddha. Vajradhara displaced Samantabhadra who remains the Primordial Buddha in the Nyingma or Ancient School and the Sakya school. However, the two are metaphysically equivalent.
The Esse of Vajradhara
In this portion, we are going to learn about the ease of Vajradhara, after the short etymological description of the word Vajradhara itself.
Etymology of Vajradhara
Vajradhara is .
Throat Chakra – Express your authentic voice
The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra, also known as the Vishuddha Chakra, is the energy center located between the collarbones and the larynx in the neck.
There are seven major chakras in the internal system of the human body that align the flow of our prana (energy). If one of the chakras is imbalanced, it can cause illness or disease. Yoga, meditation, and mantras can assist with chakra imbalances and blockages.
The Throat Chakra is associated with our ability .