Various Aspects of Tantra 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.
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When’s the last time you heard the cliched and tired saying “all roads lead to rome”? Well, here’s another variation – “All paths lead to the same result”
When I was young, I used to always think that there was only one God, and he showed himself in different ways for different types of people, and recommended different methods in order to achieve the ultimate. And I never understood why people loved to argue about which religion is more superior, because fundamentally, all religions tell us to be good kind people.
Now that I have immersed myself in Buddhism, I was initially surprised to find out that there are so many different schools of thought, and different Lineages. And although I know that they lead to the same result, it is reassuring to read that statement in the words of trijang Rinpoche himself.
Even when talking on the various aspects of tantra, Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche mentions clearly the types of suffering that one needs to be free from. For us that are still in samsara and experience suffering knowingly or not, the recognition of the types of suffering is a necessary early step of the path, and one could not make sense of higher trainings without engaging in the practice of renunciation first, which requires a correct understanding of what is meant by “suffering” in buddhist teachings (at least intellectually).
Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche also explains the differences between the practices of Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana in a concise, yet accute way that I never encountered before.
I feel like printing this out and reading it daily with my saddhanas for a while, so that I can absorb it best!
The Lamrim said that Buddhas manifest in myriad forms and skilfully teach at different levels according to the disposition of individuals.This article gives a very concise explanation of the different approaches to teaching and philosophies depending on the mental capacity and motivation of different people.
It is very helpful to dispel doubts and confusion amongst students of the different schools of Buddhism.Yes, I am printing this article out to read it daily.
Anything composed by HH Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche we can fully rely on and trust. He is beyond doubts and beyond question. One of the greatest living scholars, yogi, monk and teacher of our time. He even composed the National Anthem being used today for Tibetans in exile. His incarnation stem back to being the personal Chariot driver of Buddha, Chandra.
In Tibet of yesteryears, they will not select just anyone to educate HH the 14th Dalai Lama. Well Trijang Rinpoche was chosen and passed knowledge to HH Dalai Lama for 30 successful years.
How beneficial HH Dalai Lama is to countless beings is beyond measure,from one cup poured into another, Trijang Rinpoche was infinitely kind to offer His everything to HH Dalai Lama. Incredible.
The first time I saw Trijang Rinpoche’s photo in Howell, New Jersey over 3 decades ago, I just cried and cried and cried..I don’t know why. I didn’t really know who he was and was too young to understand. But seeing His holy face made me cry so much..Tsem Rinpoche
Rinp, is “Five of Drikung” also known as the “5 Fold Path Mahamudra”?
This article gives a very clear explanation of what Tantra is, the differences between Tantra and Sutra. It gives a very clear message that whether it is Sutra or Tantra, whether it is Mahayana or Hinayana, whether it is Gelug or Kagyu or Sakya or Drigung Kagyu, they all lead the practitioners to enlightenment. No one is better than the other.
When I first saw HH Trijang Rinpoche’s picture in the old KPSS2, I gazed upon his image for a very long time and I could feel that this was no ordinary monk and must be a super human/lama. That time Rinpoche has not spoken to me about Trijang Rinpoche before. I have not even heard his name. His picture was so filled with warmth, compassion and wisdom and it was very alive! Then later I found out from Rinpoche who He is and it was mind blowing to know that Trijang Rinpoche was actually the Buddha’s chariot driver Chandra. I cannot believe this was possible cos I was new to Buddhism, but I believe that if Rinpoche says so then it is so and because you can feel just through his picture, this person was extraordinary!
Thank you Rinpoche for this explanation on various aspects of tantra by Trijang Rinpoche. We are truly so fortunate to be able to receive such knowledge from such a highly attained being.
One thing rings truth on this subject is that all roads eventually leads to one ultimate goal and to achieve that one must apply the teachings otherwise from which ever school of thought it comes from, it will just be dry scholastic knowledge. So whichever road we choose to take it dependent on our ability (level of mind) and the methods we use to get there. Of course Tantra being the quicker path to get to the destination, hence we will need to be trained more intensely with a qualified trainer – here being the “teacher” on the path to enlightenment.