Course Leader: Don Brown
2010 Class Dates: July 12, 19, 26, Aug 2, 9 (Review and Quiz)
Practice Night: Monday, August 16
Learn the definition of tantra, how tantra works and why it is a powerful form of practice. Get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn how to practice simple Kriya tantric methods. In addition, find out how to integrate the practices of tantra with lam-rim meditation for optimal results.
Tantra, secret mantra, vajrayana, path of attachment, resultant vehicle or the speedy path to enlightenment, are all synonymous. Tantra is the crown jewel of Tibetan Buddhism because only the practice of tantra leads to supreme enlightenment. Through tantra, you will learn how to harness the blissful energy of desire, transforming it into profound wisdom.
Why would a person seek the path of tantra? If you find the suffering of living beings unbearable, if you are looking for the quickest method to full enlightenment in order to help others and if you are qualified (see below), you are the ideal tantric practitioner.
The tantric path is like flying on the Concorde to our final destination and the sutra is likened to the runway.
What about teaching tantra to the uninitiated? His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given a general guideline about tantra: "It is OK to explain the general theory to those without an initiation (ripe = received an initiation), but not specific instructions for a specific practice."
Who should take the Introduction to Tantra class? The student should have respect for tantra, sincere interest to know more, and preferably some Buddhist background (at least an understanding of the Three Principle Aspects of the Path - renunciation, bodhicitta, and the wisdom of emptiness).
Kadampa Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
Affiliated with the Foundation for
the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition in the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama