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FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 33
What Tantra Means To Me
By Prof. David Kittay
Dr. Kittay, Adjunct Assistant Precious Sprout, The Final
Professor (BU JD, CU PhD), Analysis of the Difficult Points
at Columbia University, of the Illuminating Lamp, An
specializes in teaching courses Extensive Commentary on the
on Buddhism and on Eastern Glorious Guhyasamāja, King of
and Western philosophy, most Tantras. He regularly lectures
recently, “Technology, Religion, at Tibet House US, where
Future,” “Interpreting Buddhist he serves on the Board and
Yoga,” “Law and Religion,” and Executive Committee, and at
“Reincarnation, Simulation, Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Tibetan Benny: You’re both a practitioner
Resurrection.” He is the Buddhist Center, at Columbia, and a scholar of Buddhism. How
translator of The Vajra Rosary and worldwide, and is the did this interest in Buddhism
start for you, and what in Tibetan
Tantra (Wisdom Publications, President of the Tibetan Classics Buddhism inspired you the most?
2020), Alaṃkakalaśa’s word Translators Guild of New York.
commentary on the Vajra He also writes and lectures on
David: When you all contacted me
Rosary Tantra, and, with the subject of compassionate
about this interview, the suggested
Professor Lozang Jamspal, lawyering, and has served as
title was “The Real Meaning of
Pha Dampa Sangs rgyas’s One a trial and civil rights lawyer, Tantra.” Though I’ve studied and
Hundred Spiritual Instructions federal bankruptcy trustee and translated Buddhist texts and
to the Dingri People (Ladakh a receiver for the Securities tried to practice what I’ve learned,
Ratnashridipika Press, 2011), Exchange Commission. He I have to confess that my level of
The Elucidation of the Intention is currently Director and realization is very superficial, and
Tantra, The Questions of the Professor of Philosophy at this is why I was more comfortable
Four Goddesses Tantra and the Harlem Clemente Course with “What Tantra Means To Me.”
Tsong Khapa’s commentary for the Humanities, teaching Where I have been very fortunate is
on it, The Vajra Intuition humanities to economically in having wonderful teachers who
Compendium Tantra, with Tsong disadvantaged people in have given me a glimpse into the
Khapa’s commentary, and the Harlem. David’s current astounding possibilities accessible
to all of us through trekking with
Later Tantra, and (under a primary research interests
patience on the Buddhist path,
grant from 84000, Translating are Buddhist philosophy and
all of this so that we might more
the Words of the Buddha) The Tantra, hermeneutic yoga, and
effectively help others in their
Dharma Council Sūtra, along consciousness studies. Benny particular lives and circumstances.
with other publications about contacted David and asked him In my own life, I’ve found that this
Buddhism, religion, and law. about the meaning of Tantra, its altruistic motivation is the key to
He is currently completing his purpose, misconceptions about everything, including Buddha’s
translation of Tsongkhapa’s its practice, and its relevance to teachings, in Sutras and Tantras,
our modern age. to monastics and lay people. I’ll
never forget my first session thirty
years ago with my beloved teacher
