Page 47 - EH69

FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 45

Geshe-la teaching Eight Verses of Mind Training to group of Vietnamese, Nov 24, 2022

I think this is incorrect. All the highest tantric teachings Rituals seem a key part of Tibetan Buddhism but
like Guhyasamaja, He Vajra, Chakrasamvara, Kalachakra early Buddhist teachings seem to warn its followers
and so forth are clearly mentioned as being taught by against being attached to rites and rituals. What is
the Buddha. Of course the usual question such as was the role of rituals in Tibetan Buddhism?
there writing at the time of the Buddha and how the
teachings are recorded etc. can be asked not only in Rites and ritual are not the main practice but are other
the context of tantra but also the sutra teachings. Such skilful ways and means to help people. Buddhas main
questions are asked with all religions. teachings are for transformation of the mind but it is
helpful to have the visual tradition. When properly used
In Tibetan Buddhism, can one attain enlightenment everything is beneficial but when misused even the
just by practicing sutrayana and not Tantra? main teachings of the Buddha can be twisted. So much

is dependent upon the user.
Yes you can attain enlightenment just by practicing
sutrayana although it is said if you follow tantra it is a Despite the misconceptions highlighted so far,
quicker path. Tibetan Buddhism is perhaps the most popular
form of Buddhism in the West other than Zen. How
Many people, including Buddhists, are confused by is it that the West has come to appreciate Tibetan
the image of sexuality in Tibetan sexual yoga as it Buddhism?
is not found in the early Buddhist teachings or even
later in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. How do you Buddhism in general and thereby Tibetan Buddhism
explain this? is based on the law of nature – the two truths.

Cultivation of compassion and wisdom is rooted in the
Sexual images are only representations, a tool to explain understanding of the way things are. It is very scientific,
things. It is like the paintings and drawings that we use realistic. empirical and a common-sense religion. It
today to explain things. Yes it may not be found in the shows a path to uproot ignorance, the very source of
early Buddhist teachings because these are teachings all kinds of suffering. Who will not appreciate such a
taught for everybody. Tantric teachings are taught for path of loving kindness that cares for all beings and a
specific select followers. wisdom that knows the ultimate reality. EH