Questions tagged [vajrayana]
Vajrayāna is also known as Tantric Buddhism, Tantrayāna, Mantrayāna, Secret Mantra, Esoteric Buddhism and the Diamond Way or Thunderbolt Way. According to Vajrayāna scriptures "Vajrayāna" refers to one of three vehicles or routes to enlightenment, the other two being the Hinayāna and Mahayana.
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What is Tantric Theravadan Buddhism?
I read somewhere that there are a number of Tantric Theravadan Buddhists practicing in Cambodia. What is Tantric Theravda and what are it's distinguishing practices? Can it be said to be a vajrayana ...
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Does sutta recitation actually entail understanding of the text?
I'm particularly interested in
Chinese morning and evening service
Tibetan sadhanas that a monk recites every day
Theravada Pali suttas and chants
Are these read in modern times by and to an ...
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How does Buddhism reconcile evolution with reincarnation? [closed]
If everyone in Tibet or Earth even for instance quit reproducing then how could a Lama reincarnate when his reincarnation depends on the freewill of the people who are reproducing?
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According to Buddha's characteristics and teaching in Pali Canon, could he have taught Vajrayana (and Karmamudra)?
One of the characteristics of Vajrayana is its secret transmission (esoteric tranmission) of certain teachings. The other one is the controversial karmamudra (sexual practice to reach spiritual ...
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Distinction between Dharmaguptaka and Mahayana
what's the distinction between Dharmaguptaka and Mahayana? I know that the former is an ordination lineage with specific vinaya as distinct from Theravada ordination, but I don't understand where ...
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To debate or not to debate? and When to debate? and How to debate?
When we have several people with different understanding of Buddhism, how should we decide who is right? Debate is very tempting in Buddhism, but on the other hand, we must respect other people's ...
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What is a Mudra and what do they mean?
In Buddhist iconography the figures are illustrated or depicted with various hand gestures. The symbolic hand gestures are called mudras. What is the significance of a Buddhist mudra? What are the ...
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How do Buddhists use mudras?
This is a practice question. I know both Mahayana buddhists and Vajrayana buddhists use mudras. In the former they show up in inconography, and hand resting positions while meditating, in the later it'...
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Which Buddha do Buddhists take refuge in?
Does one take refuge into the concept of Buddhahood or refuge into Gautama Buddha? What about Vairocana Buddha or Amitābha Buddha for that matter? I've heard various things from taking refuge in a ...
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What is Completion Stage Meditation also known as Nispannakrama?
In Vajrayana there appears to be many different types and stages of mediation. One form is called "completion stage meditation" also known as nispannakrama. It appears to be associated with something ...
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What is Generation Stage Meditation also known as Utpattikrama?
There are many forms of meditation found in Buddhism. Zazen is possibly the most well know form of meditation in the West. However, in there are many different types of mediation. In Vajrayana ...
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What is a refuge tree?
What is the nature of a refuge tree(s)? How does one incorporate a refuge tree(s) into their practice?
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Sutra Study as Meditation?
When studying the sutras should that be considered a form of meditation, if so what are the guidelines for sutra meditation?
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Are there any cultural or religious guidelines for Buddhist tattoos?
I've notice people on Instagram are getting tattoos of Mahakala and other Buddhist deities. Are there any cultural or religious guidelines to consider when getting a tattoo of a Dharmapala or any ...
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Green Tara Light?
Recently, I heard a Tibetan nun Venerable Robin Courtin mention on a video that a meditator saw a green light while meditating. She mentioned it was associated with Green Tara. What is the green ...
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Mind-Stream Continuum's Origination?
What is the origination of the mind-stream continuum? What are the basic elements that make up the mind-stream continuum?
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Buddhas of The Ten Directions
What are the Buddhas of the ten directions? What are the applications of this teaching in the Buddhist traditions?
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Sutras in Western Buddhism?
How should western practitioners approach the sutras? What are the most important sutras from the main Buddhist traditions for westerners to study? When studying the sutras should that be considered a ...
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What is a Vajrasattva?
I recently heard the term Vajrasattva and wondered if that is another term for a Bodhisattva? How does the Vajrasattva path differ from the path of a Bodhisattva?
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What teachings do all schools of Buddhism share?
Among the many schools and traditions, what core teachings are shared by all Buddhists?
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How does Shambhala differ from traditional Vajrayana Buddhism as it is practiced in Asia?
How is Shambhala Buddhism as founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and continued by folks like Pema Chodron different from traditional Tantric Buddhism such as that practiced by the Dalai Lama? Does ...
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Vajrayana Buddhism relies on a teacher-pupil relationship. What in tradition or the literature explains how to find the appropriate teacher?
Vajrayana Buddhism is esoteric, in the sense that the transmission of certain teachings only occurs directly from teacher to student during an initiation or empowerment and cannot be simply learned ...
user50
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How is semchen (sentient being) defined?
Semchen is typically defined as a sentient being. What does this mean? What is sentience?
This question about killing bacteria indicates bacteria are not sentient, but I distinctly remember a guru ...
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What are the main differences between the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana branches of Buddhism? [closed]
The question basically says it all, but I'll try to elaborate a bit:
Are there differences in terms of the concepts used in each of these branches?
Are there differences in the practices of each of ...
JNat♦
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Are Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism the same thing?
This is a hugely amateurish question, for which I apologize, but: are Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism the same thing? If not, how are they related?
In particular, does the term "Tibetan Buddhism" ...
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