Tibetan Tantric Buddhism was introduced by Guru Padmasambhaba around 400 years ago. It still has a strong presence in the eastern Himalayan sector in India (Sikkim and Darjeeling) that has many sects and sub sects of Tantric Buddhism. Besides, the region is dotted with numerous monasteries of which 20 are very important. Each has its own historical and mythical significance that draws hundreds of visitors. The Tantric factor has added to the legends and the beliefs of Lamaism (Tantric Buddhism). The Lamas here are said to have the power of flying from one place to another. From intriguing colors to mask dances, everything about this region has an element of mystery attached to it. You are invited to discover this amazing region for yourself and unearth its hidden treasures. Our specially designed monastery tours give you an opportunity to know about each and every facet of Tantric Buddhism & the Tibetan culture of the Eastern Himalayas while taking you around some of the most fascinating monasteries of the region.

PRELIMINARIES TO TANTRA

Giuseppe Tucci in his book, "The Theory and Practice of the Mandala" tries to explain the secrecy surrounding tantra. He says that Tantric practice involves highly advanced forms of psychophysical exercises that help in achieving the desired transformation of one's body and mind into the perfected state of a Buddha. These methods are not without danger and need proper guidance and precautions during practice. In order to avoid the possibility of people getting involved in these practices without proper guidance, they are kept away from everyone without explicit permission to practice from a qualified teacher. Teachers often make their disciples undergo extensive practice before giving them the requisite permission to indulge in Tantric practices. The secrecy surrounding tantra is basically a safeguard against misuse.

MOTIVATION FOR PRACTICE

The element of curiosity regarding Tantric Buddhism has been ever-present. In fact, people often want to know where the tantric practices exactly fit into the Buddhist scheme of things. We can have a fair idea of this once we get to know about the motivations that lead to the practice of tantra. It is widely believed that the "small, middle and high scope" are the very motivations that lead to the practice of Tantric Buddhism. A competent source on Tantric Buddhism has listed a number of them. They are:

- The "Animal Scope": Wanting immediate happiness for oneself.
- The "Worldly Human Scope": Wanting immediate happiness for oneself and others.
- The Buddhist Small Scope: Wanting happiness for oneself in a future life.
- The Buddhist Middle Scope: Wanting to escape the cycle of uncontrolled rebirth for oneself. (Hinayana)
- The Buddhist Great Scope: Wanting others to go beyond suffering forever (enlightenment), and reach Buddhahood oneself to help others on their path. (Tantric)
- The "Buddhist Tantric Scope": Wanting others to be happy as soon as possible, and reach Buddhahood oneself quickly to serve them. (Vajrayana)

PREREQUISITES

The only proper motivation to practice tantra is bodhicitta that can be translated as the wish to become fully enlightened in order to help all sentient beings. Therefore, a good understanding of bodhicitta is essential before engaging in tantric practices. An extra prerequisite is taking either the Aspirational Vows or the full Bodhisattva Vows.

Pupils also need to have a proper idea of the philosophy of emptiness for tantric practice. In fact, this is the basic mental state in which tantric practice becomes more than just ritual or strange practice of imagination.

A tantric practitioner should have a good idea of bodhicitta and emptiness instead of merely a conceptual understanding. In that case, tantric practice can guide one very swiftly to the state of Buddhahood.

PRELIMINARY PRACTICES

Many teachers (depending on the specific school) make their pupils go through preliminary practices before giving them the go-ahead to indulge in tantra.

These preliminary practices traditionally consist of:

- Making 100,000 mandala offerings to generate merit by generosity
- Reciting 100,000 refuge prayers (to increase one's confidence
- Reciting 100,000 Vajrasattva mantras to purify obstacles
- Making 100,000 prostrations to counteract pride

Other practices include:

- Offering 100,000 water-bowls.
- Reciting 100,000 Guru's name mantras: Guru-yoga, to generate confidence and establish a deeper relationship with the teacher.
- Making 100,000 clay images or 'tsa-tsas' in Tibetan
- Reciting 100,000 Samayavajra mantras (somewhat similar to Vajrasattva)
- Making 100,000 fire offerings to Vajra Daka (Dorje Khadro).

These methods help in garnering the necessary positive energy (karma) to achieve success in the practice. Besides, these methods also help in the purification of obstacles to the practice.

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