Human Spiritual Structure: Buddhism
Notes in progress © 1998-2002 Alan McAllister  


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The Four Noble Truths

These were first taught by the historical Buddha, and form the basis for all branches of Buddhism. They are: [CWL]

The Different Buddhist Paths

Hinayana tradition follows a Path of Renunciation as taught by the Buddha and written down in the Sutras. The roots of the Ego are dug up one by one, each habit and tendency being proscribed by a rule or a vow. Living by these rules and performing mediation one strives to perfect ones self, moving beyond the causes of suffering. [CWL]

The main difference in the Mahayana tradition is that the liberation of all beings is the goal, rather than personal liberation. This is also a Path of Renunciation but aim is to uproot the main root at once (so that the smaller ones will wither) by cultivating compassion for all beings. Intention behind actions is as important as the actions themselves. [CWL]

In Tantric (Tibetan) traditions rather than renouncing the relative world, it is used to further one on the path. There are both outer and inner Tantras, the first focusing on bringing pure intent into external actions, the latter working internally. They both work on an energy level primarily making use of visualizations. The last level of the Outer Tantra and the three levels of Inner Tantra (Atu, Ani, and Maha) are called the Vajrayana, or Indestructible Vehicle. The Inner Tantra seeks to shift ones energy to match the realized being used as the focus of the visualizations, a form of yoga. [CWL]

Zogqen is said to be the most direct method, working at the level of mind, by direct transmission from Master to student. (i) The Master existing in the primordial state induces this in the student, by direct association in whatever activity they are engaged in. [A spirit to spirit teaching]. (ii) The student then knows what the primordial state is by direct experience, and (iii) works to bring this state in all their actions. Although a simplified form was introduced in the Bon tradition by Xenrab Miwo (b. 1856 BC), the full teachings (The Three Series) were introduced by Garab Dorje (b. 55 AD) in Urgyan (NW of India). The three stages above are referred to as the three principles of Garab Dorje. [CWL]

Tibetan Schools

Buddhism is said to have be established in Tibet by Padmasambhava, who lived in the 9th cent. AD. He also brought the Zogqen teachings. Later four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism developed, beside the older native Bon tradition. The Zogqen practices are found in all the schools. The four schools are:

[CWL]

Buddha Tara

Tara is a female Buddha having many forms. She is related to, but apparently not the same as Kali. In Japan she is Kannon, and in China Kuan Yin. There are at least 21 aspects of Tara, designated by different colors. Each of these has specific roles and benefits for those who meditate on them. Different ones are useful for helping to purge different aspects of the ego, for overcoming different enemies of the mind and the different bondages that limit the mind. They are also used to inculcate the positive qualities that are the heart of Buddhist practice, compassion, love, kindness, altruism, etc. In Tibetan practice one meditates on the deity as merging into one's self, and visa versa. One becomes the deity and the qualities that they embody. [LD]

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Page Created, January 10, 1999. AHM.
Last updated January 23, 1999. AHM.
© Alan McAllister

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