Property:Gloss-def
From Buddha-Nature
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Syllables or formulas which, recited in the context of sadhanas, visualizations, etc., protect the mind of the prac-titioner from ordinary perceptions. Mantras are also invocations of, and manifestations of, the yidam in the form of sound. There arc three kinds of mantra: (1) vidya-mantras (rig sngags\ associated with the outer class of tantras, are the essence of skilful means; (2) dharani-mantras (gzungs) are the essence of transcendent wisdom and derive from the teachings of the Prajnaparamita; (3) secret mantras (gsang sngags) related to the Mahayoga, Anuyoga, and Atiyoga. +
mahasandhi, Skt.). Dzogchen, the ultimate view of the Nyingma sc, (ka dag) and spontaneous presence (Ihun grub). +
The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Spiritual Community (Sangha), in which a Buddhist takes refuge. +
See Samantabhadra +
On the external level, this is regarded as the quintessential element of the physical body. On the subtle level, the term is used to refer to the "absolute bodhichitta," in other words, the nature of the mind. FELICITY, GREAT. See Great Bliss +
Buddhist scripture, a transcribed discourse of the Buddha. There are Mahayana sutras and Hinayana or Shravakayana sutras. +
Diamond or vajra weapon. The symbol of indestructibility and of compassion. A vajra is also a small implement used in conjunction with a bell (dril bu, the symbol of the wisdom of emptiness) during tantric rituals. +
A Sambhogakaya form of Buddha representing the union of the five Buddha Families. Also used as a title of respect for the lama, the spiritual master. +
The eight main yidam deities and sadhanas of the Mahayoga tantra. They are gshin rje gshed (Yamantaka—body), rta mgrin (Hayagriva—speech), yang dag (Vishuddha—mind), che mchog (Amrita—qualities), phur pa (Kila—activities), ma mo rbod gtong (or Lame Heruka), dmod pa drag sngags (or Tobden Nagpo), jig rten mchod bstod (or Drekpa Kundul). The last three sadhanas are connected with three classes of worldly deities (jig rten pa'i sde gsum). +
A protector of the teachings. These normally nonhuman entities arc sometimes emanations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and sometimes local spirits, gods, or demons who have been subjugated by a great spiritual master and bound under oath. The harness-ing of their energy in the service of the Doctrine is considered to have played a decisive role in the preservation of the teachings from its begin-nings in Tibet until the present time. In the form of oracles, such as that of Nechung, for example, the dharmapalas continue to exert a direct influ-ence on Tibetan life. +
A time sequence comprising the four phases of formation, duration, and dissolution of a universal system, together with the period of voidness preceding the formation of the subsequent system. +
Hungry ghosts, spirits tormented by lack of nourishment. The pretas constitute one of the six classes of beings in samsara. +
Lit., Lotus-Born. The Indian Master of the Mantras who is said to be been born miraculously, appearing in a lotus flower in the land of Orgyen. He was predicted by the Buddha Shakyamuni in several sutras and tantras. In the ninth century and at the invitation of King Trisong Detsen, he quelled the forces ob-structing the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and introduced and nurtured there the teachings of the Vajrayana. Some of his other names mentioned in this text are Lotus Guru, Guru Rinpoche or Precious Guru, Precious Master, Guru Drakpo, Guru or Lord of Orgyen, Master of Orgyen, Orgyen Sambha, Guru Senge Dradok, Dorje Drolo, Padma Thodrengtsel. For the detailed story of his life, see The Lotus-Bom: The Life Story oj Padmasambhava, by Yeshe Tsogyal (Boston & London: Shambhala Publications, 1993). +
A scholar, someone learned in the five traditional sciences. See five sciences +
Four experiences, totally transcending ordi-nary pleasure, that are in essence wisdom. They form an aspect of the practices associated with the third initiation. +
On the relative level, this is the wish to attain Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings, together with the practice necessary to accomplish this. On the absolute level, it is nondual wisdom, the ultimate nature of the mind, and the true status of all phenomena. In certain tantric contexts, it refers to the essential physical substance that is the support of the mind. +
Synonymous with sugatagarbha. +
Synonymous with vajrayana or tantric teachings. "Guhya" means secret, both concealed and self-secret. "Mantra" in this context means eminent, excellent, or praiseworthy. Synonymous with secret mantra. +
The stage of approaching the recognition of the sugatagarbha and of applying that recognition in one's practice. +
