Theos-Talk Archives (November 1998 Message tt00542)

Dan:
>In an 1882 letter to A.O. Hume, the Master KH writes:
>
>"The 'tantrikas' --- at least the modern sect, for over 400 years ---
>observe rites and ceremonies, the fitting description of which will
>never be attempted by the pen of one of *our* brotherhood."
>
>(ML, chrono. ed., p. 481, reprinted from LMW, I, Letter 30)
>
>Would KH's comment ALSO cover the practices given in my recent email
>from John Powers' book on Tantra in Tibetan Buddhism?

What do you think?

>Furthermore, did Tsong Khapa actually state that:
>
>"in order to ATTAIN BUDDHAHOOD IN ONE LIFETIME IT IS NECESSARY TO USE AN
>"ACTION SEAL" (AN ACTUAL CONSORT), because the great power of practice
>with an actual [female] consort allows one to generate an illusory body
>that arises as a deity. . . ."?? [Caps added.]

Probably not, because it was not necessary for him to use a consort to
reach Buddhahood.  Using the consort is only one small element in the
vast sea of Tantra and there are other ways to increase energy and mental
focus that do not involve union.  HPB in BCW 4 (I think) mentioned a white
tantra.  Tantra is speedy, but not for the greedy.  Je Rinpoche warns
that the unqualified will end up in the lower realms; and he does not
mean the dangers just of the consort.  Tantra involves working
regularly & directly with what we call kama-manasic energies -- this
is rather like riding a tiger in hopes he will be tame when we step off.

>Also did Tsong Khapa actually write:  "A female companion is the basis
>of  accomplishment of liberation." [sbas don kun gsal,  f. 316]. Did he
>really mean an actual physical female companion or consort?

These one or two line quotes, even if accurate, are silly.  A yes, no or
maybe, on any one of them is not going to do anything but confuse.  A
qualified longtime practictioner of tantra could respond accurately and
fully, but we -- the non-practicing, non-buddhist, non-tibetan masses
would still not have a clue.

>And do the Gelukpas, including the current Dalai Lama, actually believe
>and teach that '. . . .Shakyamuni Buddha, in his last lifetime prior to
>enlightenment, used an Action Seal. . . ."?  And do they interpret
>"Action Seal" to mean an actual female consort who engaged in tantric
>sex with the Buddha?
>
>These are just some of the important questions that need to be answered,
>clarified, etc. in a Theosophical context, especially in light of what
>HPB and KH write about the Buddha and Tsong Khapa.

They may be important if one does not have confidence in the motives and
insight of HPB & the Adepts.  If she says, that Je Rinpoche and Gautama
Buddha were both rays from the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha, then there is no
way anything vile, base or corrupt could have been part of their spiritual
practices.  I would suggest we proceed step by step on our paths (which is
what Je Tsongkhapa & Buddha taught) and not worry over every conundrum
that we discover.

Most problems, intellectual or otherwise flow from our own ignorance;
which in spiritual matters is not solved by our present, gross mind.

--
<> Nicholas Weeks <> am455@lafn.org <> Los Angeles
  When the energy of life is released, may I behold clearly Amitabha
  Buddha, surrounded by his hosts of Bodhisattvas.  May my being be filled
  with faith and compassion!     Je Tsong khapa