Theos-Talk Archives (December 1998 Message tt00007)

Dan:
>>"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.]

It is only "necessary" for certain practitioners at certain times and
only because they are not qualified for the higher methods.

>>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?

Not for all, but sometimes for some.  Read Lama Yeshe's INTRODUCTION TO
TANTRA or PATHS AND GROUNDS OF GUHYASAMAJA...(not by Lama Y.) to get an
idea of how much more there is to Tantra than union.  The present Dalai
Lama (254-55) in THE GELUG/KAGYU TRADITION OF MAHAMUDRA talks about the
karmamudra and the rationale and danger of using one. He also writes:

"It is not absolutely mandatory to rely on a physical karmamudra partner."

>>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?

Yes, the Tantras give an alternate, hidden view of Buddhas enlightenment.
As for the physical, action seal part -- I am still looking for a quote.

But remember that Jivanmuktas, Bodhisattvas, & Adepts of all stripes have
been produced for ages (and will be) without tantra.  The main reason for
tantra is 1) speed of accomplishment and 2) to build a body of light which
is close enough to our physical, fleshy matter to be able to influence
mankind more directly for good.  HPB writes of Adepts building their
mayavirupas which might be the same (or similar) to this rainbow body of
light that tantrikas aim for.  But she also mentions that the dark forces
also can build mayavirupas.


--
<> 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