The Essential Guide to Vajrayana Buddhism Practice Methods

type

status

date

slug

summary

Overview of Vajrayana Buddhism

Many people consider Vajrayana Buddhism to be a highly mysterious school and often contrast it with exoteric Buddhism. In reality, Buddhism has no secrets; everything is open. Vajrayana is called "esoteric Buddhism" because it specializes in true word mantras, which are the secret languages of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from their inner realization. To prevent misuse or slander by those lacking proper understanding, these teachings are kept private from those who haven't received initiation.

Integration of Esoteric and Exoteric Buddhism Practice

In China's vast territory, Tibet is where esoteric Buddhism flourishes most. In Chinese Buddhist monasteries, ordained monks follow the precepts for self-cultivation while chanting sutras, reciting Buddha's names, and maintaining mantras – essentially practicing both esoteric and exoteric Buddhism. However, for followers of exoteric Buddhism, mantra practice is supplementary rather than primary. Many scriptures combine sutras and mantras, such as the Heart Sutra ending with the mantra "Gate gate pāragate pārasaṃgate bodhi svāhā," while the Medicine Buddha Sutra and Lotus Sutra also include dharani texts. These are examples of combining exoteric scriptures with esoteric mantras.

The Meaning and Function of Mantras

The primary practice in Vajrayana Buddhism is mantra recitation. Mantras, also called "dharani," translate to "true words" or "complete retention," meaning one mantra encompasses everything. Similar to reciting Amitabha Buddha's name, which is reciting the Buddha's name, this single phrase contains universal meaning.

For example:

Among the mantras transmitted in Vajrayana Buddhism, the most universal is the Six-Syllable Mantra, also called the Six-Syllable Great Bright Mantra – "Om Mani Padme Hum." This mantra is Buddha's true word with great power, capable of eliminating disasters, extending life, expelling evil, avoiding dangers, and fulfilling all wishes.

According to the Mahāyāna Magnificent Jewel King Sutra, reciting this mantra brings inconceivable merit, eliminates all disasters and illnesses, and ensures rebirth in the highest level of the Pure Land after death, with all other wishes fulfilled. The sutra states:

[Original sutra quotes translated with maintained reverence and meaning...]

Reciting the Six-Syllable Mantra not only eliminates one's karmic obstacles and perfects all merits and bodhi, leading to liberation, but also benefits relatives and all sentient beings, helping them escape suffering and attain peace. The excellence and profundity of this Six-Syllable Mantra can be glimpsed from the above scripture passages. When reciting mantras, one must maintain firm faith without doubt; simply continuing single-minded recitation naturally brings results.

Additionally, mantra recitation has these merits:

Develops wisdom

Enhances mindfulness

Eliminates disasters

Accumulates positive dharma

Prevents evils

Most importantly, mantra recitation requires the unity of three secrets: First - Hand mudras for body secret Second - Mantra recitation for speech secret Third - Seed syllable visualization for mind secret

When these three secrets unite – simultaneously maintaining mudras, reciting mantras, and visualizing seed syllables – the merit becomes even greater.

Even if one cannot recite mantras themselves, simply hearing others recite is beneficial, as it plants karmic seeds for future human and heavenly rewards. Of course, it's best to listen, believe, practice, and maintain without forgetting. If one can practice mantras well and integrate them into daily life, it will surely bring mental peace and wisdom growth.

Five Methods of Mantra Recitation

Lotus Recitation: Reciting smoothly and clearly with familiarity.

Vajra Recitation: Closing the mouth and reciting silently in the mind. Though silent, each syllable should be clear in the mind.

Samadhi Recitation: Keeping mouth and tongue still, settling the mind in meditation, then visualizing the mantra's characters.

Deep Recitation: Visualizing a lotus flower before you with a white conch shell atop it, following the Sanskrit sounds emanating from the shell.

Light Recitation: While reciting "Om Mani Padme Hum," visualize light emerging from your mouth unifying with the principal deity Buddha (Mahavairocana), meaning your nature and the Buddha's dharmakaya are inseparable.

These are the meanings and methods of Vajrayana mantra practice.

How to Enter the Door of Vajrayana Buddhism

In Vajrayana Buddhism, becoming an official Buddhist requires taking refuge in the Three Jewels. Taking refuge shows faith in Buddhism and willingness to follow Buddhist teachings as life guidance, known as the "Three Refuges."

While exoteric Buddhism teaches Three Refuges, esoteric Buddhism requires Six Refuges. Beyond the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), one must also take refuge in the Guru, Principal Deity, and Dharma Protectors. In Venerable Yin Shun's "The Way to Buddhahood," it's recorded that Master Dayong, a disciple of Master Taixu, wanted to study esoteric Buddhism in Tibet and, following esoteric tradition, invited a dharma protector for support. However, he accidentally invited a fox spirit who scolded him: "You cannot study esoteric Buddhism in Tibet. If you insist, I will disrupt your practice." This left Master Dayong in a difficult position. While inviting dharma protectors to protect practice centers can be good, deities, like ghosts, have emotions. If one cannot satisfy them, it may bring trouble.

Since Vajrayana Buddhism rituals are very complex, including empowerments and mudras, they're not easy to learn. If one wishes to specifically practice Vajrayana, beyond the Six Refuges, one must follow a qualified guru with proper understanding and vision for proper learning. Ordinarily, we can practice exoteric methods while reciting Vajrayana mantras, achieving the effect of combined practice.