Question asked by Chavonne
Good morning 🙏🏼
I am vegan and I have a deep connection with nature and our planet therefore Buddhism and the Lama Tsem Rinposche’s teachings/ wisdom comes naturally and I am in awe of his teachings. NOWHERE has any teacher cleared so much misunderstandings. I have also attended philosophy courses and meditate regularly.
This question is regarding understanding the word that n some of his articles, specifically the word “Tantra”. In Cape Town, South Africa many people talk about tantra like it is a “sexual” knowing and understanding of one’s body or is this just a case of Western society changing something which was sacred ?? Here is an example of a practitioner: https://www.yogasouthafrica.co.za/events-workshops/kama-yoga-traditional-tantra-yoga-with-valentina-leo
Love and light 🌸🌈
Dear Chavonne,
Thank you for your question. The word “tantra” and indeed the practices of tantra have definitely been corrupted in popular culture. People think it is just about, as you put it “sexual knowing and understanding of one’s body” or physical acts with a partner.
Tantra is actually a system of practice that leads to higher states of consciousness and ultimately enlightenment. The imagery used in tantra can be sexual in nature, but that doesn’t means its all about physical copulation. There is a lot of meaning behind all imagery in tantra, not necessarily corresponding to what we perceive is happening in the imagery itself.
Tsem Rinpoche has an old but very good teaching here: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tantra.html This is a very good introduction to what Tantra is in the Buddhist context.
In regards to the link you sent, this is from someone teaching Kashmiri Shaivism, which is a branch of tantra in Hinduism, not Buddhism. But the person has used an image of a Buddhist deity on the page. From what I understand of that tradition and the description on the page, this person seems to know what they are talking about.
I hope this helps.
May all be auspicious!