Question asked by Dongho
What are the views of Kundalini yoga and the 7 chakra meditation? Hinduism has the 7 chakras and since Buddhism originated from Hinduism, isn't it okay to perform it?
Is this video on Vajrayogini practice real or is it a new age fraud?
Apart from Guru Rinpoche, has any other beings reached the rainbow body enlightenment?
Did Guru Rinpoche, Milarepa, Naropa, and Marpa reach Nirvana?
Dear Dongho,
Thank you for your very interesting questions. Within Tibetan Buddhist practice different tantric systems enumerate the chakras in different ways, depending on the methods and meditations that particular tantra emphasises. That being said the purpose of tantra is to move the winds and energies within the body in order to gain high realisations and ultimately enlightenment.
The Hindu system of Kundalini yoga and the Buddhist tantric systems differ in their approach, benefits, methods and reasons for moving the energies within the body, though both originate in India. It is better to stick with one path and go all the way. For example if you are practicing Kundalini yoga, you approach the practice from the Hindu tradition, and in the case of Buddhist tantra, you approach the practice from a Buddhist viewpoint. Therefore if one is Hindu, you should stick with Hindu approaches and if Buddhist then stick with Buddhist approaches.
Since both systems move the energies within the body, it is a must that one learn how to engage in the practice properly, under a qualified guru who can teach you the correct methods of practice. If you do not practice properly, there is danger within both systems of physical and mental harm occurring, due to lack of understanding of what to do and also incorrect methods.
In regards to the Vajrayogini video that you shared, I am of the impression that it is not in keeping with the traditional practices as taught in Tibetan Buddhism. While there are physical exercises one can practice, the majority of the practice for Vajrayogini focuses inwards, therefore there is not much physical movement involved. It is these inner meditations that move the energies within the body, and not the movements as shown in the video. Physical movements and breathing exercises do help with the movement of energies within the body, however not to the extent as in Vajrayogini’s holy practice.
In regards to the rainbow body enlightenment, yes there are many recorded instances of high level practitioners achieving this state. The ‘rainbow body’ method of enlightenment is just one way to achieve enlightenment within Tibetan Buddhism. Rainbow body actually means the Sambhogakaya of an enlightened being. Another method using which one can attain enlightenment is following the tantric systems as preserved and spread by Lama Tsongkhapa. In these tantric systems, one can achieve complete enlightenment at the time of death. Instead of entering the bardo state between rebirths that comes about due to karma, one can achieve enlightenment at the very time of one’s death in this life.
Yes, all of the great masters you have mentioned reached full and complete enlightenment. I hope this helps.
Thank you.