I. The Diamond Way

Tibetan Vajrayana (the Adamantine Path) is both a mystical and practical approach to spirituality. It does not just present theories or philosophy, but is based on the direct experience of spiritual realities—realities which are far outside the scope of static ideas and rigid concepts. It presents a means and methods to touch these greater realities. But this requires a transformation of the individual, in which they embrace the vast potential that is their human birthright. Such a change eradicates the very roots of many branched-tree of personal confusion and limitation. And through this transformation, one gains the ability to benefit others in immeasurable ways.

Vajrayana—The Diamond Path—is a unique blend of three major spiritual streams: Monastic Buddhism, Tantra and Shamanism.

Monastic.

From the 9th century on, the great Buddhist traditions of ancient India brought a highly structured system of philosophy, ritual practice and conduct to Tibet. Centered on a hierarchy of religious clergy, this monastic system adapted well to the temple complexes that become the great centers of learning in the isolated Land of Snows. The well-defined Mahayana spiritual path is designed to achieve the two benefits: ultimate wisdom for oneself and compassionate regard for all sentient beings. Simultaneous with this tradition of celibate monks and nuns came that of the Ngakpa or Yogi. Instead of the many rules of the monastic Vinaya, they lived in the general community, often marrying and raising a family. This proximity to “mundane life” allowed them to focus more on the shamanic aspects of Vajrayana, enriching and spiritualizing daily life with all its sufferings, struggles and necessities.

Tantra.

Beneath the surface of monastic or yogic communities is the core of Vajrayana: the teachings and practice that developed from 400 AD to 1200 AD in various areas of the Indian subcontinent. The teachings began entering Tibet around 800 AD and  would do so in successive waves over the next centuries, even while these teachings were lost or destroyed in India itself. Tantric practices involve self-visualization as a Deity, the effective use of mantra, and profound secret methods to work with the chakras and energy channels of the body. These include the famous Six Dharmas of Dream Yoga, Clear Light, Inner Heat and so on. Tantra also brought a complex set of ritual implements and instruments, dress, and the adoption of a non-conventional lifestyle—all designed to aid in liberating the mind from layers of fixation and limitation. Tantra is the “fast path,” with the potential for creating a Light Body in one lifetime. But it is also quite demanding and even dangerous for the unprepared.

Shamanism.

Shamanic methods are part of ancient folk religion, whose roots are lost in the mists of time. Among all the world’s indigenous people, there have been priests, medicine men, healers and seers  who specialize in manipulations of the invisible realms of energy and spirit. In Tibet, the native Bön shamanic traditions had mature and effective ways to control the weather, prevent misfortune, heal the sick, predict the future, aid in the journey of the after-life and more. Ever pragmatic, Vajrayana incorporated numerous aspects of shamanic spiritual technology, including land healing, soul retrieval, and ways to deal with non-human entities, such as earth spirits and malicious demons. These methods were melded with the power of tantric mantra and visualization, along with the compassionate wisdom of Mahayana Buddhism.