Episode 21: Tantric Saints in Indian Buddhism




Dharma Ocean show

Summary: In this symposium lecture, given at Stanford University in 2009, Reggie discusses the prototype of the tantric saint in ancient India. As he explains, the tantric path is distinguished from other forms of Buddhism by several characteristics: an emphasis on enlightened female lineage holders, an embrace of ordinary "householder" lifestyles, and a recognition of the liberatory potential of desire, anger, and other so-called "defiled" mind states. However, although the Vajrayana tradition is unique in its unconventional expression of the dharma, it nevertheless shares a basic understanding of emptiness that is common to all Buddhist lineages. To download more of Reggie’s teachings, find out about upcoming retreats, and explore a variety of audio listening guides to assist you on your spiritual journey please visit dharmaocean.org/welcome.