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Buddhist tantric practice is a method for quickly gaining realizations like great compassion and wisdom. In this episode, we explore the stage of tantra in which imagine our self as an awakened being. Called generation stage tantra, this is a technique for becoming more and more familiar with the thoughts and actions of an enlightened being until awakening is actualized through much-repeated practice. Ultimately tantra is a quick method to realize emptiness and compassion for all living beings.\\xa0

In the meditation, we imagine our body and mind becoming a wishfulling jewel filled with light and as vast as the universe. We also try to perceive the experiences of our life, our thoughts, pleasant/unpleasant feelings, and this body as clouds passing through our vast, sky-like mind. We then contemplate the suffering of someone or a group of living beings. We try to imagine what it is really like for them, what their days and nights are like, until we generate heart-felt compassion. Then we imagine this compassion causes our mind to expand and become a wishfulfilling jewel, radiating light and as big as the universe. We then send light rays out to each and every living being, imagining we bring them temporary happiness and then the lasting inner peace of awakening.\\xa0

We can do this tantric meditation every day if we wish. The point of this type of practice is to experience and awaken to our true nature, great compassion and wisdom, which is intrinsically present in everyone. For our daily mindfulness practice, can send light rays from our heart to anyone we see suffering at any time. We do not need to close our eyes to do this practice, just send them light. We can also try to experience our mind as sky-like and our feelings and thoughts as clouds, just passing through. In this way, we can feel a little less affected by our passing feelings.

The person of little learning\\xa0

Grows old like an ox:\\xa0

The flesh increases,\\xa0

But insight does not. (152)\\xa0

\\xa0

Through many births\\xa0

I have wandered on and on,\\xa0

Searching for, but never finding,\\xa0

The builder of [this] house.\\xa0

To be born again and again is suffering.

\\xa0

House-builder, you are seen!\\xa0

You will not build a house again!\\xa0

All the rafters are broken,\\xa0

The ridgepole destroyed;\\xa0

The mind, gone to the\\xa0

Unconstructed,

Has reached the end of craving! (153\\u2013154)*\\xa0

\\xa0

Those who have neither lived the chaste life\\xa0

Nor gained wealth in their youth\\xa0

Waste away like frail herons\\xa0

In a lake devoid of fish. (155)*\\xa0

\\xa0

Those who have neither lived the chaste life\\xa0

Nor gained wealth in their youth\\xa0

Lie around like [arrows misfired] from a bow, Lamenting the past.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References:

Buddha, The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. Shambala, 2011. pp. 21-22.