Known as the lightning vehicle towards buddhahood for the sake of all, and like all rocket ships, needs careful preparation and guidance!

Learn the meaning of tantra, how tantra works and why it is such a powerful form of practice. Get an overview of the four classes of tantra and learn how to practice simple kriya tantric methods. Find out how to integrate the practices of tantra with lam rim meditation for optimal results.

The aim of this course is to help you make an informed decision about embarking on the tantric path. We will be able to clear up any misunderstandings so you can make your decision from a place of wisdom and compassion.

Topics covered:

• Foundation of success in tantra is the Three Principal Aspects of the Path
• Uniqueness of tantra, and the differences between sutra and tantra
• Deity yoga using the 1,000 Chenrezig practice as an example
• Four classes of tantra, focusing on lower tantra
• Two stages of Highest Yoga Tantra and how it is different
• Preliminary practices (overview and purpose) to get the very best results
• How to set up and do deity retreats with lam rim
• Importance of Guru devotion for our safe journey and development

Course Outline

1.  What if you could become a buddha in less time that it takes to enter the Olympics? Overview of the Greater and Lesser vehicles, and the differences between the Perfection vehicle and the Tantra vehicles. How the six names of tantra highlight the unique characteristics of the tantric path.

2.  Ladies and Gentlemen – Are we ready?! Why the Three Principal Aspects Path – renunciation, bodhicitta and correct view – must be the foundation of our tantric practice. The responsibilities of a student, and the qualities to look for in finding a guru.

3. Getting your license to drive the tantric vehicle. The three gates to enter tantra – refuge, bodhicitta and empowerment. Review the vows and samayas for each level, and what exactly is an initiation? Based on this, how to decide if we are ready to take an initiation.

4.  How much bliss can we handle before we go berserk? How to bring all emotions onto the path. The four classes of tantra, and the differences between them and commitments for each. How to figure out what level initiation it is.

5.  No substantial cause? No Buddhahood! Overview of the four buddha bodies. The four complete results of a buddha and the meditations that are their substantial cause, including the different types of offerings and the distinct purposes for each. How to visualize even if you think you can’t.

6.  The path of action tantra, using scientific taxonomy and the Chenrezig Nyung-Ne practice as an example. Why we cultivate clear appearance and divine pride. Understanding the structure of a sadhana practice. The yoga with signs to generate calm abiding, and yoga without signs to generate special insight.

7.  The path of highest yoga tantra (HYT). A psychic anatomy lesson with a brief explanation of the coarse and subtle levels of body and mind. The two stages of HYT – generation stage taking death, intermediate state and rebirth onto the path; and completion stage, arising into the rainbow body of a buddha.

8.  The ultimate holiday – setting up a retreat. Practicing in four sessions, reciting the mantra correctly. Meeting the maestro – the importance of guru devotion, and discovering who is the guru, really? The rarity of tantra and the crucial factors for success on the tantric path.