FAQs
What is samsara? What is the cycle of reincarnation?
In Buddhism, living beings are divided into six categories: heavenly beings, asuras or demi-gods, human beings, animals, hungry ghosts, and those in hell. It is generally understood that each category of living beings has its own realm of existence. Migration through these six realms is known as samsara, a Sanskrit term for wandering. However, viewed from another angle, one can find these six modes of existence in just the human realm alone. Many of us have experienced these states.
What is a vajra master and how can I find the right one?
The practice of esoteric Buddhism depends on establishing the proper relationship with an authentic vajra master. This requires that a karmic affinity exists between the master and the disciple. A disciple must carefully choose his or her master and the master must select the disciple as well to determine whether or not the potential disciple is a suitable vessel to receive and understand the teachings of Buddhism. An unqualified disciple is not allowed to receive the great tantra. Once the relationship between a disciple and a vajra master is established, the disciple must respect his or her master as a Buddha throughout his or her lifetime. Once you have found an authentic master, you should begin to learn the teachings in a fully committed, whole-hearted way. If there are Bodhisattva masters present, you should learn from them. The rules of the dharma require that you must learn from your vajra master in order to attain accomplishment.
Meditation (Samadhi)
So let’s start with the purpose of practicing Buddhism or becoming a Buddhist. We have stressed the “practice” of esoteric Buddhism, which includes studying both the exoteric (Tripitaka) and the secret esoteric (Tantra) scriptures of the Buddha and cultivating yourself so as to become enlightened or liberated from the cycle of birth and death. Esoteric Buddhism includes the more secret or tantric teachings, but both esoteric and exoteric paths are authentic ways to train your mind. Cultivation is merely putting into practice in your daily life and in your dealings with other living beings what you have learned from the teachings of the Buddha. You could say it is managing your karma. You don’t eliminate your negative karma, but you push it back by only accumulating good karma so you can start to experience the good fortune that results from doing good.
Supernormal Dharma Powers
The five great supernormal powers or superknowledges (abhijna) are 1) rddhi-saksatkriya: the ability to be anywhere or do anything at will including flying through the air and performing other miracles; 2) divyasrotra: the ability to hear sounds anywhere including those that normally cannot be heard, such as the sounds of ants walking or sounds emanating from a far away place, even in another realm of existence. This is also known as clairaudience or “the divine ear;” 3) paracittajnana: the ability to know the thoughts or read the minds of other beings; 4) purvanivasanu-smrtijnana: the ability to recollect previous existences or past-lives of oneself and others; and 5) divyacakus: instantaneous view of anything anywhere including the ability to see things that occur outside one’s presence, such as things happening at a far away place, even in another realm of existence. This is also known as clairvoyance or “the divine eye.” The sixth supernormal power (asavakkhaya) is unique to Buddhism and enhances the powers of the other five. Non-Buddhist can achieve the first five powers, but without the wisdom that comes from complete enlightenment they are not as great as those available to a Buddha.
What Are Saints or Holy Beings in Buddhism?
[pp 24-25] “It is through the understanding and practice of the Buddha-dharma that one becomes a holy person. Sainthood in Buddhism has a somewhat different meaning than that held in Christianity although both refer to people who live an exceptionally holy life, are very compassionate, and can demonstrate certain “miracles.” In Buddhism it also means one who has become enlightened—been liberated from the cycle of reincarnation and all its related suffering. The Christian saint aspires to be born in the Christian heaven, but this is not the goal of a Buddhist…
The Ways to Become a Holy Being or Saint
These charts are representative of how one progresses on the path to Buddhahood and the belief that all sentient beings are on such a path, even if that is not yet their conscious goal. They are very simplified and do not reflect many of the details or nuances within the various categories. The first chart shows the difference in goals, in general terms, among the world religions and the two main branches of Buddhism. The second chart provides basic information about what the other religions and the four categories of Buddhist practice include—the level of attainment involved in each and the time required to become accomplished. The third chart lists some of the vows and actual practices done in each of these categories. Please remember that the charts represent generalizations about the various systems of belief and are not absolutely true for any given practitioner within that system.
The Quick Path to Enlightenment
Shakyamuni Buddha taught 84,000 methods on how to become enlightened and leave the suffering of ordinary existence and the vicious cycle of reincarnation. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III has told us that Shakyamuni Buddha only taught about 30% of what he knew, because that was all the people of His time were able to accept. Although many of the original teachings have been lost or corrupted, many do still exist. The Vajrasana Temple recognizes and supports any authentic system of practice taught by the Buddha. However, we teach and practice the vajrayana teachings of both Shakyamuni Buddha and His teacher H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III as a quick path to enlightenment, which can enable you to become enlightened in this lifetime. From the chart on the various paths to become a holy person, you will see that the Vajrayana includes all of the exoteric teachings of the Mahayana and Lesser Vehicles.
Still have questions?
We welcome your sincere inquiries. Please feel free to contact us, and we’ll do our best to respond with care and clarity.