Vajrayana
The Path of Thunder
Vajrayana, or the “Diamond Vehicle,” is a mystical branch of Buddhism that emphasizes direct, rapid realization of enlightenment. it integrates tantric methods, visualization, mantra, and ritual to transform ordinary experiences into sacred wisdom. Central to Vajrayana is the belief that the enlightened state already exists within. These series of teachings involve uncovering the enlightened state through devotion, inner yogas, and meditation practices
The path of thunder offers powerful tools that are highly relevant for modern life. Here we emphasize the direct transformation of mind and experience rather than escape from the world. Instead of rejecting emotions, thoughts, or challenges, we are taught how to transmute them into wisdom and compassion, seeing the world as sacred, shifting our perspective from disconnection to appreciation and presence
The path of thunder is structured in progressive levels, beginning with foundational training in meditation, and moves to more esoteric practices using symbolic imagery, mantra, and visualization to transform ordinary perception into enlightened awareness
During the course of these teachings we will explore among others:
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Ngöndro (Preliminaries): Refuge, bodhicitta cultivation, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offering, and guru yoga
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Yidam Practice (Deity Yoga): Visualization of enlightened forms such as Chenrezig (Avalokiteśvara), Tara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, or wrathful deities
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Mantra Recitation: Repetition of sacred syllables to purify speech and align with enlightened energy
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Mahamudra & Dzogchen: Advanced meditation systems that directly introduce the practitioner to the nature of mind
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Guru Yoga: Devotional practice merging the mind with the realized wisdom
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Chöd: Offering of the body in visualization to cut attachment and fear
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Tummo (Inner Heat Yoga): Subtle body practice working with channels and winds to generate bliss and realization
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Phowa: Consciousness transference at death for favorable rebirth or liberation
Additionally there will be work with other meditational deities, across the four tantric classes such as:
Peaceful Υidams
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Chenrezig (Avalokiteśvara): Embodiment of compassion
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Tārā (Green & White): Active compassionate saviour. Green for swift action, White for longevity
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Uṣṇīṣavijayā: Long-life goddess, with two arms or eight arms
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Sarasvatī: Goddess of learning, music, and eloquence
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Prajñāpāramitā: Personification of transcendent wisdom
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Sitātapatrā (White Parasol): Protective goddess against obstacles
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Manjushri: Embodiment of wisdom, holds flaming sword of discriminating awareness
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Vajrapāṇi: Embodiment of enlightened power
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Amitābha: Buddha of Infinite Light, associated with Dewachen (Sukhāvatī pure land)
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Amitāyus: Longevity aspect of Amitābha
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Medicine Buddha (Bhaiṣajyaguru): Healing and purification
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Samantabhadra (Kuntuzangpo): Primordial Buddha, naked in union with Samantabhadrī (Kuntuzangmo)
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Vajrasattva: Purification deity, Karmic cleansing
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Padmasambava: the guru principle, the heart of Vajrayana Buddhism
Wrathful Yidams
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Vajrabhairava (Yamāntaka): Wrathful conqueror of death
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Vajrapāṇi in Union: Power-focused Heruka forms
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Vajrakīlaya (Dorje Phurba): Wrathful remover of obstacles, dagger practice
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Hayagrīva: Wrathful form of compassion, with horse’s head
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Mahākāla (various forms): Protector deity and fierce aspect of Avalokiteśvara
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Chakrasamvara (Heruka): Union of bliss and emptiness, central Anuttarayoga tantra deity
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11 yogas of Vajrayoginī: Supreme female yidam, representing wisdom and direct path to realization
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Kālacakra: Wheel of Time deity, advanced highest yoga tantra system
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Ekajaṭī: Fierce protector, one-braided goddess, Dzogchen guardian
Other Important Yidams will be:
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Simhamukhā: Lion-headed wisdom Dakini
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Yeshe Tsogyal: the dakini of Padmasambava
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Kurukullā: Τhe Red Dakini who attracts favorable energies
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Troma Nagmo (Black Wrathful Mother): Chöd practice dakini
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Dorje Drolo: Wrathful form of Padmasambhava, subduing demons
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Chikse kundrol: Collection of teachings
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Black Manjushri: Wrathful form of the wisdom Buddha
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Dorje Gotrab: Wrathful for of Padmasambava
*Practices and yidams will be adapted according to the group’s needs and capacity
