RELS 1506 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Mahayana, Sentience, Lightning
20 Feb 2017
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Have both teachings from mahayana and theravada traditions: also called. Concept of tantric: tantra: (cid:862)(cid:449)ea(cid:448)e(cid:863), (cid:862)(cid:449)arp(cid:863) Refers to range of religious practices and philosophies that had evolved. No form of medieval hinduism, buddhism, jainism has been without tantric component: however, there are some commonalities. Main unifying concept of tantra: attempt to place desire in service of liberation. Use kama(desire) and all aspects of the world to gain: Through indulgence in desires, use the knowledge of its true nature to make the world better. E(cid:454): o(cid:448)erindulge in desire so it"s no longer desired or so (cid:455)ou learn why you desire it. Lotus sutra: story of father and sons. House on fire and 3 kids still inside. Father tricks kids into leaving house: upaya: skillful means. Develops from seeing all things as ultimately empty of inherent existence. Heart sutra: very popular today mahayana. Ex: japan, china, tibet: discusses emptiness. Multiple buddhas-mahayana: distinction between buddha and arhat.
