Theos-Talk Archives (December 1998 Message tt00008)

Dan:
>>>And do the Gelukpas, including the current Dalai Lama, actually believe
>>>and teach that '. . . .Shakyamuni Buddha, in his last lifetime prior to
>>>enlightenment, used an Action Seal. . . ."?  And do they interpret
>>>"Action Seal" to mean an actual female consort who engaged in tantric
>>>sex with the Buddha?
>
>Yes, the Tantras give an alternate, hidden view of Buddhas enlightenment.
>As for the physical, action seal part -- I am still looking for a quote.

Found one. See OVERVIEW OF BUDDHIST TANTRA by Panchen Sonam Dragpa, pp.
3-8. In one tantric version he is told by previous Buddhas that he will
not reach buddhahood by samadhi alone.  He is taken to a pure land to
practice special tantric methods, which do not inlude a goddess.  In
another, higher tantra he is taken to a pure land where part his practice
does include the goddess Tilottama. When he leaves his subtle body behind
in the pure land he comes to earth where eventually he does meet the
goddess Tilottama again.  But this is a very small aspect of his spiritual
practice, even in the tantric tradition.

--
<> Nicholas Weeks <> am455@lafn.org <> Los Angeles
  When the energy of life is released, may I behold clearly Amitabha
  Buddha, surrounded by his hosts of Bodhisattvas.  May my being be filled
  with faith and compassion!     Je Tsong khapa