Tantric initiation: 1 definition
Introduction:
Tantric initiation means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (mahayana)Tantric initiation was novel and different from earlier Indic forms of religious initiation, being not only “a preparation for a particular religious undertaking, but … also a transformative rite that purifies the soul”. This purification is achieved through an innovative ritual technology, using the power of mantras to destroy an individual’s karmas and connected rebirths at all reality levels (tattvas). This enables the Śaiva Guru to free the bound soul of all ties, and to guide the candidate to a cosmic level where he can either realize liberation through union with the highest form of Śiva, if he is a liberation seeker (mumukṣu), or attain divine powers, if he is a seeker of supernatural powers and enjoyments (bubhukṣu).
As such, Tantric initiation confers spiritual benefits to the candidate a priori to his practice. It is thus arguably the most powerful Tantric rite, designed in principle for practitioners who intend to devote their lives to the religion, as was probably the case in its original setting of esoteric, probably ascetic, circles.
Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Initiation, Tantra.
Full-text: Initiation, Bubhukshu, Saddharma.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Tantric initiation; (plurals include: Tantric initiations). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 1c - The Zur Geneology (ii): Zur chung shes rab grags pa < [Book 3 - Early translations of Secret Mantra]
Chapter 4 - Gampopa together with his monastery < [Book 8 - The famous Dakpo Kagyü (traditions)]
Reverberations of Dharmakirti’s Philosophy (by Birgit Kellner)
Shri Gaudiya Kanthahara (by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati)