SHINAY MEDITATION (silent meditation)
Shinay (calm abiding) Meditation is the fundamental practice of all Buddhist traditions. Instruction in Shinay meditation is available at the center each Sunday morning.
TRADITIONAL MANTRA MEDITATION
Vajrayana,
which is also called Tantrayana, is a subdivision of the Mahayana.
It is the Buddhism practiced in Tibet and referred to as Tibetan Buddhism.
Vajrayana is based upon both the Theravadin and general Mahayana practices.
Before entering into the Vajrayana, we must be well-trained in renunciation,
the heart dedicated to attaining enlightenment for the benefit of
all sentient beings (bodhicitta), and the wisdom realizing the emptiness
of inherent existence. Then, we take an initiation from a qualified
tantric master and protect the tantric vows and commitments that are
received at the time of initiation. On the basis of this, we can receive
instructions and engage in the Vajrayana meditation practice.
One meditation technique used in the Vajrayana is reciting a mantra while visualizing ourselves as the deity and our environment as the mandala or the environment of the deity. By visualizing in such a way, we transform our ordinary poor self-image into that of the deity and thus try to cultivate such noble qualities in our own mindstream. Vajrayana also contains techniques for transforming death, the intermediate state and rebirth into the body and mind of a Buddha. There are also special meditative techniques to develop calm abiding (samatha) as well as to make manifest an extremely subtle mind which, when realizing emptiness, becomes very powerful in quickly cleansing the defilements. It is for this reason that Vajrayana can bring enlightenment in this very lifetime to a qualified and well-trained disciple, who practices under the guidance of a fully-qualified tantric master.
Buddhist Tantra is not the same as Hindu Tantra. Nor is it some kind of practice of magic. Some people have written books about Vajrayana with incorrect information and interpretations. Therefore, if we wish to learn about this, it is important either to read books by a knowledgeable author or seek instruction from a qualified master.
Prayers