How Tantra fits into the path

Part of a course introducing tantra hosted by Thubten Norbu Ling in April 2023.

  • Find a positive motivation – Bodhicitta, or other altruistic motivation
  • The history of Tantra including
    • How Tantra fits into overall framework of Buddhism
    • Prerequisites
    • Features that distinguish it from other forms
  • Common misconceptions about Tantra
  • The spread of Tantra, and the problem with the misconceptions
  • The importance of a grounding in Foundational and Mahayana practices.
  • The 3 principals of the path required for practicing Tantra

Venerable Sangye Khadro

California-born, Venerable Sangye Khadro ordained as a Buddhist nun at Kopan Monastery in 1974 and is a longtime friend and colleague of Abbey founder Venerable Thubten Chodron. She took bhikshuni (full) ordination in 1988. While studying at Nalanda Monastery in France in the 1980s, she helped to start the Dorje Pamo Nunnery, along with Venerable Chodron. Venerable Sangye Khadro has studied with many Buddhist masters including Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, and Khensur Jampa Tegchok. At her teachers’ request, she began teaching in 1980 and has since taught in countries around the world, occasionally taking time off for personal retreats. She served as resident teacher in Buddha House, Australia, Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore, and the FPMT centre in Denmark. From 2008-2015, she followed the Masters Program at the Lama Tsong Khapa Institute in Italy. Venerable has authored a number books found here, including the best-selling How to Meditate. She has taught at Sravasti Abbey since 2017 and is now a full-time resident.

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