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41
Tantra, Middle Path of Accumulation

This second class of the tantras is known as "the practice of both" (ubhaya-carya-tantra) , for it combines outer and inner yoga. Again the deity is generated in front of one, but this time "like a brother or a friend." This yoga centers on the chanting of mantras; it is classified as yoga-with-image (union with the visualized deity) and yoga-without-image (union with the deity governed by emptiness) .In the former type, while the mantra is repeated, the yogi rests his or her mind in the heart of the deity. Mindfulness of breath (considered "the steed of thought") is practiced to stabilize the meditative image and eliminate discursive thought; thus calm is developed. In the yoga-without-image, one focuses on emptiness; thus insight grows.

Other meditative rituals in this class of tantra procure occult powers through the magical manipulation of objects such as a sword, just as in the Pali tradition magical powers are attained by meditating on the great elements-earth, air, fire, and water-until their essential nature has been grasped.

The carya class of tantras is seldom practiced in Tibet; yogis tend to move from the activity tantra to the supreme tantra stage. The chief text of this class is the Mahii-vairocana, which is the basis of tantric practice in

China and J apan.

Don't concentrate on yourself, restricting your breath.

Fie, yogin, don't squint at the end of your nose.

O fool, hold fast to the Innate,

And abandon the clinging bonds of existence.

Bring together in thought the restless waves of breath.

Then know the true nature of the Innate.

And this becomes still of itself.

After throwing:

"One," go to Potala (No.60) ;

"two," go to Tantra, Greater Accumulation (No.42 ) ;

"three," go to Shambhala (No.59);

"five," go to Wisdom-Holder of the Desire Gods (No.67) ;

"six," go to Tantra, Lesser Accumulation (No.33 ) .

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33
Tantra, Lesser Path of Accumulation

Here, at the beginning of substantial tantric practice, one engages in the tantra of activity (kriya-tantra). Although the highest attainment (siddhi) gained from any tantric meditation is the understanding of the emptiness of all phenomena, the tantras are classified and graded in terms of outer versus inner practice. The activity tantra is especially concerned with the purification of elements of the inner world and the outer world. In it one's self and outer appearances are transformed by the identification of one's ego with the nature of the deity being visualized,

one's speech with its mantra, and one's surroundings with its pure land. Thus self and appearances are transmuted in meditation into the loveliness and purity of the Awakened state. If reality is the play of appearances, molded by karma but arising from emptiness, the aim of tantra is its intentional reformation.

According to the Old School, in the activity tantra the deity, a Buddha or bodhisattva, is only visualized in front of one, in the manner of "master and servant." One then takes siddhi from it. The attainments on this level -before one has made the deity one's self-are generally more ordinary than the supreme attainment, Buddhahood. The danger is that one may practice magic without compassion. The rites of subjugation and so forth

are based on the mental reformation of reality. By learning them without a proper commitment to the path of helping others, one's selfishness will only be reinforced. Hence this path may lead to the most harrowing of hellish states.

Nonetheless, if done under proper initiation and guidance, the activity tantra, with its emphasis on outer ritual, offerings, and chanting, will ac- complish the accumulation of merit. One ideally will make the best sort of offering: one's own concentrated reverence and powers of attention.

If distracted thoughts still haunt your mind,

After throwing:

"One," go to Tantra, Middle Accumulation (No.41 ) ;

"two," go to Tantra, Greater Accumulation (No.42 ) ;

"five," go to Rudra (No.16) ;

"six," go to Vajra Hell (No.1) .

Never claim that you observe the tantric precepts,

Lest you should fall into the Vajra Hell.

Rebirth