What is Tantra?
The word Tantra (तन्त्र) comes from Sanskrit and means “technique”. In Newar Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, Tantra represents a set of practices designed to accelerate the path to enlightenment. Vajrayana is often called “Tantric Buddhism” because it emphasizes these techniques. A practitioner of Tantra, known as a Tantric, is someone who applies specific techniques to achieve spiritual (inner self) awakening faster. This technical approach distinguishes Vajrayana from other forms of Buddhism, making it a more direct and efficient path for those seeking enlightenment.
Understanding Enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism
In Vajrayana Buddhism, enlightenment is the ultimate state of awakening, where one transcends the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It is a profound realization of the nature of reality, marked by compassion, wisdom, and freedom from suffering. Vajrayana practitioners believe that through the use of Tantra and other methods, enlightenment can be achieved not over lifetimes but within a single lifetime.
What is Mantra?
A mantra (मन्त्र) is a powerful “formula” or “tool” used in spiritual practices to focus the mind, cultivate mindfulness, or achieve a particular state of being. It often consists of words, phrases, or sounds that are repeated silently or aloud during meditation or prayer. Mantras help calm the mind, connect with spiritual energy, and bring clarity and peace. In essence, a mantra is a mental device that aids in personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Tantra and Mantra in Daily Life: An Example
To understand Tantra and Mantra, consider a simple example. In Western culture, when someone struggles to sleep, they may be advised to count sheep: “One sheep, two sheep, three sheep…” In other cultures, people might count numbers instead: “One, two, three…” The underlying Tantra (technique) in both cases is the act of counting, which helps focus and calm the mind. The specific Mantra (formula) is either the image of sheep or the numbers being counted. This practice exemplifies how Tantra and Mantra work together to guide the mind toward a desired state, in this case, falling asleep.
Does counting sheep or numbers always work? The straightforward answer is no. Like any tool created by humans, their effectiveness depends on how they are used. Even the most advanced technologies like AI, machines, smartphones, or electricity grids, can fail if not handled correctly. Research studies conducted at renowned institutions like Oxford and Harvard found that the practice of counting sheep was not consistently effective.
However, when tools are used with the right mindset and focus, their chances of success increase significantly. Similarly, techniques like counting sheep or numbers can calm the mind and lead to sleep, but only if the practitioner truly believes in the method and directs their full attention to it. This focus gradually soothes the mind, enabling a state of calm that allows the desired outcome to manifest. This principle also applies to Tantra and Mantra, where belief and mindfulness play a vital role in achieving success.
Real-Life Experiment with Mantra: Mr. Bajracharya’s True Story
In the Bajracharya tradition, the use of a daily ritual mantra, known as the Nhikan Mantra (न्हिकं मन्त्र) in the Newar language, holds profound significance. This mantra, called the Mool Mantra, is believed to be sacred and carries the power to protect its practitioner from obstacles and misfortune. The Sanskrit version of this mantra is ॐ खण्डरोही हूँ फट् (Om Khandarohi Hum Phat). However, because this mantra was historically kept secret within the Bajracharya community, many Bajracharyas, even today, are unaware of its exact pronunciation or meaning. Read more on Bajracharya Mool Mantra…
A Story of Faith and Resilience
One remarkable study of the power of a mantra comes from the life of Mr. Bajracharya (real name is kept anonymous here for privacy), a dedicated practitioner who had deep faith in the Bajracharya Mool Mantra. Throughout his life, he faced numerous hardships, including getting lost in a dense forest, enduring severe health issues, and navigating financial challenges. Despite these difficulties, he firmly believed that the mantra shielded him from harm and guided him toward overcoming every obstacle. In times of distress, he consistently chanted (japa, जप) Bajracharya Mool Mantra to find strength and guidance.
Interestingly, Mr. Bajracharya unknowingly mispronounced the mantra throughout his life, saying “Om Khando Hum Phat” instead of the correct version, “Om Khandarohi Hum Phat”. Nevertheless, this did not diminish its effectiveness of Mantra for him. His belief and intent gave the mantra its power, not the precision of its pronunciation.
The Real Power of a Mantra
This study illustrates a crucial aspect of Tantra and Mantra: their effectiveness depends on the faith and intent of the practitioner. Mr. Bajracharya’s belief in the mantra instilled him with resilience, confidence, and a sense of control over life’s challenges. It became a mental tool for self-discipline, helping him remain calm and focused during trying times.
Even when he passed the mantra to his family, they too mispronounced it for years, yet experienced its benefits. This underscores that the true essence of a mantra lies in its ability to help a person channel their inner strength and focus their mind. The mantra acts as a medium for self-realization, not as a magical incantation.
Mantra as a Tool for Self-Discipline
Mantras (formulas) are deeply tied to the principles of Tantra (technique), which emphasize the use of practical techniques to achieve spiritual growth. When reciting a mantra, the repetitive sound anchors the mind, fostering a state of mindfulness and focus. This disciplined practice cultivates a calm, clear mind, enabling practitioners to face life’s challenges with resilience and wisdom.
For Mr. Bajracharya, the mantra served as a daily ritual of self-reflection and empowerment. His story highlights that the true magic of Tantra and Mantra is not in mysticism but in their ability to inspire faith, foster self-discipline, and guide individuals toward self-realization. By relying on these tools, anyone can build inner strength, navigate life’s obstacles, and progress on the path to enlightenment.
The Lesson from Mr. Bajracharya’s life
The journey of Mr. Bajracharya teaches an invaluable lesson: the power of a mantra does not rest in perfection but in intention. His belief in the mantra and his own abilities exemplify the transformative potential of combining faith with practice. This is the heart of Tantra and Mantra, a pathway to unlock the immense power within ourselves.
Conclusion: The Essence of Tantra and Mantra
Tantra and Mantra in Newar Buddhism are profound tools for spiritual growth and self-realization. Tantra provides the techniques, while Mantra offers the focus needed to direct the mind. Together, they guide practitioners toward self-discipline, inner peace, and ultimately enlightenment.
The true power of Tantra and Mantra lies not in rituals or perfect execution but in belief, intent, and self-awareness. The true story of Mr. Bajracharya exemplifies how faith in a mantra, combined with the belief in one’s own strength, can lead to overcoming obstacles and achieving personal transformation. These practices are not magical solutions; they are practical tools for cultivating self-control, discipline, and a deeper connection to the path of enlightenment. By using Tantra and Mantra, anyone can tap into their inner potential, face life’s challenges with resilience, and make meaningful progress on their spiritual journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Tantra in Newar Buddhism?
Tantra, in Newar Buddhism, refers to a set of techniques used to accelerate the path to enlightenment. It’s often called Tantric Buddhism because it emphasizes these methods for the growth of one’s inner self.
2. How does Mantra work in Buddhism?
A Mantra is a word, phrase, or sound repeated during meditation or prayer to help focus the mind, calm emotions, and connect with spiritual energy. It is a tool for mindfulness and self-discipline.
3. What does enlightenment mean in Vajrayana Buddhism?
Enlightenment in Vajrayana Buddhism is the realization of one’s true nature, free from suffering and ignorance. It is a state of perfect wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
4. Can Mantras be mispronounced and still be effective?
Yes, as shown in Mr. Bajracharya’s true story, the true power of a mantra lies in belief and intent, not in perfect pronunciation. Faith and self-discipline are key to their effectiveness.
5. How does the Mool Mantra protect practitioners?
The Mool Mantra is believed to protect practitioners from obstacles by connecting them to spiritual energy and helping them navigate challenges with resilience and confidence.
6. What is the difference between Tantra and Mantra?
Tantra refers to the techniques or methods used to reach enlightenment faster, while a Mantra is a tool or formula, usually a word or sound, that helps focus the mind and bring spiritual benefits.
7. What does the word “Tantric” mean?
The term “Tantric” comes from the word Tantra, which means technique. A Tantric is someone who uses specific techniques or methods to solve problems efficiently and effectively.
8. Is it true that Tantrics are magicians or perform supernatural acts?
No, that is a myth often perpetuated by movies and popular media. A Tantric is not a magician but someone who applies methods for practical and spiritual purposes.
9. Why do some people associate Tantrics with fraud or superstition?
Like any field, there are fraudulent individuals who misuse the title for personal gain. This has led to misunderstandings about what Tantrics truly represent.
10. Can anyone practice Tantra and Mantra in Newar Buddhism?
Yes, anyone can engage with Tantra and Mantra as tools for spiritual growth, regardless of background, as long as they have faith, dedication, and a desire for self-realization.
References
- Vajrayana, An Essential Guide to Practice, Traleg Kyabgon, 2020