Beginning vajrayana

[tobes]

Since Some of Vajrayana practices can seems illogical in the beginning, the component of faith is extremely important. This faith should come from the solid understanding of Mahayana, and or Pali tradition.

I have come across people start with Vajrayana and at the end, they condemn it. The problem is the foundation of Mahayana is not strong.

So if I can suggest, you should study Lamrim Or Lamdre as the backbone of your stability ad faith.

Though this won't be true for everyone, I think it is nonetheless very true for a great many people. Abidharma is also very important to get a grasp of.

Agree with both of these statements. I think that there is a lot of lip service paid to the necessity to gain proper foundations - I'm talking years of practice/inquiry - before entering a vajra path. But in reality, at least in the west, it is rarely practiced like that. Often with a justification: life is short/it's the kaliyuga/just jump in.....I think that attitude often produces bad consequences.

[Mariusz]

Since Some of Vajrayana practices can seems illogical in the beginning, the component of faith is extremely important. This faith should come from the solid understanding of Mahayana, and or Pali tradition.

I have come across people start with Vajrayana and at the end, they condemn it. The problem is the foundation of Mahayana is not strong.

So if I can suggest, you should study Lamrim Or Lamdre as the backbone of your stability ad faith.

Though this won't be true for everyone, I think it is nonetheless very true for a great many people. Abidharma is also very important to get a grasp of.

Agree with both of these statements. I think that there is a lot of lip service paid to the necessity to gain proper foundations - I'm talking years of practice/inquiry - before entering a vajra path. But in reality, at least in the west, it is rarely practiced like that. Often with a justification: life is short/it's the kaliyuga/just jump in.....I think that attitude often produces bad consequences.

I also agree very:

[TenzinDorje]

Find a Guru who is accessible, is skillful, gives a good foundation in Sutra and Mahayana, continuously practices virtues, is fiercely compassionate, has a decent sense of humor, inspires faith, confidence and devotion...

I know they exist as I have found such a one...

nothing else is necessary in Vajrayana, except practice of course!

[lotwell]

Thank you for your replies : ) !

The sangha (drikung kagyu) I'm practicing with says it is not necessary to undertake ngondro initially (which I assume is 'assigned' by the lama) since it can be off putting for many beginners. Therefore, it is okay to begin practice with certain "simpler" sadhanas without the empowerment, direct lama, or ngondro.

As it is already been stated, the Vajrayana tradition seems to place heavy emphasis on lineage and student/teacher relationship. In your experience what was it like finding a Lama? Are they seeking students themselves? Are they accessible?

In the meantime thanks for the replies and I will continue studying the foundations of Mahayana, classical Tibetan, and meditation and sadhana practices. Much love and deep bows to all forumers : )

Lotwell

[TenzinDorje]

Thank you for your replies : ) !

The sangha (drikung kagyu) I'm practicing with says it is not necessary to undertake ngondro initially (which I assume is 'assigned' by the lama) since it can be off putting for many beginners. Therefore, it is okay to begin practice with certain "simpler" sadhanas without the empowerment, direct lama, or ngondro.

As it is already been stated, the Vajrayana tradition seems to place heavy emphasis on lineage and student/teacher relationship. In your experience what was it like finding a Lama? Are they seeking students themselves? Are they accessible?

In the meantime thanks for the replies and I will continue studying the foundations of Mahayana, classical Tibetan, and meditation and sadhana practices. Much love and deep bows to all forumers : )

Lotwell

My limited understanding is that Lamas do not seek students. There are hilarious examples of those that visit my Lama asking who their root guru is with him giving various replies for their understanding and support. They go to seek their root guru and some time later (from days to years) they recognize him as theirs! There is always room for a sincere, devoted practitioner so don't be shy about seeking out a Lama that you resonate with.

Whenever you decide that Vajrayana is for you and that you will commit to devoted practice, then, imho, seek out your Lama immediately if you haven't done so already. Then you would receive lineage and empowerments from the Lama and not the Sangha...

[Caz]

1. Observe teacher.
2. Having checked everything is okay take further instructions from teacher.
3. Consider if this teacher is going to be your life long guru.
4. Follow every instruction.
5. Be a perfect student.

[TenzinDorje]

1. Observe teacher.
2. Having checked everything is okay take further instructions from teacher.
3. Consider if this teacher is going to be your life long guru.
4. Follow every instruction.
5. Be a perfect student.

Excellent!