Mahayana Buddhism: A Barbaric Society

Tibet before being a very devout Buddhist civilization was rather a very unruly or in many ways a barbaric society. These red face painted warriors had no form of written language or a recognized religion. However, that all changed through the integration of Buddhism into Tibet from the neighboring countries of China and India. Buddhism in one way or another brought structure to this soon to be formidable empire. While there are a variety forms of Buddhism, Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) became the one favored by Tibet. Brought to Tibet from India, Mahayana Buddhism became the recognized religion in Tibet by the time of Tri Song Detsen around the 8th century. While during the same time a new form of Mahayana Buddhism- Vajrayāna was sweeping across

Kurtis Shaeffer gives his personal insight on this, “For example, some tantric rituals involved violations of alimentary rules, by requiring the consumption of forbidden meats or foul substances; others condoned the use of alcohol and other intoxicants; still others were devoted to sex” (Shaeffer 156) While he later addresses that these might be taken in a more figurative manner, one still notices that these actions are all prohibited by the monastic community. Monks are known for their celibate vows and their disinterest in worldly pleasures. Tantric practitioners however, view this problem is not desire itself, “Tantric Buddhism accepts the idea found in many Buddhist texts that Buddha’s have overcome desire, but holds that the path to extinction of desire does not necessitate its suppression” (Powers 260). Basically, Vajrayāna Buddhism focuses on using the energy of desire into a way that contributes to the path to awakening. While Monks try to suppress desire, Tantric Buddhists see desire as a tool that if used correctly can be very beneficial to you. For instance, the practice of sexual yoga, as described by our head T.A. unites method (man) with wisdom (woman) in an act of union which allows for higher spiritual awakening. While, no monks would take part in this, these tantric yogis view sexual yoga as powerful technique that has a significant impact on spiritual awakening. Without a doubt, one understands that there are different routes to becoming a Buddha, although some might push the boundaries of what might be acceptable in