24-6-2011 The Secret Referred to in the Secret Teachings

The Aura of Wisdom 

By Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu
Translated by True Buddha Foundation Translation Team

This was translated from Grandmaster Lu's 154th book, 智慧的光環.

CHAPTER 25 - The Secret Referred to in the Secret Teachings

Different gurus hold varying views on the definition of the term `secret`, as in the secret teachings of Tantric Buddhism.
Generally, the views can be summed up as follows:
One view states that since Tantric Buddhism mainly hinges on the use of secret mantras, it is therefore defined as the `secret teachings`.

Another view suggests that the process of establishing mandalas, reciting mantras, transforming the three karmas of body, speech, and mind into the Three Secrets, shall immediately remove hindrances and increase wisdom, transforming one from human existence to buddhahood. Its power is simply incredible, and hence it is called the `secret teachings`.

Yet another view says that since Vairocana spoke of the secrets of the Vajradhatu and Garbhadhatu in the Palace of Vajradharmadhatu, it is thus called the `secret teachings`.
This teaching is profound, and is usually concealed in deep secrecy.
Only few gain access to its teachings.
Hence, the term secret is attached to this school of thought.

The Ten Mental Abidings are established in Tantric Buddhism, of which the first nine are equally expounded in the Sutric tradition.
However, the last or tenth mental abiding is known as the Secret Adornment Mind.
The secret lies in the manifestation of infinite dharmas as expressed through the teachings of the Vajradhatu and Garbhadhatu, the six elements (earth, water, fire, wind, space and consciousness), the five aggregates and the Five Wisdoms.
Such secret Dharmas are unheard of even by bodhisattvas who have attained the equal level of Buddha Enlightenment, and these doctrines are the very heart of the secret teachings, hence of Tantric Buddhism.

The Tantric cultivator relies on the Three Secrets to purify the body, speech and mind.
Having been empowered by the Three Secrets of the Tathagata, and eventually becoming one with the Tathagata, it is not necessary for the practitioner to go through cycles of Kalpas to attain enlightenment.
Once he enters the Dharma realm, he attains buddhahood in this very body.
Such is the secret of the miraculous transformation through the empowerment of Mahayoga.

This is how I personally feel:

The doctrines of Tantric Buddhism are divided into many stages, which are established according to the respective inborn faculties (or `varying dispositions`) of sentient beings.
Should the teachings be taught indiscriminately to an individual whose inborn faculties do not meet the requirement, the individual may not be able to accept the teachings and in turn may slander them.
Thus, the secret doctrines are not revealed to the uninitiated - indicating them as `secret`.

Moreover, the areas of mantra, mudra and visualization are profound realms that reach far beyond the boundaries of both written and verbal language, their nature of response beyond the understanding of common logic and reasoning.

Seen from the perspective of this world, it is difficult to comprehend the teachings.

Naturally, such high and profound teachings are termed `secret`.

The Great Perfection of Tantric Buddhism is beyond words and verbalization.

It is formless, and unrestricted. Hence, it shall always remain in `secret`.

Amituofo
Lotuschef
TBS
Pure Karma Vihara