Expert: Bodhicitta - 9/26/2007

Question
Is there any difference between Buddhism (as described by the founder of
Buddhism) and Tantric Buddhism?  Is Tantric Buddhism the same as Tibetan
Buddhism?  I thought that the Dalai Lama was celibate and that Budda took a
vow of celibacy.  I have heard that Tantric Buddhist rites are sexual, and that
Tantric Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism are the same.  I can't seem to find
any explanation for these things.  Is Tantric Buddhism just a sect that calls
itself "Buddhist" but really is not?  Are these differences like the differences
between being Catholic, Protestant and Jewish?

Answer
Hi Heather
There are many types and styles of Buddhism around different
parts of Asia. All of these originate in India.
The Buddha said he taught 80,000 different types of
Buddhism for people of different dispositions.

South-Asian Buddhism tends to be monastic (and nuns)
and concentrates on the celebate life style and strict
observance of rules and liberation for the individual. Japanse, Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism
are part of the Mahayana style of Buddhism which has
a focus on compassion and releasing all beings
from suffering, Each has differences.

Within each of the schools of Buddhism there are many
different methods of practice. It depends on the Gurus
and teachers and what they thought good for their students.

The aim is always the same which is awakening and freeing
from Samsara. The paths are many.

Tantra is a somewhat complex subject and largely misunderstood in Western culture - we think of pop stars
and adverts for "Tantric Sex".This is not Tantra at
all in the Buddhist sense.

Tantra is a system of powerful Yogic practices for
liberation. It is rare and is only taught by a few
tantric teachers to a few
students who have really met the conditions.It is
often taught in Secrecy as it could be misunderstood.

Many Tibetans are monks - some arent . The Dalai Lama
is a monk.

Hope this sheds a little light

Bodhicitta