Tantra Resources

Tantra recognizes that the powerful energy aroused by our desire is an indispensable resource for the spiritual path. It is precisely because our lives are so inseparably linked with desire that we must make use of desire’s tremendous energy not just for pleasure, but to transform our lives. [Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition]

Tantra distinguishes itself in particular through a unique combination of method and wisdom, achieved through meditation on the perfect form of a buddha as completely devoid of true existence. It’s important to have a good and stable grounding in the Lam Rim teachings and in particular in the three principle aspects of the path, bodhichitta, renunciation and emptiness, before starting to practice tantra.

IMPORTANT: It is important to reflect on whether you are ready for this practice and talk it through with more experienced students or any dharma teachers you have a connection with. If you are not ready to start the practices we recommend using the introduction to tantra videos and books to become more familiar with what tantra is.

Introduction to Tantra

Videos

We are incredibly fortunate to have access to a large selection of video teachings on tantra. Below is a small selection of what can be found by searching the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive and individual teacher and FPMT centre’s YouTube channels and websites such as Land of Joy, Ven Lozang Yönten and Ocean of Compassion (Gyalwa Gyatso) Buddhist Center.

Part 1: Introduction to Tantra – Lama Yeshe. Made available by Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive

Introduction to Tantra with Ven Thubten Chödren recorded by Sravasti Abbey

Rob Preece: Entering the Path of Tantra part 1/2 – recorded by Ocean of Compassion (Gyalwa Gyatso) Buddhist Center

How to Start Tantric Practice, a Brief Explanation of Manjushri Meditation for Everyone with Ven Lozang Yönten

Ways to Approach Guru Yoga: Introduction to Tantric Relationships with Ven Lozang Yönten

Introduction to Guru Yoga a Tantric Perspective of the Guru Disciple Relationship with Ven Lozang Yönten

Medicine Buddha Practices

“The Medicine Buddha encompasses all the buddhas. This means that when we practice the seven-limb prayer and make offerings with the seven limbs, we receive the same merit as we would if we had made offerings to all the buddhas. Similarly, when we recite the mantra of Medicine Buddha, we collect unbelievable merit just as when we offer the seven-limb practice to Medicine Buddha.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Medicine Buddha Mantra & Practice with Ven. Robina Courtin – Lawudo Trek 2019

Medicine Buddha Meditation for Everyone with Ven Lozang Yönten

Tara Practices

Tara is a completely enlightened buddha who had previously promised to appear, after enlightenment, in the form of a female bodhisattva and goddess for the benefit of all beings. Her primary activity is to protect from the eight fears. Tara or simply Drol-ma in Tibetan, goddess of protection and compassion, is one of the widest worshiped deities in Tibet. Tara represents the miraculous activities of all buddhas. In myth she is born from Chenrezig’s tears of compassion. There are innumerable manifestations of Tara arising according to sentient beings’ needs, such as the dynamic Green Tara who quickly overcomes obstacles and saves beings in dangerous situations.

While cultivating the wish that all of our endeavors ultimately benefit others, we can call upon the power of Tara to get things done in a most amazing way. Whether you are looking for the right partner in a relationship or wishing to find the conditions for entering into a life of solitary retreat, the practice of Tara can help. [Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition]

Tara Meditation for Everyone: Overcoming the 8 Fears with Ven Lozang Yönten

Tara Meditation for Stress Relief and Refuge Connection with Ven Lozang Yönten

Vajrasattva Practices

“The practice of purification is one of the most important solutions to life’s problems.” – Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Common to all four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Vajrasattva is used to purify obstacles to spiritual development, negative karma and illness. Lama Yeshe, the inspirational teacher who strongly influenced the development of Buddhism in the West, found that the practice of Vajrasattva brought dramatic results for his Western students. [Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition]

Evening Meditation: Vajrasattva with the 4 Opponent Powers (to Purify Negative Karma) with Ven Lozang Yönten

A Quick Vajrasattva Meditation with Ven. Lozang Yönten

Other Practices

Avalokiteshvara Guru Yoga By His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso; Translated by Joona Repo

Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga: A method for practicing the Hundred Deities of Tushita (Ganden Lhagyama) according to the instructions of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Ganden Lhagyama is a seven-limb practice related to Lama Tsongkhapa

Vajrapani Guru Yoga an FPMT publication

Vajra Armor Protection Wheel – Short Practice and Meditation Translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Fabrizio Pallotti Champa Pelgye.

A Meditation on Orange Manjushri by the Fifth Dalai Lama

Arya Avalokiteshvara Simhanada: Exalted Chenrezig Lion’s Roar Who Dispels All Diseases, practice instructions by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Exalted Chenrezig Lion’s Roar: Visualization and Mantras

Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind, by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Prayer of Auspiciousness from the Mani Kabum, by Dharma King Songtsen Gampo, translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Prayer to Chenrezig, Compassionate-Eye-Looking One, by Dharma King Songtsen Gampo, translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Source of All Attainments: The Yoga of the Inseparability of the Guru and Avalokiteshvara, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Spontaneously Accomplishing Desired Aims: An Abbreviated Way to Perform the Meditation-Recitation of Eleven-Faced Chenrezig, by the Thirteenth Dalai Lama

Welfare of Living Beings That Pervades Space: The Meditation-Recitation of the Great Compassionate One, by Thangtong Gyalpo

Guided Practice Videos

Medicine Buddha Mantra & Practice with Ven. Robina – Lawudo Trek 2019

Tara Visualization & Mahamudra with Ven. Robina – Lawudo Trek 2019

Manjushri Meditation for Everyone: Memory and Wisdom with Ven Lozang Yönten

Guru Yoga for Everyone_ Hundreds of Deities of the Land of Joy (Tushita) with Ven Lozang Yönten

Chenrezig Compassion Meditation for Everyone with The 8 Verses of Thought Transformation with Ven Lozang Yönten

Shakyamuni Buddha Meditation with Ven Lozang Yönten filmed by Shantideva FPMT Israel

Courses & Retreats at Land of Joy

Please click on the button below to learn more about our Tantra group retreats and book your place.

Other Courses

In this module you will learn the meaning of tantra, how tantra works, and why it is a powerful form of practice if done with the right foundation of understanding and practice. Get a broad overview of the distinction between sutra and tantra, the four classes of tantra and the meaning of deity yoga. In addition, find out how to integrate the practices of tantra with lam-rim meditation for optimal results.

Click here for more information and to purchase the module