Sutra, Tantra & the Ways.

Sutra / Skt., Tib. do /.

Often called the Causal Way; on this path one stablishes, over a long time, the causes for enlightenment in order to recognize the characteristic of all things, their emptiness.

In its further meaning, literally 'guideline,' it is a term for the individual specific discourses of Buddha.

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Great Way / Skt. Mahayana, Tib. Thegchen /.

The way of the bodhisattvas, where one strives for enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

Compassion and wisdom are deepened through study, analysis and meditation over a long time, and then expand into insight.

The Great Way sometimes is used synonymously with term sutra.

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Tantra, Buddhist / Skt. /.

A highly effective part of the Great Way in which identification with enlightenment and holding the Pure View are the most important methods;

Tantrayana / the Tantra path / has the same meaning as Vajrayana / Skt. Diamond Way / and Mantrayana / the Mantra path /.

The goal, buddhahood, becomes the way.

A fast way to enlightenment, but one that implies trust in one's own mind and a compassionate attitude.

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Diamond Way / Skt. Vajrayana, Tib. Dorje Thegpa /.

Also called Tantrayana and Mantrayana.

The highest level of Buddha's teachings, encompassing body, speech, and mind with goal of full enlightenment.

In this practice, the goal also becomes the path by using fast and profound methods.

These teachings can only be used with the perspective of seeing everything as fundamentally pure.

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Mantra / Skt., Tib. ngag /.

Natural vibration of buddha aspect;

Activates the Buddha aspect's power-field.

Many Diamond Way meditations have a phase where mantras are repeated.

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.