Bundokji wrote: ↑Sat Jun 09, 2018 9:27 amSo, if a thought of sensuality arises in the mind, one observes it as anicca dukkha anatta, is this how Tantra practiced? or does it go further than that to seeking sensuality and using it as part of their practice?
Why would you seek sensuality? It is everywhere!
Basically, as far as I understand it (and my understanding is weak):
All phenomena have the same nature (or more to the point: all phenomena lack an essential nature).
So ESSENTIALLY there is no difference between:
desire/compassion
hatred/love
greed/generosity
jealousy/sympathetic joy
ignorance/wisdom
In terms of underlying qualities, one could say that the afflictions are based in self-grasping and self-cherishing, whereas the antidotes are based in a selfless attitude.
Again though we see that the differentiation is based on an essentially non-existent phenomenon (self).
So... If one can remain in a non-dualising state of mind, based on a realisation of the emptiness of self and phenomena (our true state of mind beyond grasping, aversion and ignorance), then all phenomena have "one-taste": the taste of emptiness.
So...
"Butchers, prostitutes, those guilty of the five most heinous crimes, outcasts, the underprivileged: all are utterly the substance of existence and nothing other than total bliss."
The Supreme Source - The Kunjed Gyalpo
The Fundamental Tantra of Dzogchen Semde
Now when one practices Tantra there are a number of safety features:
If one is incapable of remaining in a non-dual state then one should approach the phenomenon using wisdom and compassion as their guiding principles. If one is incapble of the selfless application of these principles, then one should practice renunciation of the phenomenon.
That is why when somebody is practicing Buddhist Tantra they do not reject the other Yana. Actually we are bound by (and observe) three sets of vows as Tantric practitioners: Tantric vows, Bodhisattva vows and the Precepts.
Now sometimes you come across people (ignorant fools) that will tell you that Tantra means you just "go for it" and that one is beyond the force of karma. But that is complete and utter BS. Remaining in the natural state of mind (Mahamudra, Dzogchen, Prajnaparamita) is freakin' tough work. If you commit a deed when not in this state, then the karmic consequences will be suffered, regardless of whether you regard yourself a Tantrika or not.
Misconceptions abound regarding Tantra, mainly fed by New Age wankery and by the actions of those that have an extremely shallow understanding of what it means to be a Tantric practitioner.