Vajrayāna, also called the tantric vehicle, is the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Fahsilin takes the Nyingma school's Dzogchen teachings as its root, carrying the lineage of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche and Master Urgyen Tenzin Rinpoche. This article explains what Vajrayāna is, how it differs from the sūtra vehicle, and how one may study and practise it authentically at Fahsilin.
What Is Vajrayāna? The Sūtra and Tantra Vehicles
Vajrayāna — also called the tantric or mantra vehicle — is the approach within Mahāyāna Buddhism whose goal is awakening in this very body.
The sūtra vehicle emphasizes hearing and reflecting on scripture and doctrine; Vajrayāna adds to this the skilful means of guru lineage, empowerment, yidam deities, mantra recitation and visualization, helping the practitioner attain realization swiftly.
At Fahsilin we practise the union of sūtra and tantra — neglecting neither doctrine nor the means of practice, relying on an authentic guru and an unmistaken lineage.
Tibetan Buddhism and the Nyingma School
Tibetan Buddhism has four great schools: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Geluk. The Nyingma is the oldest, brought to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).
The Nyingma holds Dzogchen as its highest teaching — directly pointing out the nature of mind, liberation in the moment — and reveres the terma (treasure) lineage prophesied by Guru Rinpoche, preserving teachings suited to the capacities of each age.
Fahsilin takes these Nyingma teachings as its core.
The Fahsilin Lineage
Our centre was founded by Urgyen Topden Rinpoche, carrying the lineage of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche and his root teacher Urgyen Tenzin Rinpoche, propagating Vajrayāna teachings, pujas and practice courses.
The Rinpoche holds both the Tibetan tantric lineage and the Chinese Zhuyou (Taoist medicine) lineage — a combination rarely seen in Taiwan.
Four Hallmarks of Vajrayāna Practice
The guru as the root of refuge: the Nyingma lineage stresses Guru Yoga, regarding the guru as the dharmakāya buddha, so that one may receive the oral transmission and empowerment of Dzogchen.
Compassion as conduct, Dzogchen as the path: taking Avalokiteśvara as the root yidam, cultivating bodhicitta and emptiness, never departing from the ultimate Dzogchen that points directly to the nature of mind.
Terma teachings meeting the needs of beings: practising the treasure lineage prophesied by Guru Rinpoche, following the lineage masters.
Daily life as the place of practice: reciting mantra, visualizing and remembering the guru in all activity, so that living itself becomes practice.
Essence of the Master's Tantric Teaching
The six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteśvara is a signpost home: reciting "Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ" seals off the doors of the six realms of saṃsāra, leaving open only the direction of pure luminosity.
Deathbed practice of the bardo and transference: the master teaches that at death, when consciousness departs through the crown of the head, that is the path of the buddhas; daily mantra recitation and resting in luminosity prepare us for the great passage of life and death.
Studying Vajrayāna at Fahsilin
Our centre offers Tibetan Buddhist pujas (for karmic creditors, liberation of the deceased, the Medicine Buddha, Great Compassion Avalokiteśvara and more), the master's own courses in the thirteen branches of Zhuyou, and the master's teachings, "Heart-to-Heart Talks." You are welcome to enquire through our official LINE, to draw near an authentic lineage and study the Dharma.
How does Vajrayāna differ from the sūtra vehicle?
The sūtra vehicle emphasizes hearing and reflecting on doctrine; Vajrayāna adds guru lineage, empowerment, yidam deities, mantra and visualization for swift realization. Fahsilin follows the union of sūtra and tantra.
Which school of Tibetan Buddhism is Fahsilin?
The Nyingma — the oldest Tibetan school, introduced by Guru Padmasambhava, holding Dzogchen as its highest teaching. Our centre carries the lineage of Dudjom Rinpoche and Urgyen Tenzin Rinpoche.
Is empowerment required to practise Vajrayāna?
The yidam and oral-transmission practices traditionally require the empowerment and transmission of a qualified guru to be received authentically. One may first draw near through pujas, courses and the master's teachings, then consult the guru as conditions allow.
Can I approach Vajrayāna without a background in Buddhism?
Yes. You may begin by attending pujas, reading the master's "Heart-to-Heart Talks," and taking the master's courses, drawing near an authentic lineage step by step.
Further Reading
This article is an introductory sharing of the Dharma lineage. May the true Dharma long abide, and may all beings be free of suffering.