In Tibet, Buddhist Tantra is known by many names. The most common term is gyud, which means “continuity.” This is the Tibetan equivalent for the Sanskrit word “Tantra.” In Tibetan, the tantric teachings are also known as sa ngag (Skt. guhya mantra), which means “secret mantra” or “secret incantation.” They are also known as dorje thegpa or vajrayana, meaning “indestructible vehicle.” These types of teachings are referred to as “gyud” or “Tantra” signifying our own Buddha-nature or “the nature of our potential for awakening” is already present in our deluded state, prior to the attainment of enlightenment. There is continuity in the mindstream between the deluded state of being and the state of Buddhahood or awakening. The designation “secret mantra” or “secret incantation” refers to the use of mantras in tantric rituals. These mantras are symbolic representations of deities, which in turn, are manifestations of our true nature. Mantras therefore, are the keys for unlocking the hidden and secret chamber of our true nature. With the use of mantric methods, the secret is revealed.
“Indestructible vehicle” has a similar connotation to the word “Tantra.” Our “indestructible” or “vajra” nature refers to our Buddha-nature or true nature. This cannot be destroyed by corruptions, defilements, delusions, or ignorance. All three of these terms refer to our true nature, which has to be seen as the working basis for tantric practices. We need to presuppose belief and conviction in the indestructibility of our own true nature to engage in tantric practice.
In Tantrism, the methods we use and the understandings we must develop are different from those found in the sutric approach. In Tibetan the word for “Sutra” is mdo, which has the connotation of “being in a valley,” or being more geographically accessible than the crevasses between mountains (Tib. phu). The sutric teachings are accessible to all because they are easier to understand, but they are considered more difficult to practice. By contrast, it is said that tantric teachings are hard to understand but easier to practice.
The sutric and tantric teachings are also referred to as “exoteric” and “esoteric” teachings, respectively. Tantra is considered esoteric because it is harder to decode. In fact, tantric language is sometimes referred to as “twilight language” due to the deliberately obscure symbolic nature of its references. Since tantric teachings cannot be taken literally, many different methods are used in Tantra in order to “unpack” the various statements made there to reveal their meaning. The sutric and tantric methods are regarded as complementary in Tibetan Buddhism. There is no contradiction between them. It is not the case that we only do tantric or sutric practices. Sutric practice should be incorporated and integrated into tantric practice.