Yamantaka will be our entry point into doctrinal medieval Buddhist magic as we explore ritual practices around mandalas, mantras, mudras, and empowerment rites. Which is a bit like throwing you in the deep end of the pool to teach you how to swim. But hey, that’s how I was taught how to swim, so you’re welcome. What’s that species where the mama bird throws the babies off the edge of a cliff and the baby birds either learn how to fly or they die?
I kid. Think of this as just a witchy social studies class. But for those who want to go down the rabbit hole, this write-up will provide you with a well-rounded starter pack, accompanied by exquisite public domain high-res downloads of religious art and Yamantaka mandala references.
The Six Syllable Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum 唵嘛呢叭咪吽) is the foundational entry point for Asian folk magic traditions. This is a mini-course where we’ll be covering both the doctrinal Buddhist foundations and the practical applications.
Part 1 focuses on Doctrine; Part 2 focuses on Ritual. The subsequent Video 2 is for ritual, to convey a direct empowerment so you can experience the magic and the Mystery for yourself. Both videos are now up on my YouTube channel and also linked in this companion article, where I’ll highlight some of the key points from the video and also drop in the references you might need for the recommended practicum.
Buddhist Mysteries emphasize the distinction between conceptual understanding (which Video 1 strives to deliver) and direct realization (which Video 2 strives to deliver). Dedicated, repetitive, sincere resonance with the Mantra itself, which Video 2 helps to facilitate, is how you receive direct realization and actualization.
The above video commentary is a short introduction to esoteric Buddhism, covering the distinctions between sutra-based Buddhism and tantric Buddhism. As noted at the end of the video, this write-up will give instructions to the “homework assignments,” practica[I don’t know why I’m such a nerd and called these “homework assignments”] intended to give you a firsthand experience with Buddhist folk magic.
Timestamp 11:39 Addendum: Oops, I cut out too much of the raw video chat and omitted the part where I talked about where I was going with this. =) So if you were left confused, it’s not you, it’s me. =) Continuing from what I am saying at this timestamp, if tantric esoteric Buddhist cultivation is characterized as a “shortcut” to the destination but one that’s far more dangerous and riskier terrain, then endeavoring to take this route all but requires a highly skilled guide to help you navigate the tougher terrain. It’s not a route you’d want to go at on your own or, worse yet, with a guide falsely self-proclaimed as a lama or spiritual leader who will lead you astray, or who isn’t equipped to help you deal with mara. Thus, the framing of the question shouldn’t be “is it open or closed,” but rather as “what, really, would be the most assured path for you?” Can you fully trust someone else’s claim of endowing you with the empowerment you’re seeking?
Taipei Katok Ten Directions Buddhist Association
As a beginner-level introduction, these practices are intended to be general enough for all, so you’ll be encouraged to piecemeal neutral elements often found in esoteric Buddhism and graft it onto your preexisting practice, and most importantly of all, your local environment.
Taipei Katok Ten Directions Buddhist Association
Just like esoteric Buddhism takes on the indigenous practices and magical systems from the land it touches, be that Bön folk magic syncretized with Buddhism in Tibet, Taoist mysticism with Buddhism in China, Shinto in Japan, or tantric Buddhism melded with Tai and Hmong shamanic practices in Southeast Asia, you’ll be working with features of esoteric Buddhism syncretized with what’s native to you.
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