What Is Tantra?
Renowned teacher Judith Simmer-Brown demystifies Buddhist tantra — its history, its unconventional methods, and its profound goal of awakening us to our own sacred nature — culminating in a taste of White Tara deity practice.
Introduction
Scholar and longtime tantric practitioner Judith Simmer-Brown offers a rare, clear-eyed introduction to Buddhist tantra — demystifying a tradition often shrouded in secrecy and revealing why it's worth knowing and respecting.
02:17
Introduction
Scholar and longtime tantric practitioner Judith Simmer-Brown offers a rare, clear-eyed introduction to Buddhist tantra — demystifying a tradition often shrouded in secrecy and revealing why it's worth knowing and respecting.
02:17
What is Tantra?
Judith traces tantra's origins, its radical view that our greatest obstacles are portals to wisdom, and its beautiful relationship to the sutra teachings.
14:39
Meeting White Tara: A Taste of Deity Yoga
A luminous guided introduction to deity practice, centered on a stunning White Tara thangka painted by artist Greg Smith — inviting you to experience, however briefly, your own inherent compassion through her eyes.
13:57
Going Deeper: Tantric Practice and What It Requires
Judith reflects on the power and proper context of tantric practice, how it transforms from the inside out, and what's needed (including a qualified teacher) to engage it fully and safely.
04:14Related Readings
You Are Already a Buddha
In this, the first of a three-part series on tantra, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche presents the three stages of meditation. Meditation, he says, is the process of recognizing your buddhanature, then nurturing that recognition.
The Power of Buddhist Tantra
Gaylon Ferguson on how tantric view and practice help us turn confusion into clarity and wisdom.
The Journey to Where We Already Are
According to Francesca Fremantle, Buddhist tantra is based on the simple proposition that we’re already where we need to be. We simply need to allow ourselves to truly realize it.