Question asked by Par
Dear friend,
I have been on the path of Advaita and have complete experiential understanding of Truth as Emptiness. But i have reached to a place where i feel i need the total integration and by that i came across some information of Heruka body and Vajrayana practices that i think is what i need to furthur my integrity.
But i feel lost as i do not know how to go for it? How and where and who can help me? Thank you very much!
Dear Par,
Thank you for your question. In regards to higher tantric practices such as those of Heruka and Vajra Yogini, one actually needs to receive the empowerment of practice, the oral transmission of the sadhana and the commentary to the practice from a qualified guru. This guru should have received these from his or her guru, and so forth all the way back to Heruka himself. The efficacy of the practice being successful comes from the transmission of these blessings. If you do not have these elements, practice of these deities will not be successful. But before receiving these, a qualified guru will train you in the foundational practices to ensure that will be able to understand tantric practices correctly, etc.
In regards to the practices of Heruka and Vajra Yogini, they are not based on the Advaita standpoint. The Buddhist view of emptiness and ultimate truth is known as Shunyata and differs greatly from the Advaita standpoint. So to practice Heruka and Vajra Yogini, which are based on the Shunyata standpoint, you would need learn about this view first. Unfortunately the Advaita and Shunyata are not compatible and there are two very different and distinct systems of viewing reality. I hope this helps. Thank you.