Fourteen root downfalls
Fourteen root downfalls (Tib. རྩ་ལྟུང་བཅུ་བཞི་, tsa tung chu shyi, Wyl. rtsa ltung bcu bzhi) — fourteen major samayas in the Sarma tradition.
There are two variations of the root tantric vows, one specific to the Kalachakra Tantra and one common to all Highest Yoga Tantras.[1] The latter is presented here:
- disrespecting the vajra master
- transgressing the words of the buddhas
- insulting one’s vajra brothers and sisters
- abandoning love for sentient beings
- abandoning the bodhichitta in aspiration or application
- criticizing the teachings of the sutras and tantras
- revealing secrets to those who are unworthy
- mistreating one’s body
- abandoning emptiness
- keeping bad company
- failing to reflect on emptiness
- upsetting those who have faith in the teachings
- failing to observe the samaya commitments
- denigrating women
Sources
- Ashvaghosha, The Principle Downfalls of Vajrayana, Vajrayana-mula-patta-samagriya (Skt.), dorje tekpe tsangwe dupa (Tib.)
- Khedrub Norzang Gyatso, A Lamp to Illuminate the Closely Bonding Practices (Wyl. Dam-tshig gsal-ba'i sgron-me)
- Tsongkhapa, An Explanation of Secret Mantra Ethical Discipline: A Cluster of Fruit of Actual Attainments (Wyl. gSang-sngags-kyi tshul-khrims-kyi rnam-bshad dngos-grub-kyi snye-ma)
Further Reading
- Longchen Yeshe Dorje, Kangyur Rinpoche and Jigme Lingpa, Treasury of Precious Qualities: Book Two (Boston & London: Shambhala, 2013), 'An explanation of the fourteen root downfalls', pages 183-190.
- Ngari Panchen, Perfect Conduct: The Absolute Certainty of the Three Vows with commentary by Dudjom Rinpoche (Boston: Wisdom, 1996), pages 117-122.
Oral Teachings Given to the Rigpa Sangha
- Khandro Rinpoche, Rigpa London Centre, UK, 12 June 2018
- Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche, Lerab Ling, 15 August 2018
Notes
- ↑ Alexander Berzin, see External Links & Philippe Cornu, Dictionnaire Encyclopédique du Bouddhisme.
