Eight gross infractions
Eight gross infractions (Wyl. sbom po brgyad), sometimes referred to as the eight auxiliary downfalls, eight secondary downfalls,[1] or eight serious downfalls, are to be avoided as part of the samaya commitments following an empowerment belonging to the inner tantras.
- Having an ordinary, uninitiated consort
- Receiving the nectars from an improper source
- Not concealing the secret symbols of tantra from the uninitiated
- Disturbing practitioners, physically or verbally, during a practice such as a tsok feast
- Not telling the truth or teaching someone who is a proper vessel
- Staying for more than seven days among people who disrespect the tantric view and practices
- Proudly boasting or pretending to be a Vajradhara
- Giving secret teachings to someone who previously received secret teachings but now lacks faith[2]
Notes
- ↑ Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Tayé, Buddhist Ethics, Ithaca: Snow Lion, 1998, p. 265
- ↑ Tulku Thondup, 'The Empowerments and Precepts of Esoteric Training' in Enlightened Journey: Buddhist Practice as Daily Life, Boston: Shambhala, 1995, p. 123