Classes of Buddhist Tantras and Initiation Permission
All Buddhist tantras have awakening, bodhichitta and inner energetic development as goals. However, there are several different classes of tantra, some which will work at specific issues such as the development of compassion, healing abilities or removal of obstacles. Lower tantras such as Medicine Buddha can be recite d without having received the initiation ceremony or process. However, receiving initiation opens the meditator to deeper connection through the already developed connection of the initiating lama. For the higher tantras, such as the various Herukas, Vajrayogini or Chittamani Tara, the person must have initiation to do the recitation and meditation practice as the energies of transformation are the main element. These practices are purely transcendent, preparing for life in the next stage of transformation, and therefore the connection to one who possesses that development is most important. Even without initiation, to attend a group recitation and practic...