Eight gross infractions
Eight gross infractions (Wyl. sbom po brgyad), sometimes referred to as the eight auxiliary downfalls 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[1]
Notes
- ↑ Tulku Thondup, 'The Empowerments and Precepts of Esoteric Training' in Enlightened Journey: Buddhist Practice as Daily Life, Boston: Shambhala, 1995, p. 123