Three yanas of vedic asceticism

Three inner yanas of vedic asceticism (Tib. katup rigjé kyi tekpa sum; Wyl. dka' thub rig byed kyi theg pa gsum) — these are the yanas based on the three outer classes of tantra:

• the yana of kriya tantra,
• the yana of charya tantra and
• the yana of yoga tantra.

You might wonder why are these called ‘vehicles of Vedic ascetism.’ It is because the three outer classes of tantra stress aspects of ascetic conduct, such as ritual purification and cleanliness, and in this respect they are similar to the Vedic tradition of the brahmins.

Alternative Translations

• An alternative translation sometimes given is ‘the inner vehicle of gaining awareness through austerities’ but that would not accord with Alak Zenkar Rinpoche’s explanation. See http://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/alak-zenkar/nine-yanas A Brief Presentation of the Nine Yanas by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche]

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