The case of the Vajra-wielding monk

Szántó, Péter-Dániel (2010) The case of the Vajra-wielding monk. Acta Orientalia, 63 (3). pp. 289-299. ISSN 0001-6446

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Abstract

In this article I am discussing some polemical passages in Tantric Buddhist works belonging to the 10th-13th centuries concerning the infringement of vows of celibacy when monks took initiation containing sexual elements. The passages follow the standard exegetical format of first presenting argumentation ( yukti ) followed by scriptural citations ( āgama ) purportedly supporting the position of the author. Whereas the argumentation part has been discussed in previous works by others, here I wish to draw attention to the scriptural matter used in justification. In our case nearly always the same quotation is used in a distorted manner. This is a sign that those in favour of justifying transgression of monastic rules were struggling to find appropriate substantiation. From this one could infer that the rites demanding such infringements in the case of a monastic person were most likely developments outside that community, and hence the origins of such innovations should be sought after among lay tantrics.

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