Mahāsukha (Supreme Bliss) in Tantric Buddhism

Subject Areas : Christianity

سعید Gravand ¹ , لیلا Mafakheri ²

1 - هیئت علمی، دانشگاه شهید مدنی آذربایجان، تبریز، ایران
2 - کارشناسی ارشد رشته ادیان و عرفان، دانشگاه شهید مدنی آذربایجان، تبریز، ایران

Received: 2017-10-19 Accepted : 2017-10-19 Published : 2017-09-23

Keywords: Mahāsukha, happiness, Supreme Bliss, Yoga practices, Spiritual development,

Abstract :

In Buddhist Tantrism mahāsukha means immortal pleasure and Supreme Bliss. This state is the highest realm of Buddhist perfection, beyond the realm of being and changing world, freed from rational thinking and the social customs and rituals. According to Buddhist Tantrism, it is possible to reach mahāsukha, through ritual ceremonies and yoga practices, both physical and sexual, so in this world all human beings, whether good or bad, superior or inferior, worthy or unworthy could attain this perfection. It seems that, the religious conception of immortal pleasure and infinite happiness in Tantric tradition roots in the fact that in Tantrism it is human beings not God that is the subject of speculation. Moreover, the body is not assumed to be degrading and humiliating but it is the sacred temple through which man can easily achieve happiness and Supreme Bliss, if he knows how to use it. Furthermore in tantric Buddhism, mahāsukha or immortal enjoyment is achieved through participating in the Enlightenment of Inherent Buddha, Dharma-kāya or Vajra-sattva, and the union of prajnā and upāya. So Buddhist Tantrism is one of the earliest esoteric traditions that tries to explain the ancient idea of eternal pleasure, a system in which the female and the male counterparts play a significant role through yogic exercises to achieve eternal bliss.