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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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These six all concern practices of repeating a mantra<br />

<strong>and</strong> using a mudra (ritual gesture). Both the eighteen<br />

<strong>and</strong> the six are practices belonging to the Kriyatantra.<br />

The following pertains to the Tantra of<br />

conduct—Caryatantra:<br />

c. There are four branches of repeating a mantra: all of<br />

them are foundations for the third Tantra. If one wishes<br />

to learn them, many books may be read on this subject<br />

in China <strong>and</strong> Japan <strong>and</strong> in the Chinese canon.<br />

D. Reasons Why There Are Many Preparations for<br />

the Third Tantra<br />

Two Tantras have been quickly dealt with but the main<br />

meditations lie in the yogatantra. The reasons for these<br />

preparations are:<br />

1. Demons<br />

As the power of the Dharma has become great (in the<br />

Tantras), so demon power is also great. Great <strong>and</strong><br />

powerful demons will come to the meditator, so it is<br />

necessary that one is able to defend himself or herself<br />

against them <strong>and</strong> subdue all the obstacles they create.<br />

For this, many mudra <strong>and</strong> mantra should be practiced.<br />

How is it that these two practices can have so much<br />

power? The ten fingers (although very small) have<br />

many correspondences with spiritual power. The five<br />

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