A commentary on the Mūlatantra.

A word-by-word commentary on the Mūlatantra.

In a general sense, samādhi can describe a number of different meditative states. In the Mahāyāna literature, in particular in the Prajñāpāramitā sūtras, we find extensive lists of different samādhis, numbering over one hundred.

In a more restricted sense, and when understood as a mental state, samādhi is defined as the one-pointedness of the mind (cittaikāgratā), the ability to remain on the same object over long periods of time. The Drajor Bamponyipa (sgra sbyor bam po gnyis pa) commentary on the Mahāvyutpatti explains the term samādhi as referring to the instrument through which mind and mental states “get collected,” i.e., it is by the force of samādhi that the continuum of mind and mental states becomes collected on a single point of reference without getting distracted.

Also rendered as “meditative concentration.”

See “action mudrā.”

Also rendered in this translation as “adventitious.”

Raviśrījñāna’s commentary on the Mañjuśrīnāmasaṃgīti.

Also rendered in this translation as “middle channel.”

Also rendered here as “without duality,” “nonduality,” “nondual.”

In the general Mahāyāna teachings the mind of awakening (bodhicitta) is the intention to attain the complete awakening of a perfect buddha for the sake of all beings. On the level of absolute truth, the mind of awakening is the realization of the awakened state itself.

One of the self-arisen supramundane beings.

Also rendered here as “breath control.”

Lit. “wheel.”

Another name for the channel carrying semen, used when it carries menstrual blood.

The middle channel above the navel.

See i.9 and i.15.

The fourth joy.

Literally, in Sanskrit, “coming together.” Samaya refers to precepts given by the teacher, the corresponding commitment by the pupil, and the bond that results, which can also be the bond between the practitioner and the deity or a spirit. It can also mean a special juncture or circumstance, or an ordinary time or season.

Dhyāna is defined as one-pointed abiding in an undistracted state of mind, free from afflicted mental states. Four states of dhyāna are identified as being conducive to birth within the form realm. In the context of the Mahāyāna, it is the fifth of the six perfections. It is commonly translated as “concentration,” “meditative concentration,” and so on.

Another name for the channel carrying semen.

Also rendered in this translation as “corporeal being,” and “living being.”