Abstract

abstract:

In this paper, I explore the understanding of tantric anger or wrathful compassion as I have experienced with my teacher. I first understand the role of the teacher within the vajrayana tradition by visiting the work of Rig'dzin Dorje, which helps in moving into what we can discern about the both wrath and compassion. The work of Buddhist teachers, the Gyalwang Karmapa, Thich Nhat Hanh, Norman Fischer, and others, is useful for gaining various perspectives in this phenomenon. I also examine the work and teachings of Narayan Helen Liebenson and Rob Preece to understand the energetic nature of anger and wrath and conclude with taking up Emily McRae's insightful analysis of tantric anger. By the end of this investigation, I understand that tantric anger and wrathful compassion is when the teacher sees into their own duality, even for an instant, and in doing so offers insight into the ways that their students are struggling with their lack of clarity. If the ego clinging of the teacher can be dissolved enough, wrathful compassion and tantric anger then becomes a process where the needs of the teacher have been decentered and the needs of the student have been centered, which results in the arising of wisdom for both teacher and student.

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