The Hidden Bodhicaryāvatāra: Double Entendres, the Confession of Sins, and the Invocation of Mañjunātha
Journal of Contemplative Studies January 29, 2026 Iain Sinclair
The eighth-century Buddhist text Bodhicaryāvatāra, often used in modern meditation teachings, developed alongside restricted tantric practices. The author shows that Śāntideva’s visualization techniques parallel transgressive rituals from the Secret Communion (Guhyasamāja Tantra), and his homage to Mañjunātha, an esoteric deity, suggests tantric influences. Double entendres about bodhicitta may reference libertine yogis. While tantric yoga aims at deification, Śāntideva’s mandalic confession rite fosters humility and altruism, offering an indirect critique of transgressive bodily yogas. The article reconsiders the relationship between guided meditation and ritual action in this contemplative tradition.