In order to accomplish the great aim of the paths of sutra and tantra,
in terms of abandoning defilements and acquiring enlightened qualities there is no difference.
However, when it comes to the duration of striving on the path,
there is a great difference due to the profundity of the methods of tantra, making it a swifter path.
First, you must receive empowerment, which is the door to enter the tantric path.
As for traversing the grounds and paths of training in Secret Mantra,
which involves the unconfused way of meditating on the deity and reciting mantras,
this practice is taught clearly, profoundly, and extensively.
For those who prefer elaborated conduct, the method that involves elaboration is taught.
For those wishing to be free from elaboration, the method of sustaining the ordinary mind is taught.
Thus, the stages are clearly taught in the proper sequence.
Second, compared to sutra, the tantric path has many more methods.
Due to the differences in the capacities of practitioners and their aspirations,
the four classes of tantra—action, performance, yoga, and unexcelled—are taught.
For example, for the sake of individuals with strong attachment,
in unexcelled yoga tantra there is the generation of the union of mother and father deities.
When meditating, male practitioners should focus mainly on the male deity,
and likewise, female practitioners should meditate single-pointedly on the female deity.
To do otherwise would act as a condition for attachment.
Nonetheless, the activities of this path do not reject sensory pleasures.
While taught in Mantrayana, these practices are not taught in Sutrayana.
Third, as for the ease of traversing the path,
The sutra path takes three great eons
to accumulate the collections and purify obscurations.
However, in Mantrayana you can swiftly traverse the path.
By means of the blessings of the guru and the faith and devotion of the student,
having been introduced directly to the true face of the natural state,
you can gather the accumulations of eons in a single lifetime and become enlightened, just like the Lord of Siddhas, Milarepa.
Fourth, traversing the tantric path is like a snake entering a bamboo stalk—
there is no way to go but up or down.
Thus, it is very important that both the teacher and student be well-qualified.
This then becomes the profound path that can be easily and swiftly traversed.
Moreover, for students with sharp faculties who have purified obscurations and amassed the accumulations,
if the causes and conditions align, they can become enlightened in a single lifetime.
By H.E. 12 th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, November 26, 2020