Deliberate conduct

Deliberate conduct (Skt. vratacaryā; Wyl. brtul zhugs kyi spyod pa) is a form of behaviour, often transgressing social conventions, which is practised by accomplished yogis in order to develop their realization even further. Given its emphasis on the unconventional and outrageous, its practitioners have often been labelled 'crazy yogins'. Examples include Thangtong Gyalpo, Tsangnyön Heruka and Drukpa Kunley.

Definition

The Tibetan term for deliberate conduct is literally 'taming' (brtul) and entering (zhugs). Dezhung Rinpoche explains this as "taming worldly behaviour and entering into the behaviour of the buddhas. Or else, taming bad behaviour and entering into perfect behaviour."

Subdivisions

Cyrus Stearns highlights three types of deliberate conduct: Avadhuti, Totally Good (Wyl. kun tu bzang po) and Completely Victorious (Wyl. rnam par rgyal ba).

Alternative Translations

• Deliberate behaviour (Cyrus Stearns)
• Eccentric conduct
• Extraordinary activity
• Yogic discipline

Further Reading

• Cyrus Stearns, King of the Empty Plain: The Tibetan Bridge Builder Thangtong Gyalpo, Ithaca: Snow Lion, 2007