Significance of Hevajratantra

Hevajratantra is a significant text in Tibetan Buddhism, representing a foundational scripture within the Vajrayana tradition. It outlines advanced teachings, meditation practices, and rituals focused specifically on the deity Hevajra. Scholars and practitioners, such as spyan snga dpal idan bzang po and mar pa, have studied and preached the Hevajratantra, emphasizing its complex philosophical insights and esoteric teachings. The text plays a crucial role in guiding practitioners toward enlightenment and has been extensively reviewed and commented upon by notable figures in the tradition.1
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Hevajratantra'

Buddhism Books

The Hevajratantra is a foundational Tibetan Buddhist text central to Vajrayana practices, addressing enlightenment teachings, advanced meditations, and rituals related to the deity Hevajra, highlighting its significance in Tantric Buddhism and its complex philosophical insights.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A Tantra mentioned in relation to the commentary on the de kho na nyid bcu pa by Maitri-pa.[1] (2) A significant Buddhist Tantric text that elaborates on the practices and philosophies of Tantric Buddhism.[2] (3) A significant Tantric text in Tibetan Buddhism that outlines practices and rituals relating to the deity Hevajra.[3] (4) A key text within Vajrayana Buddhism presenting complex teachings and practices, taught extensively by the individual.[4] (5) A key text that tshe bzhi gsar ma ba preached, representing important teachings in Tibetan Buddhism.[5]

From: The Six Yogas of Naropa

(1) A specific text that provides advanced instructions on meditation and practices relating to Buddhist Tantras.[6]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) A scripture detailing the rites and worship surrounding the Yi-dam Hevajra and its philosophical implications.[7]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

The concept of Hevajratantra in scientific sources

Science Books

The Hevajratantra is a tantric text linked to Vajravarahi, who is sometimes shown as the consort of Samvara, an aspect of the male Buddhist deity Hevajra.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) The Hevajratantra is a tantric text associated with the deity Vajravarahi, and she is sometimes depicted as the consort of the deity Samvara, a hypostasis of the male esoteric Buddhist deity Hevajra.[8]