Significance of Vajrayana

Vajrayana is a significant branch of Tibetan Buddhism characterized by its emphasis on esoteric teachings, Tantric rituals, and the use of mantras and visualizations aimed at attaining enlightenment rapidly. This advanced form of Buddhism incorporates direct experiential practices and transformative awareness techniques. Often referred to as the "diamond vehicle," Vajrayana seeks to liberate beings through its mystical practices, making it unique among Buddhist traditions while also facing historical challenges in its dissemination and understanding.1
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Synonyms: Tantric buddhism, Esoteric buddhism, Tibetan buddhism, Mantrayana

In Dutch: Vajrayana; In German: Vajrayana; In Finnish: Vajrayana; In Spanish: Vajrayana; In Swedish: Vajrayana; In Malay: Vajrayana; In French: Vajrayana

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Vajrayana'

Buddhism Books

Vajrayana in Buddhism represents a major tradition characterized by esoteric practices, mantras, and rituals aimed at achieving rapid spiritual progress and enlightenment, often associated with Tantric concepts and the pairing of Buddhas with deities.

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

(1) A major branch of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes Tantric practices and rituals.[1] (2) A form of Tantric Buddhism that emphasizes empowerment and esoteric practices, which Rinchen Zangpo contributed to through translation.[2] (3) A major branch of Tibetan Buddhism focusing on esoteric practices and rapid personal transformation.[3] (4) A branch of Buddhism focusing on esoteric practices and belief structures.[4] (5) A branch of Buddhism that was resisted by 'brom ston during Atisha's time, hindering the spread of certain teachings.[5]

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 Buddhism (general):

(1) The instruction of the need to train in this, which is the essence of the teachings, is of utmost importance for spiritual development.[6] (2) The fruition or ultimate outcome of the causal vehicles, often referred to as the diamond vehicle, emphasizing the use of mantras and rituals.[7] (3) A branch of Buddhist practice that emphasizes direct experience and transformation of awareness towards the attainment of enlightenment.[8] (4) The esoteric tradition of Buddhism that emphasizes the use of rituals and teachings to achieve enlightenment.[9] (5) A form of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the use of rituals, visualizations, and meditation techniques to achieve enlightenment swiftly.[10]

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

(1) A form of Buddhism that incorporates tantric practices and rituals.[11] (2) A form of Buddhism that incorporates ritual and meditation practices, offering the potential for enlightenment in a single lifetime through bodhicitta.[12]

(1) An esoteric tradition within Buddhism that emphasizes the mystical and ritualistic aspects, including the pairing of Buddhas with female deities.[13] (2) A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that employs tantric practices and rituals, influenced by Nagarjuna’s philosophical developments.[14]

(1) A branch of Buddhism known for its esoteric and Tantric practices, with Avalokitesvara as an important figure within.[15]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Vajrayana'

Hinduism Books

Vajrayana in Hinduism can be interpreted as a major school of Tibetan Buddhism characterized by esoteric teachings, rituals, and meditation techniques, while also influencing the Natha tradition through its focus on spiritual practices.

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

(1) A major school of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its esoteric practices and teachings including rituals and meditation techniques.[16] (2) The most depraved form of Buddhist doctrine, focusing on rituals and the aid of demoniacal beings for spiritual attainments.[17]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

The concept of Vajrayana in local and regional sources

History Books

Vajrayana is a major school of Tibetan Buddhism, characterized by its use of rituals, mantras, and iconography from the Mahayana tradition, and emphasizes esoteric methods and teachings rooted in Tantra.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) Vajrayana is a major school of Tibetan Buddhism which includes the use of rituals, mantras, and iconography, derived from the Mahayana tradition.[18]

(1) Vajrayana is a form of Buddhism, where the samaya or tantric bond links the practitioner with the guru, the deity and the community of practitioners, and is linked with the term rasayana.[19]