Significance of Vajrayana Buddhism

Vajrayana Buddhism, according to Shaktism, is linked with Varahi as one of the Eight Matris and a Supreme Yogini. In Mahayana, it is recognized as a major branch characterized by esoteric teachings and rituals aimed at enlightenment, emphasizing the guru's role as the embodiment of Buddha. Historically in India, Vajrayana, or Lamaism, is primarily practiced in Tibet and the Himalayas and is also referred to as Tantrayana, highlighting its unique features and non-perceptive teachings associated with Buddha.1
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Synonyms: Tantric buddhism, Esoteric buddhism, Mantrayana

In Dutch: Vajrayana-boeddhisme; In Finnish: Vajrayana buddhalaisuus; In Spanish: Budismo Vajrayana; In German: Vajrayana-Buddhismus

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'

Buddhism Books

Vajrayana Buddhism, a major branch of Mahayana tradition, emphasizes esoteric teachings and rituals for enlightenment, positioning the guru as the embodiment of the Buddha essential to its practice and understanding.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A major branch of Buddhism known for its esoteric teachings and practices, which develops out of the Mahayana tradition and is alluded to in the text regarding the evolution of Buddhist thought.[1]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A form of Buddhism that incorporates esoteric practices and rituals to attain enlightenment, viewing the guru as the embodiment of the Buddha.[2]

From: The gods of northern Buddhism

(1) A branch of Buddhism that incorporates rich symbolic practices and deities, within which Avalokitesvara is emphasized.[3]

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.

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

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

(1) A branch of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes esoteric teachings and practices related to Tantric rituals.[4]

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 Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Vajrayana Buddhism'

Hinduism Books

Vajrayana Buddhism in Hinduism is interpreted as a tradition where Varahi is recognized as one of the Eight Matris, symbolizing a Supreme Yogini and embodying the essence of all Tantras within this spiritual framework.

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

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 Buddhism in local and regional sources

History Books

Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantrayana, emphasizes non-perceptive teachings through the Vajradhara form and is characterized by its unique practices in Tibet and the Himalayan regions, diverging from traditional Pali and Sanskrit schools.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A later development in the Buddhist tradition that incorporated tantras and ritualistic practices, particularly prominent in certain centers of Andhra Pradesh.[5]