Vajrabhairava, Vajra-bhairava: 1 definition
Introduction:
Vajrabhairava means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan BuddhismVajrabhairava (वज्रभैरव) refers to one of the male Vidyā-beings mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa: one of the largest Kriyā Tantras devoted to Mañjuśrī (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from Mañjuśrī and were taught to and by Buddha Śākyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Vajrabhairava).
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 (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Institute of Buddhist Studies: Buddhist Forum, Volume 4 (buddhism)Vajrabhairava (वज्रभैरव).—The cycle of Vajrabhairava, clearly a tantric Buddhist equivalent of Śiva-as-Bhairava, has always played a major part in the religious life of the various Gsar ma (‘New’) schools of Tibetan Buddhism though other schools prefer to evoke Yamāntaka in different forms. Vajrabhairava counts as one of the three central Highest Yoga Tantra cyclespreferentially cultivated by Dge lugs pa yogins.
The Dge lugs pa also considered Vajrabhairava to be the special protector of the anuttara-yoga-tantra while Yama as Dharmarāja was pressed into service as the special (Tib. thun mong ma yin pa) protector of the Dge lugs pa themselves. Numerous lamas and yogins of this school, including several of the Dalai Lamas, wrote commentarial and ritual works on Vajrabhairava and the related forms of Yamāntaka.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Vajra, Bhairava.
Full-text: Yamantaka, Candeshvari, Kaladuti, Kalika, Kulisheshvari, Yamaduti, Carcika, Mahamaya, Mahakala.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Vajrabhairava, Vajra-bhairava; (plurals include: Vajrabhairavas, bhairavas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po) (by George N. Roerich)
Chapter 11 - Drigung Chojay lineage (v): 'gar dam pa chos sdings pa < [Book 8 - The famous Dakpo Kagyü (traditions)]
Chapter 3b - Account given by g. Yag rdo rje 'dzin pa < [Book 3 - Early translations of Secret Mantra]
The gods of northern Buddhism (by Alice Getty)
The Way of the White Clouds (by Anāgarika Lāma Govinda)
Chapter 50 - The Discovery of the Secret Path and the Temple of the Great Maṇḍala < [Part 4 - Return to Western Tibet]
Chapter 34 - The Two Siddhas of Tsé-Chöling < [Part 3 - Death and Rebirth]