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Significance of Buddhist Tantra

Buddhist Tantra encompasses a range of practices and philosophies within various strands of Buddhism, including Tibetan Buddhism, Shaktism, Mahayana, and Theravada. It involves esoteric teachings, rituals, and meditative practices, heavily influenced by Indian Tantric traditions. Key elements include the use of visualization, specific mantras, and a focus on the practitioner's connection with the guru and community. The Vajravarahikalpa manuscript exemplifies the diverse theological context, showcasing the complexity and rich traditions associated with Buddhist Tantra across different schools.1
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Synonyms: Tantric buddhism, Vajrayana, Esoteric buddhism, Tibetan buddhism

In Dutch: Boeddhistisch Tantra; In Finnish: Buddhalainen tantra; In Spanish: Tantra budista

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

Buddhist concept of 'Buddhist Tantra'

Buddhism Books

Buddhist Tantra encompasses esoteric practices, rituals, and teachings aimed at spiritual development. It includes specific mantras, related texts, and doctrines emphasizing meditation and rituals within the broader framework of Buddhism.

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

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

(1) A genre of texts that pertain to practices and philosophies within Buddhism, part of his studies.[1]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Buddhist Tantra'

Hinduism Books

Buddhist Tantra in Hinduism is interpreted as incorporating Tantric scriptures with rituals and meditative practices influenced by Indian traditions, as exemplified in the Vajravarahikalpa manuscript, which reflects diverse theological contexts within the Varahi Tantra.

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) Tantric scriptures within Buddhism that incorporate various rituals, meditative practices, and teachings, deeply influenced by Indian Tantric traditions.[2]

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 Buddhist Tantra in local and regional sources

History Books

Buddhist Tantra emphasizes the interconnection among practitioners, their gurus, and deities through a tantric bond. This relationship is crucial for understanding the transformative concept of rasayana within the spiritual practices of Tantra.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This is a feature that the notion of rasayana in particular is linked to, namely the concept of the tantric bond linking the practitioner with the guru, the deity and the community of practitioners.[3]

Plural form: Buddhist Tantras.