Significance of Vajrayana
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'
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.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(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]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A form of Buddhism that incorporates tantric practices and rituals.[6] (2) A form of Buddhism that incorporates ritual and meditation practices, offering the potential for enlightenment in a single lifetime through bodhicitta.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An esoteric tradition within Buddhism that emphasizes the mystical and ritualistic aspects, including the pairing of Buddhas with female deities.[8] (2) A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that employs tantric practices and rituals, influenced by Nagarjuna’s philosophical developments.[9]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) A branch of Buddhism known for its esoteric and Tantric practices, with Avalokitesvara as an important figure within.[10]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The fruition or ultimate outcome of the causal vehicles, often referred to as the diamond vehicle, emphasizing the use of mantras and rituals.[11] (2) A branch of Buddhist practice that emphasizes direct experience and transformation of awareness towards the attainment of enlightenment.[12] (3) The esoteric tradition of Buddhism that emphasizes the use of rituals and teachings to achieve enlightenment.[13] (4) A form of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes the use of rituals, visualizations, and meditation techniques to achieve enlightenment swiftly.[14] (5) rdo rje theg pa[15]
Hindu concept of 'Vajrayana'
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.
From: Shakti and Shakta
(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]
The concept of Vajrayana in local and regional sources
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.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Vajrayana is a major school of Tibetan Buddhism which includes the use of rituals, mantras, and iconography, derived from the Mahayana tradition.[18]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(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]