Vajrayana is predominantly practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mongolia. It is also referred to as Tantric Buddhism. It evolved in Tibet about 1,400 years ago when a king invited a great scholar to come and teach. It is also now widely practiced across the world.

Vajrayana scriptures encompass Mahayana and Theravada scriptures but also include the Kangyur (the translated words of the Buddha) and Tengyur (the translated treatises), as well as many tantric texts. Kangyur is the collection of texts regarded as Buddha’s words, translated into Tibetan. Tengyur is comprised of the Tibetan translations of works by Indian Buddhist masters, explaining the words of the Buddha.

Vajrayana Buddhists practice specific techniques and esoteric practices to achieve enlightenment on a path considered more rapid than other forms of Buddhism, thus the name “the swift vehicle.”

Vajrayana practices include complex rituals, mantras, mudras, chanting, music, mandalas, deity yoga, and guru devotion. Meditation practices often incorporate visualizations and symbolic representations.

The philosophy emphasizes the use of skillful means (upaya) and the transformation of negative emotions into wisdom.

Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates esoteric and tantric practices designed for rapid progress towards enlightenment, with a unique set of rituals and texts, and emphasizes the transformation of ordinary experiences into paths to awakening. It includes the practices and views of other forms of Buddhism.

Explore Vajrayana ritual elements through engagement: examine thangka paintings or mandalas to identify symbolic representations, listen to Tibetan chanting or ritual music, and notice its effects on attention, or participate in a simplified visualization exercise.

• What makes Vajrayana Buddhism different from other forms of Buddhism?
• Why do Vajrayana practitioners use so many rituals, symbols, and visualizations?
• What attracts people to these complex practices instead of simpler meditation?
• How do Vajrayana Buddhists use art, music, and ritual as part of their practice?

Identify the methodologies specific to Vajrayana Buddhism. Examine how tantric practices integrate ritual, visualization, and guru-disciple relationships, and evaluate how Vajrayana approaches to transformation relate to the foundational teachings preserved in Theravada and Mahayana traditions.