What is Vajrayana Buddhism?

Vajrayana is a form of Mahayana Buddhism. The Sanskrit name vajrayāna is often translated "diamond vehicle" or "thunderbolt vehicle". The vajra is a ritual object standing for something indestructible and clear, like the awakened mind. Vajrayana is also called tantric Buddhism or Mantrayana.

Origins and spread

Vajrayana developed in India, roughly from the sixth or seventh century CE, around texts called tantras. It spread to Tibet, the Himalayan regions and Mongolia, where it became the main form of Buddhism. A related tradition, Shingon, was taken to Japan in the ninth century.

Shared goals, different methods

Vajrayana shares the Mahayana aim of awakening for the sake of all beings, and the Mahayana teaching of emptiness. What sets it apart is its methods. Practitioners work with the body, speech and mind together. These methods include:

• reciting mantras, short sacred phrases
• making hand gestures called mudras
• visualising an awakened figure, often called a deity, and identifying with its qualities
• working with subtle energies of the body in advanced meditation

Its followers see these as skilful means that can make the path faster, while still resting on the foundations of renunciation, compassion and an understanding of emptiness.

The role of the teacher

Because the practices are subtle, Vajrayana places strong emphasis on the relationship with a qualified teacher, or lama in Tibetan. Many practices are given only after an empowerment, a ceremony in which the teacher introduces the practice, together with the instructions needed to do it. Students are traditionally advised to examine a teacher carefully before entering such a relationship.

Symbols and imagery

Vajrayana art is rich and colourful. Thangka paintings, mandalas and statues show peaceful and wrathful figures. The wrathful figures are not demons. They express the fierce energy of compassion cutting through obstacles. Common ritual objects include the vajra and the bell, standing for skilful means and wisdom.

Where you find it today

Today Vajrayana is practised in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, northern India, Mongolia and parts of Russia, and by communities across the world. Tibetan Buddhism is its best-known form.