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Vajrayana (inspired by Wikipedia)

Vajrayāna Buddhism is also known as Tantric Buddhism, Tantrayāna, Mantrayāna, Secret Mantra, Esoteric Buddhism and the Diamond Vehicle. Vajrayana is a complex and multifaceted system of Buddhist thought and practice which evolved over several centuries in various cultures and countries in Asia.

Vajra = thunderbolt (also a scepter-like ritual object [Tibetan - Dorje], which has a sphere at its center, and a variable number of spokes, 3, 5 or 9 (usually 5) at each end. The vajra may represent method as well as great bliss and the bell stands for wisdom, specifically the wisdom realizing emptiness or lack of inherent existence. Commonly the spokes on one side symbolize the 5 poisons (which is samsatic existence) and the spokes on the other side symbolize the 5 wisdoms (which is the condition of enlightenment)

Yana = Vehicle

The Key features of Vajrayana are: Ritual, Goal and motivation, Upaya, Vows and behavior (Samaya), Esoteric transmission, Tantric practices, Guru Yoga, Deity Yoga and Death Yoga

There are many types of Vajrayana schools. The stream began in India around the 8'th century AD and developed to China, Tibet, Japan, and more.

In Tibetan Buddhism usually Vajrayana encompass the following doctrines:

Outer Tantras:

• Kriyayoga
• Charyayoga
• Yogatantra

Inner Tantras:

• Mahayoga
• Anuyoga
• Atiyoga (Dzogchen)

Types of Vajrayana teachings

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