Vajrayana, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, Tantric Buddhism, or Esoteric Buddhism, is one of the major branches of Buddhism. It is primarily practiced in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mongolia. The term “Vajrayana” translates to “Diamond Vehicle” or “Thunderbolt Vehicle,” indicating its emphasis on the swift and direct path to enlightenment.
Vajrayana is characterized by its extensive use of esoteric practices, rituals, and techniques aimed at achieving enlightenment in a single lifetime. These practices involve the use of mantra recitation, visualizations, sacred symbols (such as mandalas), and the cultivation of subtle energy channels and centers within the body known as “nadis” and “chakras.”
One of the key features of Vajrayana is the utilization of “tantras,” which are occult texts containing instructions and methods for achieving enlightenment. The relationship between the guru and the student is crucial in Vajrayana, as the guru imparts teachings, initiations, and empowerments to the student, guiding them on the path.
Vajrayana incorporates elements from both Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism but also includes unique practices and doctrines. It places a strong emphasis on deity yoga, the identification with and visualization of specific tantric deities as a means of attaining their qualities and realization. It also incorporates various rituals, ceremonies, and elaborate iconography.
The ultimate “stated” goal of Vajrayana is to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. It emphasizes the transformation of ordinary experiences and perceptions into a profound understanding of the true nature of reality. Vajrayana practitioners aim to transcend the duality of samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and nirvana (the state of liberation) and perceive them as inseparable. What isn’t openly discussed is the fact that the Vajrayana involves possession by the so-called “deities” one is invoking and practicing. Making progress relies on keeping samaya, an arcane set of tantric laws that few people really understand. The price for breaking samaya is beyond horrific. It is tragic that unsuspecting disciples are lured in with deceptive marketing techniques and without adequate warnings. The Highest Yoga Tantra “deities” are hard to please and will turn into brutal demons if things go wrong.
The most well-known Vajrayana schools developed in Tibet and are known as Kagyu, Gelug, Nyingma, and Sakya.
This video sums up the major principles of Vajrayana Buddhism quite well:
Tantric Deception 