A Concise Explanation of Vajrayana Buddhism
With thanks once again to my research assistant
I wish I could tell you that I awoke this morning inspired to write a concise explanation of Vajrayana Buddhism. It’s the Buddhist discipline I settled on nine years ago after almost three decades of exploring many others. Instead, the truth is I awoke this morning with little inspiration other than to get my aching body out of bed and stretch my back.
I like to joke that I’m recovering from my wife’s knee replacement surgery. I see a chiropractor three times a week and do exercises between visits. Along with my daily Buddhist practice and other tasks, I have far less time than I like for writing posts for From the Pure Land. That’s why you’ve seen more cross-posts than usual lately. If I see something worth sharing with you, I do.
As I went through my email, though, I saw a notice from Google asking me to try its new Gemini Live A.I. So, always interested in A.I. developments, I asked it to explain Vajrayana Buddhism as a test. It did a decent job, so I made the same request to my tried-and-true research assistant, Perplexity A.I., which did a better job—with its resources footnoted.
Voilà ! I thought. Along with a follow-up question, that could be another post of value to From the Pure Land readers without me having to spend much time on it. Not only that, but I could work with my photo researcher, iStock, to find a nifty photo like the one of the pigeon perched on a vajra.
I’ll add brief comments at the end. Here’s Perplexity’s response to the first request, for a brief explanation of Vajrayana Buddhism:
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the "Diamond Vehicle" or "Thunderbolt Vehicle," is a form of1 Mahayana Buddhism that emerged in India around the 5th century CE and later took root in Tibet[1][4]. It is widely practiced in the Himalayan region and is often referred to as Tibetan Buddhism, although it can also be found in parts of China and Japan[1].
Key Characteristics
Philosophical Foundation: Vajrayana is based on Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, particularly the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools[6]. It emphasizes the concept of emptiness and the idea that all beings possess Buddha-nature, which is the potential for enlightenment[6].
Accelerated Path: Vajrayana is considered the fastest way to enlightenment, offering an accelerated path through distinctive practices and rituals[1][4].
Tantric Practices: The tradition is deeply rooted in tantric practices, which emphasize the indivisibility of wisdom and compassion, often symbolized as the union of male and female principles[1][4].
Core Practices and Concepts
Vajrayana Buddhism incorporates several unique elements:
Mantras: Sacred syllables or phrases used for chanting and meditation, believed to contain cosmic energies[4].
Mandalas: Cosmic diagrams used for visualization, representing various realms of Buddhas and bodhisattvas[4].
Mudras: Symbolic hand and body gestures used in rituals[4].
Deity Yoga: A central practice where practitioners visualize themselves as chosen deities representing enlightened qualities[1].
Karma and Rebirth: Vajrayana emphasizes the concept of karma and views the present life as part of a continuous cycle of rebirth (samsara)[2].
Schools and Lineages
There are four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism within the Vajrayana tradition:
Nyingma: The oldest school, founded by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)[1].
Sakya: Associated with the Hevajra-tantra text[1].
Kagyu: Traces its origins to the Indian yogi Tilopa and introduced the tulku system[1].
Gelug: The newest school, incorporating elements from earlier traditions[1].
Modern Context
Since the Tibetan uprising in 1959, many Vajrayana Buddhists have become refugees, spreading their teachings worldwide[4]. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is a prominent figure in Vajrayana Buddhism and leads a Tibetan government in exile[4].
Vajrayana Buddhism continues to attract followers globally, offering a unique approach to Buddhist practice that combines philosophical depth with powerful ritualistic elements.
Citations:
[1] https://tricycle.org/beginners/buddhism/what-is-vajrayana-buddhism/
[2] https://study.com/academy/lesson/vajrayana-buddhism-definition-beliefs-practices.html
[3] https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/pluralism/files/vajrayana-the_diamond_vehicle_1.pdf
[4] https://pluralism.org/vajrayana-the-diamond-vehicle
[5] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vajrayana
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayana
[7] https://www.gotquestions.org/Vajrayana-Buddhism.html
To follow up, I asked Perplexity to contrast Vajrayana with other forms of Buddhism. Its reply:
Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric or Tibetan Buddhism, has several key differences from other forms of Buddhism, particularly Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Here are the main distinctions:
Philosophical and Practical Approach
Accelerated Path: Vajrayana is often referred to as the "fast path" to enlightenment. It teaches that it is possible to achieve enlightenment in a single lifetime, or even in a single meditation session, as opposed to the multiple lifetimes often emphasized in other traditions[5].
Tantric Practices: Vajrayana incorporates esoteric tantric rituals and practices, which are not typically found in Theravada or mainstream Mahayana Buddhism[4].
Specific Practices
Deity Yoga: This is a central practice in Vajrayana, where practitioners visualize themselves as enlightened deities[5].
Use of Mantras and Visualization: Vajrayana makes extensive use of mantras, mudras (hand gestures), and visualization techniques as part of its spiritual practices[4].
Role of the Guru: In Vajrayana, the relationship between student and teacher (guru or lama) is considered crucial for spiritual development[3].
Cosmological Differences
Emphasis on Compassion: Vajrayana places a strong focus on compassion and the goal of enlightening all sentient beings, similar to Mahayana but more emphasized than in Theravada[1].
Belief in Supernatural Beings: Vajrayana venerates Bodhisattvas and other supernatural beings to a greater extent than Theravada Buddhism[1].
Doctrinal Distinctions
View on Buddhahood: Vajrayana, like Mahayana, emphasizes the attainment of Buddhahood for all beings, whereas Theravada focuses more on individual liberation through Arahantship[1].
Concept of Sukhavati: Vajrayana includes belief in Sukhavati (Pure Land), which is not present in Theravada Buddhism[1].
Historical and Cultural Context
Origin and Spread: Vajrayana emerged later than Theravada and Mahayana, originating in medieval India around the 5th century CE and later spreading to Tibet, Nepal, and other Himalayan regions[4].
Integration of Local Traditions: Vajrayana often incorporates elements of local traditions, such as the Tibetan Bon religion, into its practices[4].
In summary, while Vajrayana shares the fundamental Buddhist principles with other schools, its unique tantric practices, emphasis on rapid enlightenment, and incorporation of esoteric elements set it apart from Theravada and mainstream Mahayana Buddhism.
Citations:
[1] https://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?t=45727
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/5wkfr8/what_are_the_differences_between_mahayana/
[3] https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-branches-of-buddhism-thervada-mahayana-vajrayana.html
[4] https://www.centreofexcellence.com/branches-schools-of-buddhism/
[5] https://www.sukhasiddhi.org/blog/vajrayana-buddhism-beliefs
[6] https://buddhaweekly.com/what-is-the-difference-between-theravada-mahayana-and-vajrayana-buddhism-three-vehicles-one-desitnation/
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schools_of_Buddhism
I could raise some nerdy points, but they’re not needed. Overall, Perplexity did a great job. I’ll add, especially for those newer to Vajrayana Buddhism, that deities, gurus, and supernatural beings are concepts that may be visualized as outside ourselves but that in reality, are archetypes within each of us and all of us.
Now it’s time for me to stand up and stretch.
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I’d call it an outgrowth, rather than a for of Mahayana Buddhism, but why quibble?