Vajrayana Buddhism The “Diamond Vehicle”

Vajrayana Buddhism or Tibetan Buddhism Vajrayana means “vehicle of the diamond” or “vehicle of the lightening bolt.” Some see this a third branch of Buddhism; others consider it part of Mahayana. This Buddhism is a blend of shamanism, Tantric Buddhism and traditional Buddhist elements.

Tantric Buddhism Tantric derives its names from the Tantras scriptures which means to spread out. Tantric Buddhism opposed the idea of detachment from worldly things and the negative ideas associated with bodily pleasure. The Tantras taught that all of these things could be used to reach enlightenment. Enlightenment happens when one can unite all opposites.

The Vajrayana import In Vajrayana the practitioners believe that the Buddha nature expresses itself in a multitude of male and female deities. Among the traditional Buddhist beliefs are the ideal of non-violence, chanting of sutras, meditation, and the search for enlightenment.

The Roles of the Monks Monks had a variety of roles as doctors, shamans, and teachers. A Tibetan teacher is called a “lama.”

A Renaissance Some of the practices of Tibetan Buddhism declined Celibacy declined Meat was eaten Alcohol was consumed This led to a reform movement to reinstate the original teachings.

Growth for Tibet A monk by the name of Tsong Kha-pa started a reform movement in which he demanded that monks remained unmarried and a strict monastic discipline be enforced. His “party” became known as the “Gelug-pa” which meant “party of virtue.”

More growth This sect grew very powerful and helped to start many great monasteries which had a lot of art and “complete sets of Buddhist scriptures, and it provided Tibet with its political leadership. The executive head of this party is call the Dalai Lama which means “great ocean superior one.”

More concepts Ritual play a prominent role in Vajrayana Buddhism. It is through ritual that one attains internal and external power. The “vajra” is a significant object in rituals. It is “a metal object somewhat like a divining rod or scepter that represents a stylized bolt of lightening and is associated with diamond-hardness, power and insight.