What does yubyum signify in Vajrayana Buddhism?
Yab-yum (Tibetan: ཡབ་ཡུམ། literally, "father-mother") is a common symbol in the Tibetan Buddhist art of India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.It represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in union with his female consort through the similar ideas of interpenetration or "coalescence" (Wylie: zung-'jug; Sanskrit: yuganaddha), using the concept of ...
What is the difference between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism?
• Mahayana literally means ‘travelers by a greater vehicle’ and Hinayana literally means ‘travelers by a lesser vehicle.’ • Mahayana accepts Lord Buddha as a deity while Hinayana Buddhism does not accept that godly attribution to Lord Buddha. They believe that Lord Buddha is an ordinary human being.
What does Hinayana Buddhism mean?
Hīnayāna, (Sanskrit: “Lesser Vehicle”) the more orthodox, conservative schools of Buddhism; the name Hīnayāna was applied to these schools by the followers of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition in ancient India.
Is the Buddhist branch of Vajrayana polytheistic?
Buddhism is both a religion and way of life, it is neither monotheistic nor polytheistic. According to a 2012 report, it is the 4th largest religion in the world with over 500 million followers. The majority of these live in China and throughout Southeast Asia. There are three main branches of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana.
What do Vajrayana Buddhism believe?
Vajrayana Buddhism teaches that it is possible for one to reach enlightenment in a single lifetime, instead of having to practice ethics, morality, compassion, and meditation through many. The use of spiritual tools such as visualization and mantra, breath and physical exercises aid in this speedy transformation.
What does Vajrayana Buddhism mean quizlet?
Vajrayana Buddhism. aka Diamond Buddhism; believe Buddha is a cosmic figure and that nirvana equals emptiness; goal is to become a Bodhisattva; path includes Tantric Buddhism; women can participate but cannot do the sand mandalas.
Who is the God of Vajrayana Buddhism?
Heruka, in the Vajrayana Buddhism of Tibet and Central Asia, a fierce protective deity. He is an emanation of the buddha Aksobhya, whose figure is incorporated in his headdress. He is depicted as blue in colour with two arms, which hold a vajra (thunderbolt) and a kapala (skull cup) full of blood.
What is the difference between Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism?
According to Vajrayana Buddhists in Tibet and elsewhere, Theravada limits the Buddha's message to the few, Mahayana opens it up to the many, but Vajrayana makes it possible to envision an entire Buddhist society.
What is another name for Vajrayana?
Vajrayana is sometimes referred to as Tibetan Buddhism.
What is another name for Vajrayana Buddhism?
Alternate titles: Esoteric Buddhism, Guhyamantrayana, Mantrayana, Tantric Buddhism, Tantrism, mikkyō
Who is the strongest god in Buddhism?
Śakra (Buddhism)ŚakraVietnamese帝釋天Đế Thích Thiên 釋提桓因 Thích Đề Hoàn NhânInformationVenerated byTheravada, Mahayana, VajrayanaReligion portal12 more rows
Who are the 3 main gods of Buddhism?
The three Buddhist deities Vajrapāṇi, Mañjuśrī and Avalokiteśvara.
What is female Buddha called?
In the Himalayan region, especially in Tibet and Nepal, Tara's status is more that of a supreme goddess or female buddha than a bodhisattva. She is referred to as the Wisdom Goddess, the Embodiment of Perfected Wisdom, the Goddess of Universal Compassion, and the Mother of all Buddhas.
What is the purest form of Buddhism?
The term "Pure Land Buddhism" is used to describe both the tradition's practice and soteriology, which may be better understood as "Pure Land traditions" or "Pure Land teachings" (and is found throughout Mahayana Buddhism), as well as various separate Pure Land sects which focus exclusively on Pure land practice.
What are 4 types of Buddhism?
With this in mind, it's possible to organize the different beliefs in an artificial way according to similarities and differences.Traditional Buddhism and modern Buddhism. ... Nikaya Buddhism. ... Mahayana. ... Vajrayana Buddhism.
Who started Vajrayana Buddhism?
Guru PadmasambhavaGuru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche (the Precious Guru), is an important figure in Buddhism who was instrumental in establishing Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet around the 8th century CE.
What are the three divisions of Buddhism?
To clarify this complex movement of spiritual and religious thought and religious practice, it may help to understand the three main classifications of Buddhism to date: Theravada (also known as Hinayana, the vehicle of the Hearers), Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
What is the main focus of Theravada Buddhism?
Theravada Buddhism emphasises attaining self-liberation through one's own efforts. Meditation and concentration are vital elements of the way to enlightenment. The ideal road is to dedicate oneself to full-time monastic life.
What does the Buddhist concept of Anatman mean?
non-selfanatta, (Pali: “non-self” or “substanceless”) Sanskrit anatman, in Buddhism, the doctrine that there is in humans no permanent, underlying substance that can be called the soul. Instead, the individual is compounded of five factors (Pali khandha; Sanskrit skandha) that are constantly changing.
What is the meaning of the title Buddha?
The title 'Buddha', which literally means 'awakened', is conferred on an individual who discovers the path to nirvana, the cessation of suffering, and propagates that discovery so that others may also achieve nirvana.
What is the goal of Vajrayana?
The goal of Vajrayana Buddhism is to help others attain enlightenment. Enlightenment is a peaceful state in which the mind is untroubled.
What are Vajrayana practices?
Vajrayana Buddhism practices various types of meditation. Several different elements such as mantras, mandalas, and mudras aid in the practice of m...
What are the beliefs of Vajrayana Buddhism?
Vajrayana Buddhism essentially attempts a spiritual awakening similar to the one Buddha experienced when he attained enlightenment. Vajrayana belie...
Why is Vajrayana known as the vehicle of the diamond?
Vajra is Sanskrit for "thunderbolt" and represents the eternal qualities of an individual. The Sanskit word yana refers to a spiritual quest. V...
What does Vajrayana mean in Buddhism?
In Sanskrit, Vajra means thunderbolt and yana refers to a spiritual quest for the indestructible. Vajrayana is often translated as "diamond v...
What is Vajrayana Buddhism?
The Wheel of Life ( bhavachakra) is a common motif in Vajrayana art, representing samsara, the cycle of suffering and rebirth; the six realms of rebirth; and the three poisons that keep beings trapped in samsara: greed, hatred, and delusion. | Wheel of Life. Tibet; early 20th century. Pigments on cloth. Courtesy of the Rubin Museum of Art. Formerly from the Collection of Navin Kumar, New York. C2004.21.1 (HAR 65356)
What is Vajrayana's name?
Vajrayana takes its name from vajra, Sanskrit for “diamond” or “thunderbolt,” suggesting the power of its methods. Although Vajrayana shares with the Mahayana schools generally the view that we are already perfected and can awaken in a single lifetime, Vajrayana considers itself the fastest way to enlightenment.
What is the meaning of Shunyata in Mahayana?
Particularly associated with Mahayana is prajnaparamita, the understanding that all beings and phenomena are empty of inherent existence and arise only interdependently. Shunyata, or emptiness, is a central teaching in the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Sutras, fundamental texts of the Madhyamaka, or Middle Way school.
What is the Buddha's role in Mahayana?
The Buddha in Mahayana is eternally present in a pantheon of buddhas, bodhisattvas, and enlightened beings who can be called on for support. Like the Theravada, the Mahayana schools teach practitioners to cultivate the paramitas (Pali, paramis), qualities such as generosity, morality, patience, concentration, and wisdom.
What is the canon of Vajrayana?
Its canon consists of texts known as the Kangyur (sutras and tantras considered to be the words of the Buddha) and the Tengyur (commentaries). Vajrayana, like Mahayana, makes no distinction between samsara and nirvana: passions and aversions alike are embraced as skillful means to awakening.
Where did Vajrayana originate?
C2004.21.1 (HAR 65356) Vajrayana is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in northern India around the 5th century CE, took root in Tibet in the 7th and 8th centuries, and then spread across the Himalayan region. It is widely known as Tibetan Buddhism though tantric Buddhism is also found in Japan, in the Shingon and Tendai traditions.
What is deity yoga?
Deity yoga—whereby a student takes on the identity of a chosen deity who represents enlightened qualities—is a central practice, guided by the guru, or lama, the master who initiates the student into esoteric practices.
What is Vajrayana school?
Because of its popularity in Himalayan nations such as Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia, the Vajrayana school is sometimes referred to as “ Tibetan Buddhism .”. As with virtually all Eastern faiths, however, there is wide variety in belief and practice, so such terms are only loosely applied.
What does tantra mean?
The Sanksrit term tantra actually means “weaving” or “loom” and implies an interconnection of wisdom, tradition, teaching, and practice, creating a greater picture of truth. Westerners often associate the term tantric with sexuality, which is not completely unfair.
What is tantra practice?
However, most tantras have nothing to do with sexuality, and in practice the term simply refers to certain spiritual techniques. These can involve chants, the use of symbols, rituals, meditation techniques, or virtually any other form of spiritual action. A major technique associated with Vajrayana Buddhism is the use of prayer ...
Is Vajrayana a branch of Buddhism?
Answer. While many consider Vajrayana Buddhism an entirely separate branch of Buddhism, it is better understood as an evolution of Mahayana Buddhism, which places great emphasis on the use of certain tantras —traditional spiritual techniques—in order to obtain enlightenment as quickly as possible.
Branches of Buddhism
Like many religions, Buddhism inspired various paths of practice, philosophy, and ceremony. While there are many different lineages of Buddhism, the two main branches are Theravada and Mahayana. Vajrayana is part of the Mahayana.
Other Terms for Vajrayana Buddhism
The Sanskrit term vajra translates to "diamond" or "the thunderbolt." This term refers to our indestructible true nature, which is deathless, ever awake presence inseparable with emptiness. This is what we seek to realize, and then fully actualize consciously into every moment of our lives.
Yidams & Bodhisattvas
One significant difference between the Western idea of meditation and some of the meditation practices in Vajrayana is that Vajrayana practitioners often focus on a buddha, for example Tara, or on a bodhisattva, such as Avalokitesvara, during their meditations. This is called yidam practice and the yidam is seen as inseparable with one’s teacher.
Mantras
Mantras are spoken or whispered Buddhist prayers. Each and every yidam has their own mantra or mantras. Chanting the mantra tunes us into the awakened body, speech, and mind of the awakened being. Chanting these phrases over and over also helps to clear the clutter in one's mind and to center one's focus on the present.
Prayer Wheels
Practitioners sometimes will use prayer wheels in their mantra practice. These hand-held decorated wheels are embossed with mantras that are repeated as the wheel spins slowly. Devotees are often instructed to envision the sacred words reaching out towards the sky and into the heavens.
Mandalas
Mandalas are often colorful, intricate, and contain images of awakened beings or symbols. They represent different aspects of the universe or sacred Buddhist teachings and help to focus and heal the practitioner as they create them. In this way, it can be considered a kind of art-therapy.
Mudras
Mudras are symbolic gestures that are usually performed with the hands, but at times can include the movement of the whole body. Mudras help to incorporate the whole body in meditation.
Where did Vajrayana originate?
Vajrayana (Sanskrit: “Diamond Vehicle” or “Thunderbolt Vehicle”) or Mantrayana (Sanskrit: “Path of the Sacred Formulas”), also known as Tantric Buddhism, first emerged in various parts of India and Sri Lanka. The esoteric nature of Tantric doctrine and practice makes identifying the origins of the Vajrayana school difficult, but some Buddhist traditions associate them with Nagarjuna and Asanga and therefore suggest that Vajrayana began to develop quietly in the 2nd or 4th century ce. Vajrayana was prominent in India and Tibet, and a form of it, which does not seem to have emphasized sexoyogic practices, spread to China and then to Japan, where it became associated with the Tendai and Shingon schools.
How does Vajrayana help you achieve enlightenment?
Vajrayana specialists warn, however, that the first step toward enlightenment is taken by undergoing instruction by a master who has been initiated into the mysteries and can teach the correct use of the body’s process. The master directs every step so that the pupil learns to control mental and physical processes instead of being dominated by them.
What is Mahayana analytic?
While Theravada Buddhism was analytic in its attempt to free reality from the imposition of subjectivity, Mahayana extended the analytic process to objective reality. In its rejection of subjectivism and objectivism, it emphasized the nature of reality-as-such, which was experienced in enlightenment (Pali and Sanskrit: bodhi ). While the various philosophical trends associated with Mahayana dealt with the intellectual problem of reality, the tantras (Sanskrit: “treatises”), which form the distinctive literature of Vajrayana Buddhism, dealt with the existential problem of what it is like or how it feels to attain the highest goal.
What is the meaning of Shunyata in Vajrayana?
Moreover, Vajrayana teaches that nirvana as shunyata (“voidness”) is one side of a polarity that must be complemented by karuna (“compassion of the bodhisattva”). Shunyata, according to the Vajrayana tradition, is the passive wisdom ( prajna) that possesses an absolutely indestructible or diamond-like ( vajra) nature beyond all duality, ...
What is the name of the tantra?
The Guhyasamaja-tantra (“Treatise on the Sum Total of Mysteries”), also called the Tathagataguhyaka (“The Mystery of Tathagatahood [Buddhahood]”), is the earliest-known tantra and is traditionally ascribed to Asanga (c. 4th century ce ), the renowned Indian scholar and propounder of the Yogachara philosophy.
When was Vajrayana converted?
Little is known about the early stages of the conversion (7th to 9th century), however, and the role of Vajrayana in the conversion before the 11th century, when several identifiable schools emerged, remains unclear. Tibetan Buddhist monk reading with handbell in Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh, India.
What is the mystical tendency of Buddhism?
Mystical practices and esoteric sects are found in all forms of Buddhism. The mystical tendency that Buddhism inherited from Indian religion became increasingly pronounced. Following the codification of the Theravada canon—which according to tradition emerged orally shortly after the Buddha’s death and was written down by ...
Definition - What does Vajrayana mean?
Vajrayana is a form of Buddhism that is sometimes referred to as Tantric Buddhism. It developed in India in the fifth century out of the Mahayana tradition and quickly spread to neighboring countries, most notably Tibet.
Yogapedia explains Vajrayana
As an esoteric path of Tantra, Vajrayana uses rituals and sacred objects to channel divine energy and achieve enlightenment — among them, mantras, mandalas and other rituals. Those on the path to enlightenment are bodhisattvas, or buddhas-to-be, and they undertake the spiritual journey to benefit all sentient beings.
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