Vajrayana Buddhism - Review
Important Terms
Vajrayana-known as the "Diamond" or "Thunderbolt Vehicle," is a form of Buddhism that developed in India in the 5th century C.E.

Tantric-Diamond Way or Thunderbolt Way same a vajrayana

Siddhi-spiritual, paranormal, supernatural, or otherwise magical powers, abilities, and attainments that are the products of spiritual advancement through sadhana, such as meditation and yoga

Siddha-refers to a Siddha Guru who can by way of Shaktipat initiate disciples into Yoga

exoteric/esoteric-Exoteric philosophy or religion as one which is based on the normal waking state of consciousness, or a modified state of consciousness which is still pretty close to the normal waking state/ esoteric is based on Higher Knowledge, or the light within

Mantra- a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation

Mudra-is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Buddhism

Mandala-is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Buddhism, representing the Universe

Vajradhatu-served as the vehicle for the promulgation of his Buddhist teachings

Mahavairocana-first true Buddhist tantra, the earliest comprehensive manual of tantric Buddhism. It was probably composed in the middle of the 7th century, consists of three primary mandalas corresponding to the body, speech and mind of Mahāvairocana

Aksobya-is one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas, a product of the Adibuddha, who represents consciousness as an aspect of reality

Ratnasambhava- one of the five meditation buddhas Vajrayana buddhist thought is associated with the attempt to destroy greed and pride

Amitabha-Amitābha is known for his longevity attribute, magnetising red fire element, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception and the deep awareness of uniqueness of phenomena

Amogasiddhi-one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas, He is associated with the accomplishment of the Buddhist path and of the destruction of the poison of envy

Tantras:1. Kriya Tantras-action tantra is the first of the outer tantras, and places a special emphasis on ritual actions, such as ritual bathing, and ritual 'magic' to perform rites of pacification, increase and wrath

2. Carya Tantras-‘conduct’ tantra is given this name because it demonstrates a balanced emphasis on the outer ritual actions and ablutions of body and speech and the inner cultivation of intentionality and mindfulness

3. Yoga Tantras- it emphasizes the inner yoga meditation of method and wisdom

4a. Mahayoga Tantras-associated with the masculine principle and is for those whose primary defilement is aggression

4b. Yogini Tantras-

Vajrayogini- her practice includes methods for preventing ordinary death, intermediate state, and rebirth, and for transforming all mundane daily experiences into higher spiritual paths

Tara-female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who appears as a femaleBuddha in Vajrayana Buddhism. She is known as the "mother of liberation", and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements

Yabyum-"father-mother" representing the male deity in sexual union with his female consort

Yama-said to judge the dead and preside over the Narakas ("Hells" or "Purgatories") and the cycle of rebirth

Hevajra- is one of the main enlightened beings in Vajrayana Buddhism

Dakini-generally of volatile or wrathful temperament, acts somewhat as spiritual muse for spiritual practice

Dharani-is a type of ritual speech similar to a mantra

Vajra-word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond and is a weapon which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond and a thunderbolt

Mahavairocana Sutra-it is one of two central texts

Hevajra Tantra-Buddhist Tantra of twenty chapters, thought to have originated in the eighth century, teaches the