topic south-asia ★ seed
Vajrayana Buddhism
The 'Diamond Vehicle' — esoteric Buddhism emphasizing tantric practices, mantras, mudras, mandalas, and guru-disciple transmission. Emerged ~7th century CE in India, flourished in Tibet and Mongolia.
#vajrayana
#tantric
#tibetan
#esoteric
Sub-topics
Gelug School concept
Founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409, Tibet. 'Yellow Hat' school — emphasis on monastic discipline, logic, and graduated path (lamrim). The Dalai Lama tradition belongs to this school.
Kagyu School concept
Founded 11th century, Tibet. 'Oral Lineage' — emphasis on meditation practice and direct guru transmission. Milarepa the famous yogi. Karmapa as head lama.
Nyingma School concept
Oldest Tibetan Buddhist school, 8th century. Founded by Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Dzogchen (Great Perfection) as the highest teaching. 'Red Hat' tradition.