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.