Emerging between the 5th and 7th centuries CE in medieval India, [1] Vajrayāna incorporates a range of techniques, including the use of mantras (sacred sounds), dhāraṇīs (mnemonic codes), mudrās (symbolic hand gestures), mandalas (spiritual diagrams), and the …

Vajrayana, form of Tantric Buddhism that developed in India and neighbouring countries, notably Tibet. Vajrayana, in the history of Buddhism, marks the transition from Mahayana speculative thought to the enactment of Buddhist ideas in individual life.

The Arts are all traditionally employed in Vajrayana as painting, poetry, literature, sculpture, costumery, theatre, dance, and symbolic activity — but this does not exclude the secular Arts or contemporary Art forms such as photography, film, or the creation of installations.

Vajrayana Tantric and Dzogchen Art. Tsakli, Thangka and more.

Vajrayana [vaj-RUH-yaa-nuh] literally, “Thunderbolt Vehicle”; also known as tantric or esoteric Buddhism, this tradition is based on practices described in tantras that employ mantras, mandalas, mudras, and meditative visualizations utilizing sexual and violent imagery.

The sacred content of the Tibetan thangka paintings play a vital role in this process of enlightening transmission. To understand how these images are used in Vajrayana, we must consider the centrally important meditational method known as visualization.

In the Vajrayana, we find the prevalent use of this very powerful and meaningful element of experience to depict or symbolize the union of emptiness and form, nirvana and samsara, wisdom and compassion.

For the Sarma Traditions, made up of the Kadam, Sakya, Dagpo Kagyu, Shangpa Kagyu, Jonang, Gelug and others, Vajrayana Buddhism is represented by the primordial Buddha Vajradhara accompanied by the Eighty-four Great Accomplished Ones (mahasiddha). There are at least five known systems of enumerating the names of the mahasiddhas.

Founded by medieval Indian Mahāsiddhas, Vajrayāna subscribes to the literature known as the Buddhist Tantras. It includes practices that make use of mantras, dharanis, mudras, mandalas and the visualization of deities and Buddhas.

Vajrayana ritual and art are characterized by visualization, deity yoga, wrathful deities, mandalas, mantras, initiations and empowerments (abhisheka), and ritual sexual union. These teachings are transmitted in texts called tantras and sadhanas, as well as through secret instructions (Skt. upadesha) from a teacher. Essentially all Himalayan ...