Knowing Basics of Tibetan Mahayana-Vajrayana Buddhism

The Tibetan Buddhists mainly follow the Mahayana-Vajrayana (the Diamond Way or Thunderbolt Way of life) school of Buddhism. It is basically the sect that practices esoteric-ritualtic Buddhism to attain Bodhisattva or enlightenment.This branch of Buddhism originated in Tibet, merging Indian Mahayana teachings with local customs and traditions. It's known as the "Great Vehicle" tradition, which emphasizes the bodhisattva ideal—seeking enlightenment not just for oneself, but to assist all beings. This path is all about deep compassion and mental transformation. Some key aspects of Tibetan Buddhism are the Lamas, who are honored as teachers and spiritual leaders, believed to be reincarnated to help guide their followers. The practice includes various rituals and techniques, such as detailed mandalas, mantras like 'Om Mani Padme Hum', and meditation, all aimed at speeding up the journey to enlightenment within a single lifetime, ultimately striving for "Buddhahood," which represents complete enlightenment.

Basic tenets, as I have understood, are: ~World is full of illusions caused by impure perceptions or spiritual obstructions called kleshas ~Meditation and skillful mastery of practices of Vajrayana - Tantric, Mahamudra or Dzogchen practices - shatter falsehood and create pure perceptions ~Essential teachings only occurs directly from teacher / Guru (initiation of) to disciple and cannot learned from books. Gurus exists through a recognised system of lineages

The esoteric transmission is fastened by practicing through three ritual implements consisting of vajra, bell, and counting beads The serious practitioners of the Vajrayana Buddhism take tantric vows and acquire prescribed behaviour through Kriya Yoga (Deity Yoga or Mandala / pure land of deity meditation) during initiation and empowerment period (Induction) under a guru with initiation through Guru yoga with a mantra as a 7-line prayer.

After induction, the four hierarchical stages of Vajrayana Tantras are mastered, which are as follows.Kriyayoga or action tantra of rituals

• Charyayoga or performance tantra of meditation

• Yogatantra or yoga practice

• Anuttarayogatantra or highest yoga tantra consisting of three tantras called mother, father and non-dual tantras

Another stage consists of liberation by engaging in Kundalini yoga practices by awakening subtle energy system of the body of the chakras or energy channels for total physical and mental transformation of the practitioner by realizing the innate emptiness (shunyata) devoid of everything that exists