Vajrayana -- Tibetan Buddhism | |||
third vehicle of Buddhism is Vajrayana, often known as Lama- ism, which originated in Tibet in the eighth century and gradual y spread to its neighbouring countries. Vajrayana is part of Maha- yana Buddhism, an offshoot, developed out of Mahayana philoso- phy which is also regarded as Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism. To practise it, one must have the skilful guidance of an accomplished Lama because its emphasis is mainly on ritualistic ceremonial ac- tions and practices which involve the body, speech and mind; the body being valued as the proper vehicle for salvation. is brief account is meant as a general introduction to the ird Vehicle or `Yana', which, together with the Hinayana and the Mahayana, make up the ree Yanas of Buddhism. Beginners to Buddhism are advised to have a thorough knowledge on the teachings of the Buddha as contained in the Hinayana before moving into Mahayana practices. Only when their founda- tions are strong enough and they have gained sufficient wisdom should they consider entering the Vajrayana. It may be a vehicle that promises enlightenment within a single-life-time and many are therefore likely to be at racted to it. However, it must be stressed that the slow and gradual paths of the Hinayana and the Mahayana should be preferred as they, have lesser pitfal s and are therefore much more suitable for the average person. ¡ûBACK¡û |INDEX| ¡úNEXT¡ú |