Vajrayana

Vajrayana Buddhism is an esoteric practice tradition. It is one of two practice traditions - the other being the 'Paramitayana' or 'perfection path' - within the Mahayana philosophical approach to the teachings of Gautama Buddha.

The Vajrayana originated in India during the Pāla period (8th to 12th centuries) and spread throughout Asia. Today it survives as a tradition within Tibetan Buddhism and in Japanese Shingon Buddhism. Japanese Tendai Buddhism also has some elements of esoteric Buddhism.