DESCRIPTION
The most complex and mysterious forms of Buddhism are the esoteric ritual traditions known as Vajrayana, also called Mantrayana, or Tantric Buddhism. The term 'magical' is used not only in reference to the supernatural powers and extraordinary abilities (Ṛddhis and Siddhis) incorporated into these forms of Buddhism, but also in reference to the emphasis on the use of ritual fires, a practice associated the 'magi' or priests of the Zoroastrian tradition.
As the concluding lesson of the course on the Eight Schools, the purpose of this session is to notice how and where all seven of the previous forms of Buddhism appear in the fully formed Vajrayana, from renunciation to lineage traditions.
Suggested Reading
Paul Williams, Buddhist Thought, A complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition, Ch 7
Ronald M. Davidson, Indian Esoteric Buddhism: A social history of the Tantric movement.
Ryūichi Abe, The Weaving of Mantra: Kūkai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse
Reginald A. Ray, Secret of the Vajra World: The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet