Mantra and Dhāraṇī Sūtra Collection

Sutras from Vajrayāna Buddhist traditions, also referred to as Mantrayāna, Tantrayāna, Tantric Buddhism and Esoteric Buddhism. These texts are associated with the esoteric traditions that developed in medieval India and spread to Tibet, East Asia, Mongolia and the Himalayas.

Vajrayāna practices are connected to specific lineages within Buddhism, through the teachings of lineage holders. They include practices that make use of mantras, dharanis, mudras, mandalas and the visualization of deities and Buddhas.

According to some traditions, the term Vajrayāna refers to one of three vehicles or paths to enlightenment and/or the three turnings of the Dharma Wheel, the other two being the Śrāvakayāna, known as the Hīnayāna (‘small vehicle’), and Mahāyāna (‘Great Vehicle’). There are several Buddhist tantric traditions that are currently practiced, including Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Esoteric Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism in Japan and Newar Buddhism in Nepal.