Ultimate Guide to Tantric Buddhism History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

Ultimate Guide to Tantric Buddhism History Notes for Competitive Exams 2025

History of Bihar-6

Tantric Buddhism under the Pala Dynasty is a significant and advanced phase of Buddhist evolution in India, especially in Bihar.

What is Tantric Buddhism?

Tantric Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana, is a spiritual tradition that delves deep into the nature of the mind and the universe. It is a path that promises not just personal liberation from suffering but also the ability to benefit all beings and bring about universal enlightenment. At its core lies the belief that through ritual, meditation, and visualization, one can transcend the limitations of ordinary perception and realize the innate wisdom and compassion that lie within

Tantric Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism that:

• Combines Mahayana philosophy with esoteric rituals and Tantric practices.
• Emphasizes the use of mantras (sacred sounds), mudras (hand gestures), mandalas (spiritual diagrams), and meditation to attain enlightenment.
• Believes in achieving Buddhahood in one lifetime through accelerated spiritual practices.

Development under Pala Dynasty (8th–12th Century)

Royal Patronage:

• The Pala kings, especially Dharampala, Devapala, and Mahipala, were devout Mahayana Buddhists.
• They actively supported Tantric Buddhist practices, which flourished in Bihar and Bengal.
• Monasteries like Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Odantapuri became global centers for Tantric learning and transmission.

The Four Paths of Tantric Buddhism

Tantric Buddhism has four types or schools which include:

• Nyingma: The Nyingma school, also known as the Ancient or Old School, is the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by the great master Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Nyingma teachings focus on understanding the nature of the mind and recognizing its innate purity. The school emphasizes the importance of meditation, mantra recitation, and deity yoga as a means to realize one’s true nature and attain enlightenment.
• Kagyu: The Kagyu tradition, established in the 11th century, is known for its emphasis on meditation and the transmission of teachings from master to disciple. The lineage places a strong emphasis on the relationship between the student and the spiritual master. The Kagyu school is renowned for its meditation practices, especially the Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, which are considered powerful methods for attaining enlightenment in one lifetime.
• Sakya: The Sakya school, founded in the 11th century, traces its origins to the great master Virupa. The tradition is known for its comprehensive and systematic approach to Buddhist practice and philosophy. The Sakya teachings emphasize the development of wisdom and compassion through meditation, ritual practices, and the study of Buddhist texts. The school is also known for its rich tradition of artistic expression, particularly in thangka painting and ritual dance.
• Gelug: The Gelug school, founded by Je Tsongkhapa in the 14th century, is known for its emphasis on scholarship, ethics, and meditation. The Gelugpa tradition places a strong emphasis on the study of Buddhist philosophy, particularly the works of Indian scholar Nagarjuna and Tibetan scholar Je Tsongkhapa. The school is also known for its strict monastic discipline and its emphasis on ethical conduct as a foundation for spiritual practice.

Each of these four schools offers a distinct path to enlightenment, with its own unique practices and teachings. However, all four schools share a common goal: to help practitioners realize their innate potential for wisdom and compassion and to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all living beings.

Spread and Influence:

• Bihar became the epicenter of Vajrayana Buddhism, influencing Tibet, Nepal, China, and Southeast Asia.
• Tibetan Buddhism today carries strong influences of the Tantric traditions developed during this period in Bihar.
• Teachers like Atisha Dipankara (a Vikramashila monk) played a major role in spreading Tantric Buddhism to Tibet.

Key Features of Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana)

Important Monasteries and Scholars

Important Scholars

• Atisha Dipankara – spread Vajrayana to Tibet.
• Santideva, Naropa, Tilopa – involved in deeper esoteric teachings.
• Many of these were associated with Bihar-based universities.

Decline

• With the Turkic invasions (Bakhtiyar Khilji) in 1193 CE, major monasteries like Nalanda and Vikramashila were destroyed.
• This led to the decline of Tantric Buddhism in India, though it survived and flourished in Tibet and Nepal.

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