Context:
Buddhist relics found in Ratnagiri, Odisha, confirm its role as a Tantric Buddhism hub.
Tantric Buddhism:
- A form of Buddhism that developed in India around 900 CE.
- Other important forms – Theravada and Mahayana
- Also known as Vajrayana Buddhism or Diamond Vehicle
- Practiced mainly in – Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Nepal
- Has very complex set of rituals compared with the rest of the Buddhist schools.
- Schools of Tantric Buddhism – Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug
- Deities– Tara, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, and Vajrapani.
Key aspects:
- Views enlightenment as something that can be attained in a single lifetime.
- Draws upon some elements of Mahayana Buddhism
- Includes unique practices and teachings, such as tantra, deity yoga, meditative techniques, and esoteric rituals.
- Believes that Tantras, Mantras, and Yantras are superior vehicles to liberation
- Known for its colourful and intricate mandala art works
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct: Sthaviravadins belong to the Theravada Buddhism.