Essay On Vajrayana Buddhism

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Recommended: Impact of the dalai lama on buddhism

Nicole Siegal
Mr. G-Funk
Eastern & Western Philosophy
2/11/2014
Vajrayana Buddhism

The word “Vajrayana” comes from the Sanskrit word vajra, which refers to, the indestructible thunderbolt made by the god of weather and war, Indra. Vajra also translates to diamond to represent its unbreakable strength. Vajrayana Buddhism is thus also referred to as the Diamond Vehicle, the Indestructible Path of Buddhism, the Thunderbolt Vehicle, and many other names.
While Vajrayana Buddhism is known to originate from India, it is practiced today in the Himalayan nations of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and Mongolia. The religious leader is known as the Dalai Lama. Vajrayana is also referred to as Tibetan Buddhism and Lamaism.
The Dalai Lama is the head of the school of Tibetan Buddhism. Dating back to Gendun Drub, who founded the Tashilhunpo Monastery, he and his successors are said to be the reincarnations of the bodhisattva of compassion Avalokiteshvara. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, became the head of Tibetan Buddhism in 1950. However, after unsuccessful protest of Communist China...

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