Vajrayana Buddhism - 1221 Words

Vajrayana Buddhism NO NAME REL/133 September 19, 2011 Deborah Wilkinson Vajrayana Buddhism Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism is called the Diamond Vehicle. This third branch of Buddhism teaches that strength, clarity, wisdom, and flashes of light; here Vajrayana allows followers to receive such enlightenment through this vehicle of the lightning bolt. Those who practice this type of Buddhism find its complexities to be quite clear as the encounter truths of Buddha along the way of life events. Serenity and peace are experienced as they align themselves with revelations of Vajrayanan. What are mudras, and why are objects important? Why is meditation the very foundation to discovering the truths of Vajrayana, and Buddha’s†¦show more content†¦As with the Buddha’s road to enlightenment, the Vajrayana search for enlightenment and to be free of the cycle of life. Objects A variety of objects are used during worship rituals when practicing Vajrayana Buddhism. Each object has a specific meaning or special importance. It is believed that the objects provide protection and powers. The objects that will be covered are the vajra, the bell, and the prayer wheel. The vajra and the bell represent the union of wisdom and compassion when used together. The rituals are very specific down to what hand each object must be held in during worship. The vajra is held in the right hand while the left hand holds the bell. The vajra is a divining rod or staff made of metal. The meaning behind the vajra is power and insight and represents kind actions or compassion. The bell represents wisdom. A prayer wheel is an object used by many believers. Sacred phrases and Mantras are written on paper and wound inside the wheel. It is believed that by spinning the wheel with scriptures inside it is just as beneficial as reading them. This philosophy also suggests that the m ore scriptures placed inside, the more powerful and effective the prayer wheel is. The newer prayer wheels made are capable of holding millions of Mantras because of the technology of microprinting (Tibetan Prayer Wheels, 2011). The prayerShow MoreRelatedThe Vajra Of Vajrayana Buddhism1372 Words   |  6 PagesThe Vajra in Vajrayana Buddhism As Buddhism developed different schools or sects began to branch out taking the main component of Buddhist belief, called Dharma, but coming up with different ways to practice their own distinct view of Buddhism. Vajrayana Buddhism is of Indian tantric origin but it developed in the â€Å"Himalayan nations of Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan† because of this many Vajrayana’s tantras, rituals, have woven into Tibetan Buddhism making it difficult to differentiate between the twoRead MoreVajrayana Buddhism744 Words   |  3 PagesVajrayana Buddhism The Vajrayana approach to Buddhism is just one of a number of Buddhist traditions, and all of the aspects of Buddhism are based on the enlightened teachings of Buddha. 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