The Tantric texts in Buddhism refer to a wide range of written works, generally from the Vajrayāna traditions in Buddhist philosophy. The texts are largely made up of works of Buddhist philosophy but have also borrowed from the writings of other schools of thought throughout the history of the East.
The “Tantras” themselves are a collection of philosophical teachings and practices within Buddhism. These texts focus on rituals, meditation practices, and the use of symbolic imagery and mantras to help an individual achieve spiritual transformation and enlightenment.
While there is no specific date of origin for the tantric texts, the earliest recorded tantra was collected by the Chinese pilgrim Wu-xing around 680 CE.
A Summary of The Tantras:
While there are hundreds of Tantric texts in total, here are some of the key pieces of writing I’ve put together to help you get a feel for what they were used for and how they relate to Buddhism.
| Text | Content | Practices |
| Hevajra Tantra | Focuses on the deity Hevajra, union of wisdom and compassion | Visualization of Hevajra, six yogas, including clear light and illusory body meditations |
| Guhyasamaja Tantra | Foundational text on deity Guhyasamaja, integration of buddha qualities | Mandala construction, visualization, mantra recitation, generation and completion stage meditations |
| Chakrasamvara Tantra | Centers on deity Chakrasamvara and consort Vajrayogini | Mandala visualization, rituals, mantras, inner fire meditation (tummo) |
| Kalachakra Tantra | Comprehensive teachings on cosmology, astrology, and inner transformation | Kalachakra deity practice, sand mandala construction, harmonizing inner and cosmic energies |
| Vajrayogini Tantra | Focused on goddess Vajrayogini, embodiment of wisdom and compassion | Visualization as Vajrayogini, powerful mantras, rituals for transforming experiences |
| Mahavairocana Tantra | Central to Shingon Buddhism, practices related to cosmic Buddha Mahavairocana | Mandala construction, rituals, meditation practices realizing inseparability of practitioner and deity |
| Sarva-Tathagata-Tattva-Sangraha Tantra | Practices related to various tathagatas (buddhas) and bodhisattvas | Mandala rituals, visualizations, mantras integrating practitioner with ultimate nature of tathagatas |
| Yogini Tantras | Focuses on female deities or yoginis, importance of feminine energy | Advanced visualizations, mantras, rituals harnessing and transforming feminine energies |
| Samputa Tantra | Union of wisdom and method, deities Samputa and Samputeshvara | Tantric rituals, meditative practices, visualizing union of male and female deities symbolizing wisdom and compassion integration |
| Carya Tantras and Kriya Tantras | Ritualistic practices for purifying body and mind, preparatory for higher tantric practices | Ritual cleanliness, offerings, recitations (Kriya tantras focus more on ritual actions; Carya tantras emphasize meditative practices) |
What Can Tantric texts Teach us About Buddhism?
The Buddhist tantric texts can help us get some insight into the deeper, more spiritual practices of Buddhism, particularly within the Vajrayana tradition.
These writings show us how the underlying philosophy developed over time to integrate wisdom and compassion, fundamental principles in Mahayana Buddhism.
For instance, the Hevajra Tantra and Samputa Tantra emphasize the joining of these qualities, teaching that true enlightenment comes from their combination. In these texts, wisdom represents a person’s understanding of the true nature of reality (similar to Stoic wisdom), while compassion signifies the boundless love and concern for all living things. The integration of these two is said to be crucial for our spiritual growth.
Other writings explain the use of rituals, mandalas, and visualization practices. Examples of this can be seen in the Guhyasamaja Tantra and Chakrasamvara Tantra. These writings explain how external rituals and internal meditative practices can be used to transform the way we see the world around us and our experience of life to achieve enlightenment.
Mandalas, for instance, serve as sacred geometrical representations of the universe and are used in meditative practices to help the visualization of deities and spiritual planes of existence.
We can look at the Kalachakra Tantra to learn about how Buddhist practice uses ideas of interconnectedness of inner and outer realities. This text includes teachings on cosmology, astrology, and the intricate workings of the universe. It explains how we can harmonize our energies with cosmic energies, thereby aligning individual spiritual development with the broader universal order.
Much like the Stoic practice of the view from above, this holistic view of the world encourages practitioners to see themselves as a smaller part of a larger cosmic process, leading to a sense of unity and interconnectedness.
The Origins and Development of Tantric Texts
Tantric texts in Buddhism have a long history. They started in the Gupta Period and grew from the 7th century onward. We can see how they changed over time and what influenced them.
Early Appearances in Buddhist Canon
The first Buddhist tantric traditions brought “action Tantras” or kriyā tantra. These texts had magical mantras for everyday life. Later, more complex practices like deity yoga and working with the subtle body came along.
Influence of Non-Buddhist Traditions
Tantric texts in Buddhism didn’t just come from within Buddhism. They were also influenced by Śaiva and Śakta traditions outside Buddhism, as well as the traditions of local cults and religions. In some cases, entire passages from these external texts have been copied.
This mixing of ideas essentially cherry picked the most beneficial practices of the time and made the tantric texts richer and more varied while still aiming to bring people closer to the path to enlightenment.
Evolution OF Buddhist Schools
As tantric traditions spread, different schools added their own twists to the texts.
This led to many different tantric practices across various Buddhist groups. The changing nature of these texts shows how Buddhist thought and practice have evolved over time.
| Period | Key Developments | Influential Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gupta Period | Emergence of early tantric texts | Early Buddhist schools |
| 7th-8th Century | Introduction of kriyā tantra | Śaiva and Śakta traditions |
| 8th Century onwards | Complex practices like deity yoga | Various Buddhist schools |
Key Principles in The Tantric Texts
As we’ve seen, the Tantric texts in Buddhism focus on unique practices that aim to help us find enlightenment in our lives.
These writings are full of practical meditations, reflections, and rituals, making them unique among other Buddhist texts.
At the heart of the work are sacred sounds called mantras.
Matras are specific sounds which are made during meditation and rituals, sounds that are designed to deepen the experience and benefit to the practitioner
Alongside mantras, there are mudras – special hand gestures that help channel energy. Mandalas, complex diagrams of the universe, also play a large role.
Visualization techniques are another important part of Tantric texts. Practitioners imagine themselves as enlightened beings in an effort to change their consciousness and quicken their spiritual journey.
An example of a visualisation practice is deity yoga, a main practice in many Tantric texts. This means seeing oneself as a buddha or bodhisattva and taking on their enlightened qualities. This practice changes how one sees themselves and speeds our spiritual growth.
| Purpose | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| Mantras | Sacred sounds for meditation | “Om Mani Padme Hum” |
| Mudras | Hand gestures for energy channelling | Dhyana Mudra (meditation pose) |
| Mandalas | Universe diagrams for visualization | Kalachakra Mandala |
| Deity Yoga | Self-visualization as enlightened beings | Tara Meditation |
Symbolism and Imagery in Tantric Buddhist Texts
Tantric Buddhist texts are full of symbolism and imagery both for a way to explain the universe (in the form of mandalas) and to better understand specific practices.
This can be anything from symbolizing the joining of wisdom and compassion or changing bad feelings into good ones.
As we’ve seen, Mandalas are key in these texts. They are detailed diagrams that show the universe or the mind of the practitioner. Mandalas help with meditation and visualization, guiding practitioners on their spiritual path.
Tantric deities are also very important in these texts. Deities like Chenrezig and Akṣobhya represent different parts of the enlightenment practice and help practitioners focus their meditation, connecting with and growing these enlightened qualities inside themselves.
| Tantric Symbol | Meaning | Use in Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Mandala | Universe and mind | Meditation and visualization |
| Wrathful deities | Transformation of negative emotions | Overcoming obstacles |
| Chenrezig | Compassion | Cultivating loving-kindness |
| Akṣobhya | Unshakeable resolve | Developing stability in practice |
Tantric Texts in Different Buddhist Traditions
The philosophy found in Buddhist tantric literature has also spread across other cultures, each adding its own twist.
These sacred texts have changed over time in various different places, and each of these different cultures has shaped the philosophy with their own unique practices and beliefs. Some examples are:
Tibetan Buddhism
In Tibet, Vajrayana literature is key to spiritual life. The Guhyasamāja Tantra is a major text. It guides practitioners through complex visualizations and rituals.
Tibetan lamas have kept and grown these teachings for centuries.
Japanese Shingon
Kukai brought tantric Buddhism to Japan in the 9th century. He founded the Shingon school. This tradition focuses heavily on the Mahāvairocana Tantra.
It talks about intricate mandala practices and secret rituals. Shingon monks still study and practice these ancient techniques.
Nepalese Buddhism
Nepal has a special mix of tantric practices. Here, local customs blend with Indian tantric teachings. This creates a rich mix of Buddhist tantra.
Nepalese Buddhists keep their own tantric texts. They adapt them to their culture while keeping their true meaning.
