Esoteric
("Secret") Buddhism is also known as
Yogic Esoteric, Vajrayāna, and Mantrayana (or
dharini, "True Word") Buddhism. With
origins in India, its doctrine is generally referred
to as Tantrayāna (Tantric Buddhism). Its teachings
are based on the philosophical theories of the
Mādhyamika and Yogic Schools of Mahāyāna Buddhism,
the contents consisting mainly of incantations
(mantras), rituals, and secularized beliefs. It
is believed that the three mystic elements (voice,
body, and thought) make a whole embodied in the
form of the Buddha. Of the three classics of Esoteric
Buddhism on display here, Usnisavijayā Tantra
belongs to the "Yogic Section" of Tantrayāna
and is part of middle Esoteric Buddhism. Sri
Hevajra Tantra belongs to the "Anuttara
Yogic Section" of Tantrayāna and is part
of later Esoteric Buddhism. Vajra-Wisdom Tantra
of Deep Meditation is a combination of Tibetan
and Chinese Buddhism that also incorporates elements
of Confucianism and Taoism, expounding on the
notion of "three-in-one" teachings in
ancient texts.
Sri Hevajra Tantra Translated
by Sahnachilogi (fl. 14th c.), Yüan dynasty
Handwritten gold ink edition, dated 1439,
Ming dynasty more
info
Usnisavijayā
Tantra Narrated
by 'Phags-pa (1235-1280) and translated
by Sahnachilogi (fl. 14th c.), Yüan dynasty
Handwritten gold ink edition, dated 1439,
Ming dynasty
Vajra-Wisdom
Tantra of Deep Meditation Handwritten
by Shen Tu (1357-1434), dated 1428, Ming
dynasty