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What are the main texts and scriptures in Vajrayāna?
The main texts and scriptures in Vajrayāna, also known as Esoteric Buddhism or Tantric Buddhism, are known as the Tantras. These texts are considered to be the most important and sacred teachings in Vajrayāna and are believed to contain the secret and powerful methods for achieving enlightenment.
There are four main categories of Tantras: Kriyā, Charyā, Yoga, and Anuttarayoga. Each category has its own set of texts and teachings, but they all share the common goal of achieving enlightenment through the use of tantric practices.
The Kriyā Tantras, also known as the Action Tantras, focus on external rituals and actions such as offerings, recitations, and visualizations. These texts emphasize the importance of purifying one's body and mind through these practices in order to achieve spiritual progress.
The Charyā Tantras, also known as the Conduct Tantras, focus on inner practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing techniques. These texts emphasize the importance of controlling one's mind and emotions in order to achieve spiritual transformation.
The Yoga Tantras, also known as the Union Tantras, focus on the union of the male and female energies within oneself. These texts emphasize the importance of balancing and harmonizing these energies in order to achieve enlightenment.
The Anuttarayoga Tantras, also known as the Highest Yoga Tantras, are considered to be the most advanced and secret teachings in Vajrayāna. These texts focus on the use of complex visualizations, mantras, and rituals to achieve spiritual realization and ultimately, enlightenment.
In addition to the Tantras, there are also important commentaries and treatises written by prominent Vajrayāna masters. These include texts by renowned figures such as Padmasambhava, Naropa, and Milarepa.
One of the most well-known and widely studied texts in Vajrayāna is the Tibetan Book of the Dead, also known as Bardo Thodol. This text is a guide to the afterlife and provides instructions for the deceased to navigate through the different stages of the bardo, or intermediate state, in order to achieve a favorable rebirth.
Overall, the main texts and scriptures in Vajrayāna are considered to be sacred and powerful teachings that provide a path to enlightenment through the use of tantric practices. They are an integral part of the Vajrayāna tradition and are studied and practiced by devout practitioners seeking spiritual transformation and ultimate liberation.