Vajrayāna, also known as Esoteric Buddhism or Tantric Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism that incorporates tantric practices and rituals in order to achieve enlightenment. While this form of Buddhism has gained popularity and followers, it has also faced criticism and controversy.

One of the main criticisms of Vajrayāna is its use of rituals and practices that may seem strange or even disturbing to outsiders. These practices include the use of sexual imagery and physical gestures, known as mudras, which can be misinterpreted as sexual acts. This has led to accusations of Vajrayāna being a form of "sex magic" or "black magic," which goes against the Buddhist principle of non-attachment and harmlessness.

Another controversy surrounding Vajrayāna is the role of the guru or spiritual teacher. In this tradition, the guru is seen as a necessary guide on the path to enlightenment, and disciples are expected to follow their teachings and instructions without question. However, there have been cases of gurus abusing their power and manipulating their followers, leading to accusations of cult-like behavior within some Vajrayāna communities.

Additionally, some critics argue that Vajrayāna goes against the teachings of early Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of renunciation and detachment from worldly desires. The use of rituals and mantras, as well as the belief in deities and supernatural powers, has been seen as contradictory to the core principles of Buddhism.

There are also concerns about the commercialization of Vajrayāna, with some gurus charging high fees for teachings and initiations, leading to accusations of exploitation and corruption. This has led to a divide within the Vajrayāna community, with some arguing that these practices go against the spirit of Buddhism and should be rejected.

Despite these criticisms and controversies, Vajrayāna continues to be a popular form of Buddhism, with many followers finding value in its practices and teachings. However, it is important for practitioners to be aware of these issues and to approach Vajrayāna with a critical and discerning mind, rather than blindly following the beliefs and actions of their gurus.