Whats Vajrayana?/How is Tibetan Buddhism different?
Vajarayana is the most popular form of Buddhism in Tibet. Vajrayana (also ‘Mantrayana’) is the third of the three vehicle of Buddhism. ‘Yana’ means ‘vehicle’. The teachings of the Buddha are divided into three yanas: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Theravada, the most popular school of Hinayana (‘Lesser Vehcile’) concentrates on discipline and virtue. Mahayana concentrates more on altruistic motivations (compassion) and wisdom. All three incorporate discipline, compassion, and wisdom with different methods and motivations toward the common aspiration for Enlightenment. In Vajrayana (‘Diamond Vehicle’) the central Mahayana themes of compassion and emptiness are dealt with using symbolic and practical systems of technique and understanding. There is the belief that enlightenment can be attained through the proper combination of wisdom and compassion. The three vehicles should not be considered as in conflict with each other. Hinaya is a foundation for Mahayana, just as Mahayana is for
