Beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhist traditions

The Vajrayana

• Views and methods of the Vajarayana are based on Mahayana: the aspiration of bodhisattva and the goal are the same
• The core practice is 'Guru Yoga'

The Tantric scriptures

• Vajrayana Buddhism follows the Mahayana scriptures, plus its own tantras
• Tantric texts describe rituals, visualisation practices and tantric teachings on the nature of the mind

Vajrayana understanding of taking refuge

• Taking refuge in the Buddha includes other buddhas
• They take refuge in their teacher, as the 'master' is seen as the living embodiment…