Context: The excavation in Odisha’s Ratnagiri has unearthed important historical details, such as Ratnagiri once being a major centre of Tantric Buddhism.

Background: –

• Ratnagiri is located on a hillock in the Assia hill range in Jajpur and encircled by the rivers Brahmani, Kimiria, and Birupa and their tributaries. It is part of the ‘Diamond Triangle’, a collection of three Buddhist sites — Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri — located in a 10-km radius.

Key Points

• Tantric Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, is a form of Buddhism that incorporates esoteric rituals, meditation techniques, and mystical practices to attain enlightenment. 
• It emerged in India around the 5th to 7th centuries CE and later spread to Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia.
• Vajrayana is often referred to as the “Diamond Vehicle” because it is believed to offer a swift and powerful path to enlightenment.

Key Features of Tantric Buddhism:

• Use of Tantras (Sacred Texts):
  • Tantric Buddhism derives its name from the Tantras, a set of esoteric scriptures that provide secretive teachings.
  • These texts emphasize mantras (chants), mudras (hand gestures), mandalas (sacred diagrams), and visualization techniques.
• Esoteric and Mystical Practices:
  • Unlike Theravada and mainstream Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana followers believe in hidden knowledge (Guhya Vidya) accessible only through a guru (spiritual teacher).
  • The practice often involves meditation on deities, symbolic rituals, and transformative yogic practices.
• Concept of ‘Deity Yoga’:
  • One of the central practices in Tantric Buddhism is Deity Yoga, where practitioners visualize themselves as a deity or Buddha figure. This practice is intended to help the practitioner embody the qualities of the deity.
  • Prominent deities: Avalokiteshvara (compassion), Manjushri (wisdom), Tara (protection), and Vajrapani (power).
• Belief in the Vajra (Thunderbolt) and Bell: The Vajra (thunderbolt) symbolizes indestructible wisdom, while the Ghanta (bell) represents compassion. Together, they signify the union of wisdom and compassion.
• Importance of Guru-Disciple Relationship: A Guru or Lama is essential in guiding followers through complex tantric practices. The lineage system is crucial, ensuring that sacred knowledge is passed down without distortion.

Historical Development of Tantric Buddhism:

• Origin in India: Developed in medieval India, particularly in Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha.
• Spread to Tibet (8th century CE): Indian masters like Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet.
• Influence in Nepal, China, and Japan: Evolved into different sects like Shingon Buddhism in Japan and Esoteric Buddhism in China.

Tantric Buddhism in India:

• Flourished in Nalanda and Vikramashila universities under the Pala dynasty (8th–12th centuries CE).
• Significance of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet: Tibetan Buddhism, a form of Vajrayana, developed into four major schools:

• Nyingma (Oldest)
• Kagyu (Meditation-focused)
• Sakya (Scholarly tradition)
• Gelug (Dalai Lama’s sect)

• The Dalai Lama (spiritual leader of Tibet) belongs to the Gelug school.

Source: The Hindu