Influence Of Buddhist Vajrayana School on Origin and Development of Hindu School of Tantra
Main Article Content
Abstract
This research paper explores the profound influence of the Buddhist Vajrayana tradition on the origin and development of the Hindu School of Tantra. Despite the independent evolution of Hindu Tantra, a detailed examination reveals intense cross-cultural exchanges and mutual borrowings between these two esoteric traditions. The paper investigates historical intersections, doctrinal parallels, ritualistic overlaps, and iconographic influences that shaped Hindu Tantra. Rare examples, such as the adoption of specific mandala configurations and deity worship patterns, underscore the depth of this interrelation. By analysing primary texts, archaeological findings, and contemporary scholarship, this study aims to highlight the Vajrayana’s pivotal role in molding key mechanisms of Hindu tantric practices.
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
Cleary, T.F. (1987). The Flower Ornament Scripture: A Translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Flower-Ornament-Scripture%3A-A-Translation-of-the-Cleary/6ea55c9fe86cc00d8ad718d6b82dbb65ad8c9563
Czerniak-Drożdżowicz, M. (2014). Rituals of the Tantric Traditions of South India – the Text (Canon, Rule) versus the Practice. Studia Religiologica, 2014, 253-262. doi: https://doi.org/10.4467/20844077SR.14.018.3119
Snellgrove, D. (1987). Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Indian Buddhists and Their Tibetan Successors. Shambhala. https://archive.org/details/indotibetanbuddhismindianbuddhistsandtheirtibetansuccessorsdavidsnellgrovel._843_u/page/n1/mode/2up
White, D. G. (2000). Tantra in Practice. Princeton University Press. https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691057798/tantra-in-practice?srsltid=AfmBOorqXrcnAHTIylHHGSqM4yWY9-74nNY4AM96-oUfPy9tOusTd2EM
Gupta, S. Jan Hoens, D. Goudriaan, T. (1981). Hindu Tantrism. E.J. Brill. https://archive.org/details/HinduTantrismSanjuktaGuptaDirkJanJoensTeunGoudriaan/page/n3/mode/2up
Gyatso, J. (1998). Apparitions of the Self: The Secret Autobiographies of a Tibetan Visionary. Princeton University Press. https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691009483/apparitions-of-the-self?srsltid=AfmBOoqHExpZX8s08lMro6SOUn9E4oyu-k4KrxaLhcdNxMnkjkJtVajr
Mallinson, J., & Singleton, M. (2017). Roots of Yoga. Penguin Classics. https://yso.soas.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Roots_of_Yoga.pdf
Orzech, C. Sorenson, H. Richard, P. Eosteric Buddhism and the tantras in East Asia. Brill publication. https://archive.org/details/esotericbuddhismandtantrasineastasiacharlesorzechd.henriksorensenh.richardpaynebrillarticles_329_W/page/n3/mode/2up
Rhie, M., & Thurman, R. (1991). Wisdom and Compassion: The Sacred Art of Tibet. Wisdom and compassion : the sacred art of Tibet : Rhie, Marylin M : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Eliade, M. (1970). Yoga: Immortality and Freedom. Princeton University Press. https://archive.org/details/yogaimmortalityf0000elia
Samuel, G. (2010). Introducing Tibetan Buddhism. Routledge. https://archive.org/details/introducingtibet0000samu
Dalton, J. (2004). The Theory and Practice of Yoga: Essays in Honour of Gerald James Larson. Motilal Banarsidass. https://books.google.co.in/books?id=jPK2spNnwm4C&printsec=copyright#v=onepage&q&f=false
Flood, G. (2020) The oxford history of Hinduism: Hindu Practice. Oxford University Press. https://api.pageplace.de/preview/DT0400.9780191053221_A40255516/preview-9780191053221_A40255516.pdf
O’Hanlon, R. (2008). Caste, Conflict and Ideology: Mahatma Jotirao Phule and Low Caste Protest in Nineteenth-Century Western India. Cambridge University Press. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7k1645m6
Cuevas, B., & Stone, J. (2007). The Buddhist Dead: Practices, Discourses, Representations. Motilal Banarasidass Publishers Pvt ltd, Delhi. https://archive.org/details/pLKc_the-buddhist-dear-practices-discourses-representations-bryan-j-cuevas-and-jacqueline-i-stone/page/n5/mode/2up