Esoteric Buddhism

Esoteric Buddhism, often associated with tantric practices, emphasizes secret teachings and rituals designed to facilitate personal enlightenment. Unlike mainstream Buddhism, which focuses on scriptures and meditation, esoteric traditions incorporate mantras, mudras (hand gestures), and rituals involving visualization of deities. Practitioners seek to harness spiritual energy and transform their minds through these methods, often under the guidance of a qualified teacher. This tradition is particularly prominent in Tibetan Buddhism and aims to achieve a deeper understanding of reality and the nature of the self, emphasizing direct, experiential knowledge over intellectual study.