Vajrayana Buddhism

[gustavobarese]

Also known as "Diamond Vehicle" and "Thunderbolt Vehicle", Vajrayana Buddhism is currently one of the popular Buddhist tradition along with Mahayana Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism and so on.
Sometimes it can be heard that Vajrayana is considered as the final turning of Buddha's teachings.
Right now, the popularity of Vajrayana is gaining quite rapidly although this tradition was evolved from Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.

 

[Nicholas Weeks]

Vajrayana is part of Mahayana, not separate. It is supposedly a faster track to buddhahood than standard Mahayana.

 

[gustavobarese]

That's the main thing I am confused.
How can be Vajrayana be faster track than other two Buddhist tradition.
They all share same objective and same principles.

 

[Nicholas Weeks]

That's the main thing I am confused.
How can be Vajrayana be faster track than other two Buddhist tradition.
They all share same objective and same principles.

For example, which will be a faster way to reach a temple, walking or driving a car? Tantra has special methods that speed up one's path to buddhahood, but they are dangerous and only the well-qualified should practice it.

 

[A Cup Of Tea]

Is not the desire to reach buddhahood a desire, and desires are undesirable?

 

[Nicholas Weeks]

Is not the desire to reach buddhahood a desire, and desires are undesirable?

No. Aspirations toward virtue, and practice of same are ways to collect merit. These desires are good. Merit plus wisdom are needed for buddhahood. At some distant future point, wise equanimity rules, yet beneficent intentions remain.
To try to end noble and selfless desires during the early stages of the path will prevent reaching bodhisattva levels, not to mention buddhahood.

 

[gustavobarese]

For example, which will be a faster way to reach a temple, walking or driving a car? Tantra has special methods that speed up one's path to buddhahood, but they are dangerous and only the well-qualified should practice it.

Now I agree with your statement.
But I don't think everyone can attempt such dangerous method and practices.