Buddhist tantric literature

Buddhist tantric literature refers to the vast and varied literature of the Vajrayāna (or Mantrayāna) Buddhist traditions. The earliest of these works are a genre of Indian Buddhist tantric scriptures, variously named Tantras, Sūtras and Kalpas, which were composed from the 7th century CE onwards.^[1] They are followed by later tantric commentaries (called pañjikās and ṭīkās), original compositions by Vajrayana authors (called prakaraṇas and upadeśas), sādhanas (practice texts), ritual manuals (kalpas or vidhis), collections of tantric songs (dohās) odes (stotra), or hymns, and other related works. Tantric Buddhist literature survives in various languages, including Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Chinese. Most Indian sources were composed in Sanskrit, but numerous tantric works were also composed in other languages like Tibetan and Chinese.

^ Gray, D. (April 5, 2016). "Religious Innovation in the Ancient Mediterranean". Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.5. ISBN 978-0-19-934037-8.

[Gray-1] Gray, D. (April 5, 2016). "Religious Innovation in the Ancient Mediterranean". Tantra and the Tantric Traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.5. ISBN 978-0-19-934037-8.

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