One of the three major forms of Buddhism, Vajrayana (the Vehicle of the Thunderbolt), also called Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism and most closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism developed about 500–600 C.E. in India. A syncretic religion, it is an outgrowth of Mahayana Buddhism with origins in India. Ancient Indian Hindu and Vedic magical rituals and teachings were merged with Mahayana practices, and the integrated belief system was transported along the Silk Road linking India to Tibet and China beginning in the 5th century. Vajrayana practices included incantations, mantras, chants, esoteric rituals, many new deities, texts, rites and concepts introduced by Tantric masters. In the 8th century, important Tibetan masters and monks began to visit China and others continued to teach Vajrayana Buddhist principles thereafter whenever they were invited by the Chinese Emperor. A few VA pieces reflect these syncretic influences.
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Magnificent fine provincial Tantric Buddhist statue, probably Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha. Carved in the round with delicate incised leaves and leaf motifs The high pointed crown has the Five Tantric Dhyani Buddhas, rare in Chineses provincial Buddhist statues.
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