Patheos Watermark


Rituals and Worship

Sacred Time

The Vajrayana does not hold a consistent idea of sacred time. Buddhas and bodhisattvas are always present and active in the world, and thus in a sense all time could be understood to be sacred. Through various ritual activities one can interact with these beings.

Sacred Space


Rites and Ceremonies

Vajrayana Buddhists engage in a tremendous range and variety of rituals and ceremonies: complex meditation practices, ritual devotion to buddhas and bodhisattvas, visualizations, pilgrimage, and mantra recitation.

Worship and Devotion in Daily Life



There are many important symbols in the Vajrayana: the vajra itself (diamond or thunderbolt), the lotus, colors, certain mudras (hand gestures), and postures. Some forms of Vajrayana Buddhism also employ sexual symbolism as a means of overcoming attachments and delusion.