Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tantric Buddhism, contains many esoteric rituals and traditions. The main philosophic contribution of Vajrayana Buddhism is the concept of a more rapid progress toward achieving enlightenment, which could, under certain exceptional conditions, be attained in one lifetime.

(Fig. 10)LINDA CONNOR Monk with Offerings, Phiyang Monastery, 1985 Gelatin Silver Print

Toward this purpose, the spirit must be trained and aimed at that single goal. The body and mind, passions and desires, are no more than forms of energy which can be directed toward the goal of enlightenment. Vajrayana Buddhism spread to Nepal shortly from India after its inception. It was introduced in Tibet in the 7th century and somewhat later in Mongolia.

With our scant knowledge about this genre of ritual art it is impossible to speculate when tsakli use may have begun, but they continue to be important today. To experience these objects fully, take your time, move in close, and discover the many rich details and iconography of this important, ancient ritual art of Tibet and the surrounding Buddhist regions.