Which of the following statements with regard to Vajrayana Buddhism is/are correct? 1. It developed as an esoteric branch out of Mahayana Buddhism during the early medieval period in Eastern India. 2. It incorporates Tantric rituals, Mantras, Dharanis, complex Mandalas, and specialized meditative visualizations. 3. It rejects the veneration of female deities, prohibiting female Bodhisattvas such as Tara from its pantheon. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Vajrayana (Vehicle of the Thunderbolt) emerged around the – centuries CE in medieval India (notably under the Pala Empire in Bihar and Bengal) as an esoteric extension of Mahayana principles.
Statement 2 is correct: It utilizes Tantric methods including symbolic hand gestures (Mudras), sacred sounds (Mantras), visual diagrams (Mandalas), and subtle energy meditation to achieve rapid enlightenment.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Vajrayana features female deities and female Bodhisattvas prominently. Deities like Tara, Prajnaparamita, and various Dakinis occupy central roles in its pantheon and rituals.