Vajrayāna, also called Mantrayāna, developed in India from around the seventh century and became the dominant form of Buddhism in Tibet and Mongolia, with a Japanese form in Shingon. It shares the Mahāyāna’s goal but uses tantric methods to reach it swiftly, including identification with enlightened deities, under a guru’s guidance.
Vajrayāna
The Diamond Vehicle: tantric Buddhism, with its mantras, maṇḍalas, deity yoga and initiations.
Also: Vajrayana, tantric Buddhism