Tantrism is frequently given the name Vajrayana, ‘diamond vehicle' after the Vajra ‘magic dagger' or ‘thunderbolt', which represents indestructibility n the form of a symbolical ‘diamond'. The word Vajra is also used for sunyata which in Vajrayana is regarded as the Absolute. In connection with the sacred enjoyment of love, the symbolism goes still further: various names on at one and the same time a religious and an erotic meaning. For instance, phallus is called Vajra, Thunderbolt or Mani, (Jewel) and the female organ is Padma, i.e. lotus. In this sense, Vajrayana can become a way to salvation by means of the sacred enjoyment of love.

As love making thus receives a sanctification. It is scarcely surprising that the conception of the Buddha should also undergo some changes to reflect experiences of love. Like the Hindu gods, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are allowed female complements which act as their shaktis or female powers. The Dhyani Buddha Vajrasattva. ‘He whose essence is the vajra (diamond) is counted as the sixth paradisal Buddha in Vajrayana and is often regarded as the Primordial Buddha.

Nirvana became equated with the orgasm Mahasukha (eternal bliss). Many of the Buddhist protective deities are depicted in a close embrace with their shaktis in a state of extureme excitement.

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