The University of Nalanda c10.190

c10.190

It is very difficult to say when this phase of Buddhism actually arose. It began to assert itself and became a living faith in about the 7th century A.D., though traditionally its first promulgation is attributed to Asaṅga, who flourished in about the 3rd or 4th century A.D.¹ Tibetan opinion definitely tells us that Tāntrism is of very ancient origin, and was transmitted in the most secret manner² from the time of Asaṅga down to the time of Dharmakīrti.³ Waddell, too, holds the same view.⁴