ABSTRACT
Although there were many different stages in the development of Tantric Buddhism, two are particularly important for the study of Nepalese Buddhism. The first is the stage represented by the set of Five Buddhas and the tantric version of that represented by the Guhyasamāja-tantra, what is called the Yogottara Tantra level in studies of Tibetan Buddhism. The second is the stage represented paradigmatically by the deity
and his consort Vajravārāhī. In Newar Buddhism the gods of this level are esoteric gods. Other tantric divinities-particularly Vajrasattva and —act as a kind of external face or exoteric version of the esoteric gods. It will be clear from this that correspondences are made between the gods of the different levels. As one receives tantric initiations so one learns the secret identities of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas whom anyone may worship.
