Tantrayana ('The Vehicle of the Tantra'), popular for its usage of Tantra, is said to be a form of Mahayana Buddhism, which developed from the earlier Theravada Buddhist tradition. Tantrayana is also known as Mantrayana, "The Vehicle of Spells" from its emphasis on esoteric doctrines (see mantra).

Tantrayana is one of the forms of Buddhism currently associated with Tibet, being an aspect of Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, with growing numbers of adherents in Japan and the West as well.

Adherents claim that once Hinayana and Mahayana philosophies are understood properly, Tantrayana will help individuals quickly achieve Buddhahood through tantric practice. Once Buddhahood is achieved, the practitioner can use these qualities to help others. The other "vehicle" schools have differing opinions, however.

Tantrayana allegedly developed from Hindu and Buddhist precursors during the 7th century AD in Bengal. It flourished in Burma, Thailand, and minimally in Sri Lanka until being generally abandoned in those countries in favor of the Theravada tradition.

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