Agama (Vajrayana)

This article is about the Vajrayana texts. For the early Buddhist texts, see Agamas. For the etymology of the term āgama, see āgama.

Within the Vajrayana teachings, agama (Skt. āgama; T. lung, ལུང་) refers to a compendium or commentary of a tantra text.

In the Tibetan tradition, Vajrayana teachings are commonly divided into three categories:

• tantras
• agamas (or compendiums)
• upadeshas (or pith instructions)

Tantras are always accompanied by the agamas which present the same teachings but in a shorter, more accessible way than the tantras which are very extensive teachings. Pith instructions are simple, direct practical instructions.