It definitely has very little to do with Hinayana/Theravada Buddhism which IMHO most replicates the life of Buddha. Was into esoteric Tibetan and Japanese Tendai Buddhism for some years, perhaps only five. The key is "esoteric", even when folks present a "hidden" gospel, secrecy opens wide the door to abuse. Let's say the Dalai Lama was taken in, as hypothesis, there are plenty and I mean plenty of other interesting characters in this whole schtick of Vajrayana Buddhism. Somehow I was preserved from some of the more "esoteric" practices. When you look at images of "wrathful deities" in these paths, you will see what is really involved here.... A lot of mind training, discipline, tons of ritual, samaya vows, etc, and doctrine of karma...but not grace. Grace in Jesus Christ trumps karma and all the trappings of Buddhism, a whole 'nother topic...