The Buddhist sect that believed in attaining salvation through magical powers is:

Correct Answer: Vajrayana

Subject: history

Hinayana
Mahayana
Vajrayana
Theravada

Explanation: Vajrayana (also called Tantrayana or Mantrayana) emerged around the 5th–7th century CE and introduced tantric practices, mantras, mudras, yantras, and mystical/magical methods to achieve enlightenment rapidly. It flourished in Tibet, Nepal, and eastern India under Pala dynasty patronage. Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) focuses on individual self-discipline and the Eightfold Path. Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) promotes the Bodhisattva ideal — staying in the world to help all beings attain liberation. Theravada is the conservative Hinayana school still practiced in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand.