Skt., buddhakula
Tib., sangs-rgyas kyi-rigs
Also known as the "Five Families" or simply as "Buddha Families", this is a system of classification according to which Buddhas (and other deities), symbols, ritual implements etc. are arranged and associated, including associations with colors, directions and elements.
To a practiced initiate, only one associated keyword is necessary to mentally evoke all other associations; an ability that is necessary for the visualization of individual deities and/or complete mandalas.
Below the major associations of the "Five Families"
Top to bottom: Sanskrit, English, Tibetan,
Symbol, Direction, Color, Buddha and
Dakini
| buddha | vajra | ratna | padma | karma |
| awakening | diamond | jewel/gem | lotus | action |
| nam-mkha' | rdo-rje | rin-chen | pad-ma | phrin-las |
| space, sky | dorje | wishfulfilling jewel | lotus | sword |
| center | east | south | west | north |
| white | blue | yellow | red | green |
| Vairocana | Aksobhya | Ratnasambhava | Amitabha | Amoghasiddhi |
| Akashadhatvishvari | Locana | Mamaki | Pandaravasini | Samayatara |