The Buddhist Tantras A Guide

Author : David B. Gray
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 289 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2023-09-29
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780197623831

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The Buddhist Tantras: A Guide by David B. Gray Pdf

The tantric Buddhist traditions emerged in India beginning in the seventh century CE and flourished there until the demise of Buddhism in India circa the fifteenth century. These traditions were disseminated to Central, East, and Southeast Asia, and continue to be practiced, most notably in Nepal, Tibet and Japan, as well as in the numerous Tibetan traditions disseminated around the world by Tibetan masters living in diaspora. The central scriptures for these traditions were generally designated by the term tantra. Tantras are works that purport to relate secret teachings of the buddhas that enable awakening in as short as one lifetime. As such they are understood by their advocates to be the inspired speech of a buddha, and hence worthy of inclusion in the canons of Buddhist traditions. Over the past twenty years there has been considerable growth in the study of tantras as well as translations of these works into Western languages. This volume provides a detailed introduction to the Buddhist tantras. It addresses their development in India, their dissemination to Central, East and Southeast Asia, and their reception in these contexts. It introduces the key teachings in the tantras, as well as the history of their interpretation, and their connection to traditions of ritual, and contemplative practices. It also introduces the classification of the tantras and their place in Buddhist scriptural canons. It concludes with a look at the transgressive rhetoric that characterizes many of the tantras, the impact this had on their dissemination and translation, and the ways in which Buddhists explained this. It suggests that transgressive rhetoric and practices served an important role in Buddhist tantric traditions, which may be why they persist despite the challenges they have presented to the dissemination of these traditions.

Author : Vessantara
Publisher : Windhorse Publications
Page : 192 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2013-09-27
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781909314276

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Guide to the Deities of the Tantra by Vessantara Pdf

Vessantara explains the key characteristics of the Tantra, introduces its many Deities, and explores its symbolism. This guide provides the foundations for a gradual and thorough understanding of Tantric Buddhism, encouraging confidence in the exploration of its many themes and lavish forms. Mantra recitation and colourful visualizations of the Deities lie at the heart of the Tantric practice and Vessantara provides beautiful meditations on each of the key figures while also explaining the reasoning, theory and history behind each practice.

Author : Vessantara
Publisher : Windhorse Publications
Page : 444 pages
File Size : 40,8 Mb
Release : 2022-12-05
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781911407966

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Meeting the Buddhas by Vessantara Pdf

Meeting the Buddhas is a modern classic, giving a vivid and accessible introduction to all the main figures meditated on in the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. First published in 1993, this new edition incorporates a section on Vajrakīla, as well as new images, and hundreds of small changes that nuance and deepen earlier editions. It is a mine of information for those who want to learn about buddhas, bodhisattvas and tantric deities, and of inspiration for those who are already doing the practices. Vessantara powerfully evokes the figures, giving the reader a real feeling for what it’s like to meditate on them, and how they can transform us on a deep level. It gives detailed descriptions of the figures, including their mudras and symbolic emblems, so it can be used as a handy reference to identify and learn about particular images.

Author : Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Publisher : Tharpa Publications US
Page : 808 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2012-01-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781906665517

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The New Guide to Dakini Land by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Pdf

Vajrayogini is a female enlightened Deity of Highest Yoga Tantra, a manifestation of all Buddha’s wisdom. By engaging in the Tantric practice of Vajrayogini under the guidance of a qualified Spiritual Guide, sincere practitioners can completely purify their body, speech and mind and attain a state of full enlightenment, the ultimate goal of human life. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed and practical explanation of the two stages of Vajrayogini practice – generation stage and completion stage – and shows how we can integrate these practices into our daily life, thereby transforming every moment of our life into the path to enlightenment. It is a unique guide to becoming a Tantric enlightened being in the modern world.

Author : John Blofeld
Publisher : Penguin Group
Page : 300 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 1992
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : PSU:000032236385

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The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet by John Blofeld Pdf

A highly practical form of mysticism, Mahayana Buddhism offers precise techniques for attaining wisdom by negating the ego and entering the bliss of divinity. This book gives the background, techniques, purpose, and underlying theory of the Tantric forms of meditation, which have often been successful for those who have failed to make progress with more familiar methods.

Author : John Blofeld
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 184 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2021-06-23
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 9781000291377

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The Way of Power by John Blofeld Pdf

First published in 1970, The Way of Power is an exploration of the school of Mahayana Buddhism prevalent in Tibet and Mongolia, known as the Vajrayana. Divided into two parts, the book provides an introduction to the background and theory behind the Vajrayana before progressing to a study of Vajrayana in practice. In doing so, it provides an overview of the history, development, and contemporary status of the Vajrayana, and takes a look at the different schools and sects. The book’s primary focus is the use of Tantric mystical techniques. The Way of Power will appeal to those with an interest in Buddhism, religious psychology, and religious history.

Author : Vessantara
Publisher : Windhorse Publications
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2013-09-27
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781909314252

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Guide to the Bodhisattvas by Vessantara Pdf

Bodhisattvas are dedicated to one thing: helping people on the path towards Enlightenment. The bodhisattvas know that they are not apart from the rest of life. Seeking Enlightenment for themselves alone can never satisfy as they witness the suffering that is all around them. Their vision is to work endlessly in the service of living beings. This Guide introduces a panoply of figures: Tara, the rescuer; Manjusri the Bodhisattva of Wisdom; and Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion; among others.

Author : Francis King
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 166 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 1986
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : UOM:39015012999614

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Tantra for Westerners by Francis King Pdf

Author : Jamgon Mipham
Publisher : Shambhala Publications
Page : 193 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2009-06-16
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781559393270

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Luminous Essence by Jamgon Mipham Pdf

Luminous Essence is a complete introduction to the world of tantric thought and practice. Composed by the renowned Tibetan master Jamgön Mipham (1846–1912), the text provides an overview of the theory and experiential assimilation of a seminal tantric scripture, the Tantra of the Secret Essence (Guhyagarbha Tantra). Embodying the essence of tantric practice, this text has been a central scripture in Tibetan Buddhism for well over a thousand years. Mipham's explanation of this text, here translated for the first time, is one of the most celebrated commentaries on the Tantra of the Secret Essence, which today occupies an important place in the tantric curriculum of Tibetan monastic colleges. Luminous Essence is a specialized guide meant for initiated tantric practitioners. To fully appreciate and assimilate its message, it should be studied under the guidance of a qualified teacher by those who have received the appropriate empowerments, reading transmissions, and oral instructions.

Author : Francis King
Publisher : Inner Traditions / Bear & Co
Page : 164 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 1990-04
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 0892812745

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Tantra: The Way of Action by Francis King Pdf

Tantra: The Way of Action provides a complete guide to the Tantric path of liberation. Topics include esoteric physiology, Qabalism, right and left-hand Tantra, and arousal of the Kundalini serpent power. Following the spirit rather than the letter of the traditions, Francis King maintains that Tantric techniques are universal processes adaptable to Western culture and lifestyle.

Author : Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass Publ.
Page : 284 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Tantric Buddhism
ISBN : 8120817265

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Tantric Grounds and Paths by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Pdf

These days there is great interest in the practice of Tantra, and an urgent need for a comprehensive guide to its practice written by a fully qualified Tantric Master. Based on a completely pure lineage of instruction and practice that dates back to Buddha himself, Tantric Grounds and Paths meets this need by providing a definitive manual for Tantric practitioners. With remarkable clarity and authority Geshe Kelsand presents a comprehensive guide to the four classes of Tantra, including an extensive explanation of the generation and completion stages of Highest Yoga Tantra. All the stages of the Tantric path to full enlightenment are described in breathtaking detail, making the publication of this book an event of major contemporary importance in the history of Buddhist literature. Contents Illustrations, Acknowledgements, Introduction, The Lower Tantras, Highest yoga Tantra, Generation Stage, Isolated Body, Isolated Speech and Isolated Mind, Illusory Body, Clear Light, and Union, The Final Results, Dedication, Appendix I-The Condensed Meaning of the text, Appendix II - The Preliminary Practices, Great Liberation of the Mother, Great Liberation of the Father, An Explanation of the Practice, Glossary, Bibliography, Study Programmes, Index.

Author : Garma C. C. Chang
Publisher : Courier Corporation
Page : 130 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2013-02-21
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9780486166766

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Teachings and Practice of Tibetan Tantra by Garma C. C. Chang Pdf

Concise guide describes the art of spiritualizing one's sexuality and offers efficient methods for transmuting fear and attachment into love and universal power. Step-by-step instructions demonstrate how to perform traditional yoga exercises.

Author : Wayne Verrill
Publisher : Xlibris Corporation
Page : 590 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2012-08-15
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781477150467

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The Yogini’s Eye by Wayne Verrill Pdf

The Yogini’s Eye: Comprehensive Introduction to Buddhist Tantra, Volume I: Systemization and Interpretation introduces a new translation series, Classics of the Early Sakya, which will focus on the extensive literature of the Sakya Lamdre lineage of the Hevajra Tantra cycle of revelation. This first volume of introduction is the earliest book of its type and comprehensive treatment of the subject matter to have been written, and initiated the scholarly study of Tibetan Buddhist Tantra. Subsequent studies in all lineages were built on the foundation established by this book. The Yogini’s Eye has served as the introductory textbook for the study of Sakya Tantra continuously for over 800 years. Over the centuries, the textbook has been supplemented by a total of fifteen commentaries and study guides written by the most learned scholars of the Sakya tradition, including Lama Dampa Sonam Gyaltsen (1312–1375), Yeshe Gyaltsen (1300’s–1406), Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (1382–1450), Lowo Khenchen Sonam Lhundrup (1456–1532), Ngorchen Konchok Lhundrup (1497–1547), Amezhap Ngawang Kunga Sonam (1597–1659), and Dezhung Chopel Jamyang Kunga Namgyal (1880’s– mid-1950’s). This first English edition contains the translation of thirteen of these study guides, excluding all repetitive sections, inserted into the original book in the appropriate context.

Author : Alex Wayman
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 249 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2020-03-26
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781317722779

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Buddhist Tantras by Alex Wayman Pdf

First published in 1995. The volume is divided into four sections: The introduction places the position of the Buddhist Tantras within Mahayana Buddhism and recalls their early literary history, especially the Guhyasamahatantra; the section also covers Buddhist Genesis and the Tantric tradition. Next is the he foundations of the Buddhist Tantras are discussed and the Tantric presentation of divinity; the preparation of disciples and the meaning of initiation; symbolism of the mandala-palace Tantric ritual and the twilight language. The third section explores the Tantric teachings of the inner Zodiac and the fivefold ritual symbolism of passion. The bibliographical research contains an analysis of the Tantric section of the Kanjur exegesis and a selected Western Bibliography of the Buddhist Tantras with comments.

Author : Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Publisher : Tharpa Publications US
Page : 394 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2016-01-01
Category : Religion
ISBN : 9781910368473

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Tantric Grounds and Paths by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Pdf

A definitive manual for completing the spiritual path through the practice of Highest Yoga Tantra. Actual Tantra, also known as "Secret Mantra" or "Vajrayana," is a special method taught by Buddha to purify our world, our self, our enjoyments and our activities. Although there is great interest in Tantra, very few people understand its real meaning. This book represents a significant milestone in revealing the profound mysteries of Tantra to the modern world. Drawing from his own experience and the works of Je Tsongkhapa and other great Yogis, Geshe Kelsang presents an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the four classes of Tantra in general, and to the generation and completion stages of Highest Yoga Tantra in particular. "The Vajrayana path is like a vehicle that takes us directly to our final destination and the common paths are like the road on which the vehicle travels. Therefore, to extract the greatest essence from this precious human life by attaining full enlightenment, we need first to train in the common paths of Lamrim, and then in the uncommon Vajrayana paths." Geshe Kelsang Gyatso