Secret of the Vajra World

Author: Reginald A. Ray
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834825236
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 545

Book Description
An entrée into the world of Tantric Buddhism—a unique collection of texts, concepts, and meditation practices presented by Tibetan masters teaching in the West The “Vajra World” (vajradhatu in Sanskrit) is a realm of indestructibility, the level of reality beyond all thought and imagination, all impermanence and change, which a fully realized person knows and inhabits. Used metaphorically, “Vajra World” refers to the traditional culture of Tibet and the unique spirituality that is its secret strength. Secret of the Vajra World is the companion volume to the author’s earlier book, Indestructible Truth: The Living Spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism. While that book focuses on the history, cosmology, philosophy, and practice of the more public, exoteric side of Tibetan Buddhism, this work treats its more hidden and esoteric aspects as they take shape in Vajrayana. Together, the two volumes provide a broad introduction to the major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Topics include: • The tantric view of human nature and the external world • The special role of the guru, or tantric mentor • The preliminary practices that prepare the student for full initiation • The major dimensions of Vajrayana practice, including visualizations, liturgies, and inner yogas • The tradition of the tulku, or incarnate lama • The lore surrounding the death of ordinary people and of saints • The practice of solitary retreat, the epitome of traditional Tibetan Buddhism

Indestructible Truth

Author: Reginald A. Ray
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834824388
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 401

Book Description
One of the most thorough, yet accessible, introductions to the Tibetan Buddhist worldview ever published The author presents complex and sophisticated teachings and practices in nontechnical language, using engaging stories and personal anecdotes to illustrate his points. Indestructible Truth presents Tibetan Buddhism in its traditional form but also shows how the Tibetan traditions are applicable to the problems and challenges of modern life in the West. In Indestructible Truth, Tibetan Buddhism is introduced not as an exotic religion, but rather as an expression of human spirituality that is having a profound impact on the modern world. In addition, it presents the point of view of meditation and the practice of the spiritual life, paying special attention to contemplative practice and meditation as taught in the Kagyu and Nyingma schools.

This Precious Life

Author: Khandro
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1590301749
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 209

Book Description
Using the traditional Tibetan Buddhist framework of the Four Reminders—the preciousness of human birth, the truth of impermanence, the reality of suffering, and the inescapability of karma—Khandro Rinpoche explains why and how we could all better use this short life to pursue a spiritual path and make the world a better place. The book includes contemplative exercises that encourage us to appreciate the tremendous potential of the human body and mind.

The World of Tibetan Buddhism

Author: Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-ʼdzin-rgya-mtsho
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Book Description
A lucid and profound yet eminently readable introduction to [Tibetan Buddhism].--Library Journal

Buddhist China

Author: Sir Reginald Fleming Johnston
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Buddha (The concept)
Languages : en
Pages : 514

Book Description
"L'ouvrage traite dans les sept premiers chapitres du développement du bouddhisme Mahayana en Chine puis dans les six derniers chapitres de deux sites très réputés en Chine pour leurs activités religieuses, plus particulièrement bouddhistes. Le premier de ces sites est la montagne sacrée Jiuhua située dans la province d'Anhui. Le second site est la célèbre île de Putuo ou Putuoshan, située au large des côtes de la province du Zhejiang.

The Wheel of Time Sand Mandala

Author: Barry Bryant
Publisher: Snow Lion
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 322

Book Description
Now back in print comes this stunning visual introduction to the artistic and spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism--the Kalachakra Sand Mandala. "Spiritual vision communicated by art and ritual."--"Tricycle." 36 color photos. 199 b&w photos.

The Practice of Pure Awareness

Author: Reginald A. Ray
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834841614
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 305

Book Description
A respected teacher presents the core and essential wisdom of Tibet and shows us the possibilities of "enlightenment in this present life" through the meditative practice of Pure Awareness. Perhaps the most precious teaching Tibet has to offer the modern world is the practice of meditation. Reginald Ray presents the essence of this tradition through the somatic practice of Pure Awareness—a unique kind of meditation that is thoroughly grounded in the body and in ordinary experience. This fundamentally transformative practice offers the possibility of enlightenment in this present life and invites us into the immensely powerful journey that Tibetan tantric spirituality has to offer. Includes a link to a free download of audio meditations.

The Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great

Author: Ringu Tulku
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1590304640
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 338

Book Description
This compelling study of the Ri-me movement and of the major Buddhist lineages of Tibet is comprehensive and accessible. It includes an introduction to the history and philosophy of the Ri-me movement; a biography of the movement's leader, the meditation master and philosopher known as Jamgön Kongtrul the Great; helpful summaries of the eight lineages' practice-and-study systems, which point out the different emphases of the schools; an explanation of the most hotly disputed concepts; and an overview of the old and new tantras. Jamgön Kongtrul the Great (1813–1899) is a giant in Tibetan history, renowned for his scholarly and meditative achievements, but also for his energetic yet evenhanded work to unify and strengthen the different lineages of Buddhism. The Ri-me movement, led by Kongtrul and several other leading scholars of the time, was a unifying effort to cut through interscholastic divisions and disputes that were occurring between the different lineages. These leaders sought appreciation of the differences and acknowledgment of the importance of variety in benefiting practitioners with different needs. The Ri-me teachers also took great care that the teachings and practices of the different schools and lineages, and their unique styles, did not become confused with one another. This lucid survey of the Ri-me movement will be of interest to serious scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.

Introduction to Buddhist Tantric Systems

Author: Mkhas-grub Dge-legs-dpal-bzaṅ-po
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Pub
ISBN: 9788120808348
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 382

Book Description
The Survey of the Buddhist Tantras by Mkhas-grub-rje (1385-1438) is a sample of the rich literature on this topic in the Tibetan language. In accordance with Tsonkha-pa`s tantric reform after the theory about how Gautama Buddha became enlightened the author present the non-tantric materials stipulated as preliminary for tantric study and practice. The translation was collaborated in the 1950s between F.D. Lessing and Alex Wayman at Berkeley, California. After Lessing`s death, Wayman annotated and published the text in 1968 and has provided a new introduction for the present reissue of this seminal treatise. Lessing was the first professor to offer courses in the Tibetan language at an American University. Contents Chapter One: 1. How the Teacher Bhagavat became Abhisambuddha; Chapter Two: II. The Method of Setting the Wheel of the Law into Motion; Chapter Three: The Method of Setting the Wheel of the Law of the Mantra-yana into Motion; Chapter Four: Fundamentals of Initiation and Holding of vows in the Kriya Tantra; Chapter Five: Fundamentals of the Carya Tantra; Chapter Six: Fundamentals of the Yoga Tantra; Chapter Seven: Fundamentals of the Anuttara-yoga Tantra; Chapter Eight: Procedure in the meaning of the subject matter Chapter Nine: Manner of Conferring Initiation; Index of Work Cited; Index of Names and Subjects.

The Awakening Body

Author: Reginald A. Ray
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 0834840413
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 193

Book Description
A senior Buddhist teacher offers fundamental body-based meditation practices that prove enlightenment is as close to you as your own body Many of us experience life through so many conceptual filters that we never recognize the freedom and joy that are inherent in us—and are in fact the essence of who we are. We can grow old not realizing that one of the most powerful tools to escape the painful knots we tie ourselves in is, literally, at our fingertips: our body. With The Awakening Body, Reggie Ray cracks open the shell of the mind-body dichotomy and presents six fundamental body-based practices that connect us back to who we really are. These practices cut through the mental fabrications through which we experience our world and lead us directly to the richness of living a fully present, embodied human life. This book includes a link to free downloads of recorded guided practices.