Product Description
Focuses on the development of merit and explains the nature of emptiness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Depends so much on how one sees from where one is
I read one of the comments, decided to pass. The other, hesitated. Finally got the book. Aryadeva tersely centers on some points one rejects. It has an effect of not very savoury medecine. Gyel-tsap comments I find clear and funny, and I like his comparisons, often not understood. Geshe Sonam's comments are simple and discreete, and the translator has formal english.

So is it Aryadeva's, Gyel-tsap's, Geshe Sonam Rinchen's or the translator's fault? None, I think. This is not about expounding Nagaruja philosophy, nor emphasizing some points as Chandakirti.
It is a more like closing arguments, a little wild, nailing it.

It's OK, but you can do better.
The Madhyamika philosophy is the most profound view of reality formulated within the Buddhist tradition. It was first articulated clearly two thousand years ago by the Indian saint Nagarjuna, and later elaborated uponby his disciple Aryadeva and the famous Chandrakirti. The works of thesethree masters formed the philosophical bedrock for the Buddhism that laterflourished in Tibet, and most of their writings which are currentlyavailable in English have come to us through Tibet. This book is part ofthat tradition. The book contains Aryadeva's famous Four Hundred Verses onthe Yogic Deeds of Bodhisattvas, as well as a commentary by the 14thcentury Tibetan master Gyel-tsap. These are then further elaborated upon inthis volume by Geshe Sonam Rinchen.

The book, is divided into two parts.The first deals with more "conventional" Buddhist truths which addressrenunciation from worldly attachments, abandonment of delusions anddisturbing emotions such as pride and anger, cultivation of compassion andso forth. It is here that this book is at its most compelling and mostenjoyable to read. The second part deals with "ultimate" Buddhist truth,arguments in favor of the Madhyamika philosophy that all phenomena,although they appear, are empty of inherent existence. This philosophy isextremely profound and subtle. Only a few books in English really do itjustice, and this, unfortunately, isn't one of them. I am not sure if thefault is Aryadeva's, Gyel-tsap's, Geshe Sonam Rinchen's or thetranslator's, but readers sincerely interested in plumbing the depths ofthe Madyamika would do better in my opinion to study some of the currentlyavailable translations and commentaries of Nagarjuna's and Chandrakirti'sworks. Unfortunately, there are no other English translations andcommentaries on this work by Aryadeva which are in print at this time.

a delightful and beneficial fruit for the mind
Whoever experienced Geshe Sonam Rinchen La's humourous wisdom, meeting him in person, will be eager to prolong the inspiration, that grew out of his words.

In the" 400 stanzas", Aryadeva, anancient indiansaint, famous scholar of Nagarjuna, explains, how to regard life out ofBuddhist insight. His compressed verses show a radical wit, provoking thereaders' contradiction, making them think about the actual meaning.

Tounfold the contents of Aryadeva's mental seeds, comments and explainingstories have been added by following Indian and Tibetan Buddhistpersonalities, which are a pleasure to read, due to their poetical, funnyand colourful descriptions of how to consider apparently common situationsin a refreshing new way.

Geshe Rinchen La rounds up each chapter,summarizing the essentials, clearing them from thenarrative ornaments toemphasize their advice for the present time.

'Though dealing with highlycomplex philosophical subjects, this book is earth-bound as life itself. Itfascinates in combining a thousand years of Buddhist spirit, serving toimprove human life through changing ones own mental influence on it. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the world’s oldest unbroken spiritual traditions is that of the Bön people—the indigenous people of Tibet, whose teachings predate the arrival of Buddhism. These traditions have survived political persecution and upheaval thanks to the efforts of a handful of dedicated lamas such as Bön lineage holder Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. Now with Tibetan Sound Healing, practitioners can connect to the ancient sacred sounds of the Bön practice—and through them, activate the healing potential of the natural mind. The Bön healing tradition invokes The Five Warrior Syllables—"seed" sounds that bring us to the essential nature of mind and release the boundless creativity and positive qualities that are fundamental to our natural consciousness. Through the medicine of sound, practitioners learn to clear obstacles on the level of the body, the energetic and emotional dimensions of being, and the spiritual consciousness. Through this integrated book and CD learning program, Tenzin Rinpoche gives users the tools to access wisdom and compassion and use the vibration of sacred sound to cultivate the healing power within the body’s subtle channels. Lama and Bön meditation master Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is renowned for his gift of rendering ancient texts in a warm and clear way to his Western readers. With Tibetan Sound Healing, he reveals the secrets of Bön sacred syllables and invites us to join him in sound to purify the body, connect with our inherent perfection and completeness, and to awaken spiritual virtue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Exceptinal service
was so impressed on how quickly my item arrived. It was carefully packaged and in great condition. I would definitely recommend this seller!

Valuable and to the point
This book gave a very direct approach to sound healing as it is practiced by Tibetan practitioners. I recommend this book to anyone interested in sound healing.

Simple and effective meditation techniques
This book and accompanying CD are excellent.

- The authors voice is very soothing (I have a number of meditation CD's that I can't listen to because the authors tone is grating).

- The sound meditations are very powerful and easy to do.Note that it's more helpful to chant/sing along, but you can listen and still receive some benefit (in my opinion anyways).

- This CD is very similar to Wayne Dyer's Meditations for Manifesting.If you like Tibetan Sound Healing you may wish to check out Dr. Dyer's.

- When I think of healing CD's, I usually think of physical healing and the usual imagery/affirmations.Note that this CD is more general.You can choose something physical to meditate on or something like emotional pain, or other non-physical issues, relationship problems, etc.

I'll close by saying that Rinpoche nailed me in the first chapter.I'm a dabbler.I like to read about meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, etc, but never actually practice any of them. He comments on this directly and after reading the first chapter I felt that this was something special.

Practical meditation exercise for a clear mind
This beautifully illustrated book contains a CD that guides reader through a simple 30 minute meditation practice. The meditation incorporates chanting the five sacret Tibetan sounds combined with visualisation. It is easy to do and the effect is a clear mind and a joyful soul. I highly recommend this book for those who want to experience the benefits of regular meditation.

Healing Sounds
Tibetan Sound Healing helped me calm down and focus.That is the goal of meditation for me and this CD helped.
John Cutler Anderson, Lucky (nickname) ... Read more

Product Description
A clear and thorough expositon of the practice and theory of Buddhist logic and epistemology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Thorough Text for Any Serious Practitioner
This text is a fantastic work in helping to illuminate the use of debate in the context of Tibetan doctrinal work, specifically in the Proponents of Sutra Following Reasonsing (Sautrantika).While it does serve its purpose in doing so, Dan Perdue has also helped to explain some of the fundamental topics in Tibetan Buddhism, such as established bases and the different forms of reasoning.This book may be a little dense for beginners and those not familiar with Tibetan Buddhist terminology, but it is valuable nonetheless.Apart from the context of debate in Tibetan Buddhism, the books helps one to establish better forms of reasoning in everyday life, as well teaching one to deconstruct those false forms of reasoning one encounters all the time.

Dr. Perdue's Class
i had the honor and privelge to take Tibetan Reasoning and Debate.This book is so good, in the sense that its so good!Dr. Perdue does a great job explaining Western how to Debate, and how to think like a Buddhist... well in their reasoning. this class is a must if someone plans to be a Lawyer or for Grad School.:)
Bye Sir ... Read more

Product Description
A great esoteric tradition developed in the Himalayan shadows of the Tibetan plateau, this unique culture investigated the mysteries of mind and magic to a degree never before attempted. Tibetan Magic and Mysticism presents this body of techniques, based partly on Tibetan Buddhist practice and partly on shamanic Bšn (the aboriginal religion of Tibet).

This revised and expanded version of J. H. Brennan's Occult Tibet features authentic Tibetan magical practices, including light trance states to recall past lives; manipulation of energies via sound, rhythm, chanting, and drumming; and the spiritual practice of dream yoga. The result of years of research, Tibetan Magic and Mysticism brings the ancient magical techniques of Tibet to the magicians of the West.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not good for anybody, really...
THE MAJOR PROBLEM:
The major problem with this book in a nutshell is the author's misunderstanding of relative and absolute bodhicitta (or "emptiness" as it is understood in Buddhism) and I can probably sum it up pretty simply: the Clear Light is not Brahman-Atman. When Tibetan Buddhists use conventional terms like "source" to describe the basis of consciousness, for example, it is very easy to misinterpret if you don't have the foundation to understand it and this is the problem here. This was the same problem in the Evans-Wentz translations of Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Tibetan Book of Great Liberation which have since been corrected, thankfully, by subsequent translations. There is no "first cause" in Buddhism. No God. No Brahman and no Atman. To refer to Clear Light in this way shows a very basic misunderstanding of Buddhism 101. I could go in more detail on this point, but to try to explain how the 3 characteristics of the nature of mind relate to emptiness and the conventional reality would be a time-consuming piece of writing. Anyone quick to point out that Buddha never said whether or not there was a God are wrong. He actually did say there wasn't a God, right to Maha Brahma's face, in fact.

OTHER PROBLEMS:
While this book may deserve a 2 star rating for being well-written and having some entertainment value for the reader (in other words, the author fulfills his job of being competent as a writer in the business of making readable books), it is not a book I would recommend for anyone curious about Tibetan Magic and especially not for someone involved seriously in Tibetan Buddhism or one day hopes to be seriously involved in Tibetan Buddhism. This book will give you some very wrong ideas.

This book very much reads like an assignment. It should be noted that the author writes about many magical subjects for Llewellyn books; it looks like he's authored approximately 20 different books about different kinds of magic. Llewellyn is probably the biggest New Age publisher in the world and they are certainly partially responsible for mucking up the waters of various traditions. I was a victim of this myself. This tendency didn't start with Llewellyn, but closer to the time period of those "renaissance" men and women of the Golden Dawn and the New Thought movement at the turn of the last century.

Tibet was one of the last mysterious cultures to be discovered and the New Agers jumped all over that. Books like the Evans-Wentz version of the Tibetan "Book of The Dead" and "The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation" had enough major errors in translation to seriously mislead anyone who studied them. Not only did people misunderstand Tibetan Buddhism (and Buddhism in general), but they also took their wrong ideas and appropriated them to other cultural beliefs like Wicca or Thelema or Vedanta. New Agers have treated everything as if it's a big puzzle game where different cultures are really talking about the same thing in different languages. There have been several books written about a sort of "key to the mysteries," usually mapping out Eastern traditions against a "western" Kabballist background. Well, it's not all the same thing. It's romantic or a "mind-blowing" notion to think so, I suppose, but it's simply not the case.

It is apparent that the author basically does some research and then writes a book on the subject, almost as if he has been given a homework assignment. Otherwise, how could he possibly be familiar with 20 different aspects of magic from various cultures? It takes a bit longer than the average lifespan to really understand different cultures, unless perhaps you are just mapping them all out on a Kabballah framework (which is standard practice and exactly why the waters have been so mucked up).I'm sure I could do the same thing myself as I have 20-some years experience studying various occult texts and I joined a Western Mystery Tradition (B.O.T.A.) prior to becoming involved with Tibetan Buddhism.

It took me a few years to get oriented and see that Tibetan Buddhism was really NOT saying the same thing at all and when I understood the difference, I realized that Buddhism made much more sense and I dropped my other studies completely. I was very lucky to have been introduced to the "highest teachings" of Tibetan Atiyoga as well, which took quite a bit longer to sort out. It is exactly this knowledge and experience I have acquired that qualifies me to assess this particular book.

Also, for those occult dabblers who are involved in anything and everything they can get their hands on (not uncommon), let me just assure you right off that this book will not do anything for you. There is nothing you haven't heard elsewhere (mind over matter, creation of magical thought-forms, etc.). It is the details that would distinguish these ideas, but there is not enough detail to give you any real starting point to accomplish anything remotely authentic. A much better book called "The Cult of Tara" is an impressively massive collection of Tibetan Rites, but even with all the rites spelled out in front of you, it is hopeless to try to make any real sense of it. This is because it's not book-learning stuff. This is a culture which requires a teacher and that teacher gives transmissions and empowerments. The author of Tibetan Magic actually even makes this point himself when he discusses that initiation requires a literal energy transference from guru to chela. Now, you chaos magicians and do-it-yourselfers are probably thinking, "So what! I initiated myself into Golden Dawn, Thelema, Wicca, etc., so why should this be any different? Well, Tibetan Buddhism really doesn't work like that and it doesn't play well with other philosophies and pantheons.

The reason it doesn't play well with other traditions is because it is not like other traditions. The Buddhas and bodhisattvas and the dharma protectors, dakas and dakinis, gurus, lamas and students all preserve the dharma because they know it is something special and unique. Yidams are not goetic demons you can simply "whip up." This is why all Tibetan Buddhist teachers respect other religions and will even compare and contrast (as lamas and rabbis have done with Kabballah, for example), but they always emphasize that it is important to note the differences as well as the similarities.

And that is this author's first mistake: he does not treat Buddhism as truly different from other traditions. Rather, he does the standard New Age mucking of the waters. In the first few pages, he mentions Aleister Crowley, which gives you some indication of where he's coming from. Crowley mish-mashed traditions on the Qaballist Tree of Life more masterfully than perhaps anyone. Later on, he explicitly states that the Clear Light of Mahammudra and Dzogchen is the same thing as Brahman-Atman of Hindu tradition and a footnote points out that all of this is very similar to the Kabballah's "infinite light." Well, I've studied all these traditions in depth and I can tell you this is wrong. Unsurprisingly, here is a Llewellyn author with the same old attitude: "it doesn't matter, whatever you want to call it, these cultures are talking about the same thing!" No, they're not.

He follows this up with an explanation of maya from Hindu tradition and explains that this has been integrated into most Buddhist traditions. The simplicity with which he describes maya and equates it with Buddhist tradition reveals a lot about his lack of knowledge and experience with Buddhism. This lack of experience is highlighted by something else: the simple fact that he repeatedly refers to Alexandra David-Neel's "Magic & Mystery In Tibet" at the start of many a chapter where he is introducing a new aspect of Tibetan Magic. You could seriously read her book instead and you'll be much better off. Alexandra David-Neel's "Magic and Mystery In Tibet" is certainly where this author drew most of his inspiration. He obviously just researched every item she discusses in that book. But, his research is superficial and worthless for the most part.

FUNNY THINGS: Where he has translated Tibetan prayers, for some reason, he has translated them in a King James Biblical fashion, complete with "thee, thy and thine" type speech. Why? These texts weren't translated into English in the 1800s or something. Most Tibetan texts, especially the sort of prayer he has here, weren't translated into English until the end of the 20th century; certainly way past the time when it was appropriate to talk in flowery old English speak. The author tried to make it "holy" and "authentic" sounding by giving it a classical King James feel. Odd.Another little funny thing is the cover art. Notice the "B" in "Tibetan" in the title. Why a Greek letter form would find itself in the title of this book is beyond me.

People who have the New Age mentality will think I'm being needlessly judgmental and authoritarian: "like, I just don't get it, man!" But anyone involved with Tibetan Buddhism at least will know exactly what I'm saying and will not waste their time on this one. But, seriously, new agers, I don't recommend this for anyone. Not even you.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. He quotes Geshe Kelsang Gyatso! Icing on the cake! ;-)

Great General Overview
This book is more like an "Idiot's guide to Bon," although it covers both Buddhist and Bon concepts. The topics are various, and include information on the khor-lo and rlung (Tibetan chakra and energy channels, not unlike Chinese energy meridians.)

It covers the basics fairly well, and provides a good look at the founding beliefs of Tibetan mysticism (encompassing both Bon and Buddhist perspectives.) Various visualisation and meditation rituals are given in detail, and intended effects and sensations are described. Prayers and mantras are listed as well, along with various rituals for summoning deities from the Tibetan pantheon.

Several sections deal with Gtum-mo, or Tibetan yoga, which involves breathing, posture, and visualization. You also get an abbreviated lesson from the book of the dead, as it describes the process of dying and decomposing physically, and progressing through the bardos.

In short, this book has a little bit of everything, giving the reader a general overview of the practices and mindset of the Tibetan mystics (Bon or Buddhist.)

... Read more

Product Description
Answers fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern Western individuals who are beginning this tradition of practical spirituality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

excellent beginner's guide
thubten chodron has prepared an excellent orientation to buddhism for beginners.it is well written, well organized, and answers almost all of my basic questions.this book is the "what is it?" and not the "i'll inspire you to do this in order to achieve enlightenment".it makes sense to stand and walk before running.it is plenty brief, provides a glossary at the end, and is laid out for future reference.it is very basic, so, i suspect that most folks will want to move on with further readings with greater detail.in the end, it is only by practice of a pathway that we will really develop spiritually.this book provides the high school type orientation to the most basic questions.this seems to be one of the finer orientations for westerners and is not written for an academic audience necessarily and older teens should be able to comprehend it.fortunately, other than a few mantras in the original tongue, everything is in easy-to-understand english. i highly recommend it.i give it an "A-".

Good book
I will agree with some of the others; this is a great book if you're vaguely familiar with some of the concepts.If you've never heard anything about buddhism except the name, this may not be the best place to start.What it did for me was to clarify some of the concepts I had read about in other books that those authors did not elaborate on, either for lack of room or their belief you already understood the concepts.I did find this to be a fascinating read.Some of it in other ways gets repeated in other books on the subject to varying degrees, but this is a bit more simplified.Well worth the read.

bud for beginners
interesting, written in plane english very basic overview of buddhism not preachy at all just some insight on the subject.

A Terrible Introduction for those new to Buddhism
This is a really bad place to start for those new to Buddhism. The title should have been "Tibetan Buddhism for Beginners." There is so much emphasis on the very mystical, literal interpretation of reincarnation that is specific to the Tibetan tradition, and this is not a good way to start. Details such as "it takes 4 minutes for the transmigration of the soul... I don't know why, but it just does" (not a literal quote, but she basically says this), is really ridiculous.

A better place to start would be "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula or "What Makes you Not a Buddhist" by Jamyang Khyentse.

Good Introduction to Buddhism for Interested Peoples
Simple.Easy to read.A basic introduction.Not too in-depth, but that is not the intent of this book.The intent of this book appears to simply provide some basic background information for those with an interest in Buddhism.If you are already a Buddhist or possess existing knowledge of the subject, this book is not what you are looking for.If you have no knowledge of Buddhism, but are interested in learning what the religion is all about, this is a good book for you. ... Read more

Product Description
A distillation of the acclaimed English translation of a revered Tibetan classic

The Tibetan Book of the Dead is the most significant of all Tibetan Buddhist writings in the West and one of the most inspirational and compelling texts in world literature.

In Meditations on Living, Dying and Loss, Graham Coleman, the editor of Viking's acclaimed unabridged translation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead, collects the most beautifully written passages, ones that draw out the central perspectives most relevant to modern experience: What is death? How can we help those who are dying? And how can we come to terms with bereavement? New to this edition are Coleman's introduction and his brilliant and incisive essays, which preface each chapter and provide the seeker entrée to these ancient insights. With introductory commentary by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a highly praised translation by Gyurme Dorje, this succinct but authoritative volume will convey the profundity of the original to those hungry for a better understanding of this life and the next. ... Read more

Product Description
The Essence of Jung's Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism illuminates two very different yet remarkably similar traditions. Radmila Moacanin touches on many of their major ideas: the collective unconscious and karma, archetypes and deities, the analyst and the spiritual friend, and mandalas. Within Tibetan Buddhism she focuses on tantra and relates its emphasis on spiritual transformation, also a major concern of Jung. This expanded edition includes new material on the integration of the two traditions, and the importance of these paths of the heart in today's unsteady world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good start; makes valid points; opens the door
When originally published in 1986, it was groundbreaking; it's still worth reading, though there are similar books now (Daniel Meckel & Robert Moore's "Self Liberation: The Jung-Buddhist Dialogue" & others on Western Psychology & Buddhism [See my draft listmania]).Here the author effectively demonstrates many similarities/parallels between Jung's works & Vajrayana, but not Mahamudra/Dzogchen (MM/Dz).She provides an introduction to each system-with interesting observations-
p. 6: quoting Nancy Wilson Ross, Buddhism: A Way of Life and Thought (NY: Vintage, 1981) p. 44, "It has been said that [Hinayana] emphasizes the humanity of the Buddha; Mahayana emphasizes the Buddha nature of humanity."
p. 17: "According to one author [S. B. Dasgupta, An Introduction to Tantric Buddhism, University of Calcutta, 1974, p. 54] there was no one particular person who introduced tantra into Buddhism at any particular time, but rather that it has been gradually incorporated in the course of centuries.The same author maintains that there are no fundamental differences between Hindu and Buddhist tantras [p. 145]."Others disagree, stating "it was crystallized into a definitive form by the 3rd century" CE & that there are fundamental differences especially in the definition of yab-yum.
p. 21: "On the path toward freedom any passion and desire must be utilized and transformed into wisdom.This is a very basic principle of any Tantric practice.In this respect it is similar to homeopathy, working on the principle that like cures like.The very same element that causes a disease may if applied in a proper dose act as an antidote and a cure."

She then compares the methodologies, archetypal symbols, similarities/differences including--Tara, Vajrayogini vs. Jung's Anima, Book of the Dead, bliss vs. suffering, attachment, cultural differences, dangers, Buddhahood vs. individuation, compassion, & synchronicity.For example, she claims that Tibetans coming west was not coincidence but a synchronistic event.I agree with the vast majority of her assertions.However, since p. 102: "Jung claims he does not make philosophical or metaphysical statements and that his work is based on empirical evidence only," it seems likely that Jung's limitations of individuation vs. Buddhahood were due to his lack of empirical observation of a Buddha.So, this distinction may be illusory.Further, despite his Thinker orientation, Jung's lack of compassion may be overstated considering his guidance to therapists regarding empathy during individual dyadic relationships with clients vs. the application of theory.Also, many (e.g. Bhikshuni Lekshe Tsomo) have commented upon the effects on Buddhism in new countries-now starting to manifest in the West.Some psychological differences were shown in Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron's "Blossoms of the Dharma"- p. 144: "Feelings of low self-esteem and inadequacy are prevalent in Westerners...Tibetans do not have words in their language for low self-esteem or guilt, so Westerners' problems with these feelings are not readily comprehensible to them.His Holiness had difficulty understanding how someone could not like himself.He looked around this room of educated, successful people and asked, `Who feels low self-esteem?'Everyone looked at each other and replied, `We all do.'His Holiness was shocked."Also, Bhikshuni Wendy Finster (a clinical psychologist from Australia) p. 158 "Only enlightened persons are totally mentally healthy."She speaks to sangha dangers, responsibilities, & cultural differences and says: p. 166: [not meeting one's expectations] "causes us to judge ourselves harshly and feel guilty, and as a result our self-esteem plummets.This surprises our Asian teachers; they do not realize the level of self-criticism and self-hatred that can arise in individuals raised in our culture."This view does not conflict with Jung's warning about going native with Eastern religions.Nevertheless, Moacanin argues convincingly for adoption from the East: pp. 104-5: "Eastern symbols are fresh to the Western mind and therefore possess a greater capacity to inspire and stimulate the imagination, while unfortunately for many in the West our symbols have become ossified and thus have lost their intrinsic meaning."Since she states p. 47: "Concepts are instruments of protection from experience" which reflects deep similarities in the 2 systems (& MM/Dz), it remains to be seen how the 2 will interact in the future.Still, archetypal symbols are universal.Thus, the 4-sided deity mandalas of Vajrayana and their Mt. Meru surrounded by 4 continents do not significantly differ from John Weir Perry's "Lord of the 4 Quarters."

Prescription for the 21st Century
Wisdom Publications has issued a new 2003 edition of the 1986 classic by Radmila Moacanin. In 22 pages, she provides with exquisite clarity the most concise summary available of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Buddhism. This compelling overview will provide both a novice and an experienced practicioner with a few insights, undoubtedly due to the depth of the author's insight. Tying the essence of Vajrayana Buddism to Jungian psychology has always been, in my view, the best way to articulate the experience of Tibetan diety practice to the Western mind. The Tibetan tankas used for meditative practice are not only beautiful works of art. They are powerful devices that can provide a window into an alternative reality. The encounter with a deity (or with a Jungian archtype) results in a stronger force which compels the practitioner to take another path. One no longer chooses a goal, it chooses him or her. The goal becomes the manifestation in practical reality of one's higher Self. Experienced initially as something "other," the Self embodied as the diety or archtype, shatters the conventional ego-centric view of the world and liberates the mind from self-imposed imprisonment.

The encounter with unconscious forces can be risky. Many Western teachers have recommended depth psychology and a thorough analysis as a prerequisite to the journey. At a minimum, it would help everyone to gain familiarity with unconscious contents and how to deal with them. Failing that, encountering deep feelings unexpectedly in the experience of daily life, as everyone does at one time or another, can be a disorienting experience. Fear and uncertainty can lead to negative actions or support of irrational idealism leading to failure or destruction of life and relationships, while positive acceptance can lead to transformation, caring, love, and reconciliation. Jungian psychology can prepare one for deity meditation and the rapid path of Vajrayana Buddhism, help smooth out the bumps in the road along the way, and train one for the inevitable life-changing forces encountered at the most unexpected times. Jung's vision is timeless:

"Every individual needs revolution, inner division, overthrow of the existing order, and renewal, but not by forcing them on his (or her) neighbours under the hypocritical cloak of Christian (or other religious) love or the sense of social responsibility or any of the other beautiful euphemisms for unconcious urges to personal (or collective) power. Individual self-reflection, return of the individual to the ground of human nature, to his (or her) own deepest being with its individual and social destiny - here is the beginning of a cure for that blindness which reigns at the present hour." [Jung. Two Essays on Analytical Psychology. p. 5.] ... Read more

Product Description
Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is one of life’s major challenges. In Living Without Regret, Arnaud Maitland, a longtime practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, reveals how his grief over the loss of his mother, who died of Alzheimer’s, deepened his ability to apply the Buddhist teaching in his own life.It is never too late to heal the past: We can inhabit and transform even the most difficult life situations, including death and our own seemingly fatal mistakes. The wisdom of the Buddhist teachings helps us to strengthen awareness and develop our inner resources. The author encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, and learn to face challenges as they arise. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Living without regret: Human Experience in Light of Tibetan Buddhism
I find this book very helpful, especially for the elderly, who need to create a new approach to life. This wider approach has to include the rest of this life, the process of dying as well the preparation for the next life (by creating a lot of good karma).

A Guidebook for Life
This book is so full of amazing insight and profound wisdom I may read it again with a pencil and highlighter in hand! The author teaches Buddhist philosophy by weaving it around the story of his mother's death from Alzheimer's disease. But, don't be fooled. This is not a book about dying. It's a book about living - without regret - and with a sense of awe and purpsose knowing that all things are impermanent.

Here is quote from the book which, I believe, is representative of the whole.

"We usually experience time and an external pressure and our relationshiop to it is strained. We look at the clock: 'Oh my, is it already that late?' We feel time nipping at our heels; it seems there is never enough time. Still, we believe there is plenty of time left before we die, although, in taking time for granted, we are likely to waste it."

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and know I will be turning to it again and again like I would return to a great teacher. I highly recommend it.

Living Without Regret
Not being a Buddhist, I was wary about how much I would understand in this Book. I found it was an easy read and it gave me comfort in the current situation of a relative dying with Alzheimers. The Author wrote the book after his Mother died from Alzheimers. Anyone would benefit from this book but I would especially recommend it to those going through some terminal relatives illness.

great for parents
My grandmother recently passed away and I recommended the book to my mother. This was easy since the book concerns the formidable experience of dealing with aging parents, but also is a poignant account of Tibetan Buddhism. So to give this book to a loved one who has lost thier own parent is a natural. The book itself can help people of any age deal with these traumas. This is a book that people who have an "interest" in Eastern spirituality will enjoy very much.It is also evident from reading the book that Living Without Regret is a labor of love.The book is concise and yet packed will all sorts of Buddhist teachings. ... Read more

Product Description
An ancient Eastern spiritual discipline is reconciled with a contemporary Western psychological system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

East Meets West
Every student of Carl Jung should read this book. Dr. Moacanin fills us inon the similarities between the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and the Westernscholarly tradition (of which there are many we never consciously thoughtabout before). Further, she communicates with clarity and sensitivity.Although looking for scholarly information, the Western mind finds anenriching and expanding experience in this book. ... Read more

Product Description
The yogas of dream and sleep are used in the Bon and Buddhist traditions of Tibet to attain liberation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

excellent book!
very intensive and descriptive! because it covers both buddhism and lucid dreaming the first half of the book is a condensation of buddhism and does a great job of laying it all out quickly and neatly! the stuff on dreaming is so cool and unique, it really delves into the spirituality of dreaming as well as introducing you to the folklore of bon/buddhist dream tradition. read it, love it! just know that waking up every two hours will not help you remember dreams. wake up 4.5, 6 and 7.5 hours after you go to sleep instead because this is when you are likely to be in REM sleep (dreaming) and therefore much more likely to remember your dreams;) the author says to wake up for three different periods at two hour intervals so you just switch it to what i just said and still do everything else he says the same. good stuff.

Disappointingly Theoretical
I've tried to use this book on and off for nearly seven years now. Its concepts are great and everything appears to be laid out. However, I've never gotten it to work at all. Perhaps it's something about me, or perhaps it has to do with the book. I can really only say that I'd probably have more luck with something more substantial and rougher going. The exercises were way too spaced out between various bits of theory for me, so that I found myself skipping around a lot through the milky masses of Buddhist concepts, trying to find actual traditions. If I were writing the book myself, I'd divide it into two parts, theory and practice. However, if that were done with this book, the theory section would take up 85%-95% of the book.

I think that teaching yourself lucid dreaming is probably only accessible to people who are highly visual in the first place, or who have cultivated their visual sense, like Hervey de Saint-Denis. Westerners who study Chinese for many years tend to be able to maintain awareness while experiencing hypnagogic states, in my experience. So, I can't wait until someone translates the Saint-Denis book or reissues the French ed. in full.

I gave the book 2 stars because it still contains some practical tradition. This includes sleeping posture, visualization, and breathing exercises. The number of pages used for writing about these things is equivalent to a short essay.

At last - the real deal on dreaming.
Finally a book on dreaming by someone who actually knows the true nature of the mind. And you don't have to be a buddhist, or wear the cultural clothing to take advantage of the practical advice contained within its pages. There is an excellent glossary for the more technical terms, though I have to say that the guide to Tibetan pronunciation left me more mystified than illuminated. (For example: Dzogchen - Tib., rdzogs chen). How the heck is rdzogs chen any clearer than Dzogchen?

If you read carefully, you will discover a wonderful road map for the awakening mind.

A tid-bit that has already worked wonders for me is the technique of blowing blue smoke up the central channel to dispel laxity. Here's the full quote:

"The second obstacle is laxity. It manifests as an internal laziness, a lack of internal strength and clarity. When you are lax in practice, you drift around, clouded and perhaps comfortable, even while attending to the object of attention. The antidote is to visualize blue smoke slowly drifting up the central channel from the junction of the three channels (a few inches below the navel and in the center of the body) to the throat. Do not get hung up thinking of physics - where the smoke goes and if it collects and that kind of thing. Just visualize the smoke slowly moving up the central channel, as if it were already a dream."

Highly, highly recommended.

The Singing Stones (Volume 1)

Brilliant Dharma Book
Brilliant, clear, instructions on an important practice, staying awake, day or night. Recognizing your dreams as dreams.

Awesome Book!
This book is excellent, and rich with great wisdom and knowledge. It just doesn't teach you about mastering dreams, but also mastering sleep. It is both dream and sleep yoga in one book.

This book also help clear up some things on the belief of deity yoga, but taught me a little more on karma that other Buddhism books left out. Not I can see the misunderstanding of how many see karma as something one carries, not as a force that is like a boomerang. They mixed karmic trace for karma.That is why many need stop thinking, and meditate for understanding. As for the dream yoga, the teachings are most simple to folow and remeber, it is one's practice that needs effort. For those who do not understand true spiritul being and cosmic reality, such teachings may seem weird. For those who seek truth and true spiritual being, these teachings may make much sense, clear as crystal reflecting sun rays. This book teaches how to master dreams by starting seeing this reality as a dream, since this world is an illusion. While in sleep yoga, it teaches on how to master sleep, and prepair one for enlighten when one times come to depart from this realm in death. Sleep yoga is given as opptional teaching, on can just practice dream yoga. But it is best to learn both, so one can prepair to know what to do when death comes, if one does not want to be earthbound or reborn else where, if not as human in this realm.

... Read more

Product Description
The sixty-four arts of love-making are lucidly presented. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

more to it than the inventory of positions
I am new to the study of eastern religions, and I enjoyed this book. About a third of it is devoted to a literal translation of a handbook on Vajrayan Buddhism which was published in the 1930s - pretty spicy stuff in those days, a veritable how-to list. But there is not much new in that part if you have read " The Joy of Sex" or any amount of other erotic literature. There are no pictures and if that is what you are interested in, you would do better by going to your local big-box bookstore.The strength of this book would seem to be in two areas. First, there is a detailed analysis by Jeffrey Hopkins, who evidently is a professor of Eastern Religions in London. Replete with footnotes. In a scholarly way, he re-interprets the imagery of the original author so that a modern reader would understand the references. Also, Hopkins has added a chapter 5 is titled "Sexual PLeasure and Spiritual Insight" and I thought it was the most illuminating section of the book. The chapter links the practice of yoga & meditation, the theory of spirituality, and the chakra system to the path of enlightenment, and also describes the nature of the link between sexuality in Tibetan Vajrayan ( also known as Tantric) practice with all these. I confess that maybe I should have known all this, and maybe there will be those who take it for granted....but it did not come together in a cohesive whole before this.

A Must Read!!!
Everything you ever wanted to know... and more.Unflinching details, well written, and thorough.Somehow more accessible than the Kama Sutra.

excellence in self freedom
we wonder if the feelings we have are too bounded & we learn that the tendency is -- yes -- we do restrict ourselves. something, aweful. & this text assures us that our inclinations to be children in bed, as wellas in our hearts, is a key to the liberation & empowerment we seek& can find in a partner; like iron sharpening iron . . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An insightful introduction to Tibetan Buddhism!
This is a beautiful little book that would make a great gift. This book communicates the deeply spiritual tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and shows you how to bring some of its wisdom into your own life. It describes the history of Tibetan Buddhism, the key themes such as the use of mandalas, mantras, yoga, and trantras to enhance your inner development. It also shows how women have a special place in this tradition. This book gives simple exercises drawn from Tibetan Buddhist practice to guide you on a compassionate path to enlightenment. I found this book very informative and inspiring. ... Read more

Product Description

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's teachings--a beautiful and accessible presentation of the time-honored path to enlightenment--are one of the world's great spiritual treasures.

The Joy of Living and Dying in Peace is the third volume in the landmark Libraey of Tibet series.Bringing us closer to the essence of Buddhist teachings, and to his own peerless insight, the Dala Lama offers his thoughts on achieving a meanful life and death.At the heart of his eloquent presentation is this lesson: by cultivating compassion, wisdom, and positive thought and action--in short, by living a good life--we can approach death without fear or regret, and welcome our passage and rebirth.

Customer Reviews (3)

Volume Three of Three
Core Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.I can't recommend this series high enough.

The Path To Enlightenment
Who can study Buddhism and not read something by His Holiness The Dalai Lama?This book is one in The Path To Enlightenment Series.The Dalai Lama has written more books than I could list here, and I recommend reading any one of them.

The book discusses the principles of Buddhism from the perspective of our natural human fear of our own death.From the Buddhist point of view, we do not have to fear death if we have a secure understanding of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.The reason a good practitioner of these teachings can die peacefully without regret is because his or her human potential is fulfilled.

Although we may think that we suffer from such things as natural disasters, biological frailties, human enemies or opportunities lost, our real enemy is our own mind.The path to true happiness is basically to let go of our desires for all these impermanent objects and states of mind.Remove the wanting and you remove the tortures of unfulfilled desires and disappointing outcomes.The real goal in life is to just see things as they are.In this way you can live your life to its full potential and not regret when the end comes.

To cultivate this awakening mind, meditation is essential.We must be ever mindful of our disturbing emotions.The mind must be trained and disciplined.But a follower of the Buddha must also act and live his or her life by treating all sentient beings as your friends.Your worst enemies are really your best teachers.Anger is the greatest hindrance to cultivating the spiritual path.It is your enemies who confront you that will test your patience and teach you to be mindful.

The title and subject of this book particularly interested me, but I believe that the wisdom of the teacher can be garnered from any of his books.I am always having to catch myself when I begin pondering why someone did not teach me these things when I was younger.Then I try to apply a little of the wisdom I have read here and I realize that I am feeding my mind with the negative emotion of regret rather than just seeing.

Life is not the beginning, death is not the end
Everyone of us will die one day, and most of us have been living for decades without realising the purpose of this life.This book outlines the basic beliefs of buddhism on the subject of living and dying in a way thatwill make living more joyful and dying more peaceful.The little examplesand analogies used throughout the book (as in most buddhist teachingtraditions) help readers relate better to the topics concerned.In anutshell, it tells you life is not the beginning, we have come a long wayto become who we are, and we are working towards the shaping of our future,not just in this life, but many more lives to come.

If you are abuddhist, this little book encapsulates the ideas of living & dying thebuddhist way in a brief yet comprehensive manner.If you are not abuddhist, this little book gives you a glimpse into the philosophy andmindset of the religion in a very personal manner and you don't have to bea buddhist to practice the teaching. ... Read more

Product Description
This pocket-sized reader will be cherished by students of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the many readers of such popular books asThe Art of Happiness, When Things Fall Apart, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, andAwakening the Buddha Within. This unique collection features short inspirational selections and pithy quotations from the great masters of Tibetan Buddhism, past and present, including Milarepa, the Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rinpoche, Patrul Rinpoche, Chögyam Trungpa, and others. Topics include cultivating compassion, letting go of ego, and developing a clear perception of our own true nature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One word : AMAZING !
Having purchased this book by accident.... while looking for some more "serious" Buddhist stuff my friend showed me this little book, it cost10 $Canadian dollars, so i decided why not... it's been over 2 years and i have read this book 4 times already.... and to be honest every time i read it it gives me new insights , inspiration and JOY !really it is impossible toexplain the feelings of a spiritual seekerwhen he encounters great teachings.... Great Buy !one of the bestbooks i ever read so far.

A small but illuminating gathering of Buddhist voices
"The Pocket Tibetan Buddhist Reader," edited by Reginald A. Ray, is an anthology of short passages from "Tibetan lamas, both present and past."The passages are drawn from both other published books and unpublished transcripts.As the title indicates, this is a small, pocket-size volume; the text fills 226 plus xiv pages.The back cover information notes that the editor is Professor of Buddhist Studies at Naropa University and at the University of Colorado.The passages in the book are organized into seven chapters: "Foundations," which covers such topics as suffering, karma, and samsara; "The Path"; "Meditation," which covers both the process and obstacles to effective practice; "Compassion"; "Emptiness"; "Mind of the Buddha"; and "Realization."

In addition to the primary text, the book has some great supplemental features.Especially admirable is the detailed listing of sources of the passages.The extensive bibliographic information offers interested readers lots of leads to other books both from Shambhala and other publishers.There are also biographical notes on the more than 20 contributors.Also worthy of note is the glossary, which covers such terms as "bardo," "bodhisattva," and "wish-fulfilling jewel."

The anthology is full of fascinating entries.I encountered many wonderful insights and thought-provoking declarations.I found some of the more striking passages to include the following: the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche's use of computer metaphor to explain Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama's graphic warning against the practice of slander, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche's thoughts on reaching "the citadel of the absolute," and Sogyal Rinpoche's inspiring explanation of the buddha-nature.Also worthy of note is Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche's beautiful use of weather imagery to explain the best path of meditative practice.

My only disappointment with this anthology was that, while it contains a wealth of information on meditation and interesting Buddhist concepts, I felt that it doesn't offer enough insight into how Tibetan Buddhism functions in the world in a broader practical sense.How, I wonder, does all this relate to war, homelessness, sexual morality, family life, addiction, human rights, and other issues?I think I got a better sense of what it means to be a Tibetan Buddhist in the greater world from "The Pocket Dalai Lama," compiled and edited by Mary Craig and also published by Shambhala; I recommend that book as an excellent companion text.This reservation aside, "The Pocket Tibetan Buddhism Reader" is a small but wonderful collection of spiritual treasures.

A glowing pocket trinket
Topics from Foundations,The Path,Meditation,Compassion, Emptyness,Mind of the Buddhas,and Realization. Great reminders throughout the day.Also has a glossary,226 pages. Excellent for reminders, in case you find yourself needing a pick me up, i start reading them and I find myself reading more than one. Excellent quotes,inspirations from Dalai Lama, Sogyal Rimpoche, Patrul Rimpoche,and others. ... Read more

Product Description
The Abhisamayalamkara summarizes all the topics in the vast body of the Perfection of Wisdom sutras. To understand this extraordinarily condensed text, it is necessary to have the assistance of reliable Indian and Tibetan commentaries. Together, they not only discuss the hidden meaning of the Perfection of Wisdom sutras--paths and grounds--but also serve as a basis for further reflection on the explicit topic of these sutras--the principle of emptiness--and how it is to be understood on the progressive levels of realization of bodhisattvas. Thus, these texts describe what happens in the mind of a bodhisattva who meditates on emptiness, making it a living experience from the beginner's stage up through buddhahood. This study of the Abhisamayalamkara and its commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyu School includes the very first complete translation of a commentary on this text. It also closes a long-standing gap in the scholarship on the Perfection of Wisdom sutras and the literature on paths and grounds. ... Read more

Product Description
In this fascinating study, Dagyab Rinpoche not only explains the nine best-known groups of Tibetan Buddhist symbols, but he also shows how they serve as bridges between our inner and outer worlds. Buddhist Symbols in Tibetan Culture is a fascinating and fun book, offering us entry points into the layers of meaning that may be found in the common (and not-so-common), pointing the way to ultimate reality and transmitting a reservoir of deep knowledge formed over thousands of years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

wanted more
I really was hoping for more with this book. Some background to the symbolism, but very light on the interesting stories. I have better information on my website.

A wonderful short introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
I'm not a practicing Tibetan Buddhist, but I've acquired a fair amount of knowledge through osmosis:I do volunteer work for a Tibetan refugee relief organization.One slow afternoon in our shop, I picked up this bookto improve my knowledge of the iconography in the graphics we sell, and wasblown away.Not only has the author written a clear, readable explicationof the symbolism, but the book is also a terrific introduction tofundamental Tibetan Buddhist beliefs.The average Tibetan may not be ableto elucidate the intricacies of the sacred texts, or practice the stylizedform of debate that forms an important part of a monk's training.But thebook gives great insight into what this average Tibetan actually believes. Now I feel I have a better understanding of how the Tibetans' Buddhism hassustained them through persecution, exile, and attempts by the Chinesegovernment to stamp out their culture.(And the Fur-Bearing Fish isn't arefugee from a Dr. Seuss book, but a symbol with profound meaning.)Thisis a great little book, and I recommend it enthusiastically.

UNDERSTANDABLE
I'm 52 years old and was fairly smug about what I had learned after 20 years or so of pretty serious reading. Then into my life, through the miracle of "amazon.comm" comes by Dagyab Rinpoche: hold on to your beliefs folks: get ready for a roller-coaster ride through Tibetan philosophy as translated from that philosophical language: German. And at the end there are instructions on how to take care of and treat the book and other books of similar nature. Scary ... Read more

Product Description
This lucid overview of the Buddhist path takes the perspective of the three "vehicles" of Tibetan Buddhism: the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. While these vehicles are usually presented as a historical development, they are here equated with the attitudes that individuals bring to their Buddhist practice. Basic to them all, however, is the need to understand our own immediate condition. The primary tool for achieving this is meditation, andThe Essence of Buddhism serves as a handbook for the various meditative approaches of Buddhist practice.

Beginning with the Four Noble Truths, Traleg Rinpoche incorporates the expansive vision of the bodhisattva path and the transformative vision of Tantra. The final chapters present the transcendent view of Mahamudra. This view dispenses with all dualistic fixations and directly realizes the natural freedom of the mind itself.

Along the way, the author provides vivid definitions of fundamental concepts such as compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature, and answers common questions: Why does Buddhism teach that there is "no self"? Are Buddhist teachings pessimistic? Does Buddhism encourage social passivity? What is the role of sex in Buddhist Tantra? Why is it said that "samsara is nirvana"? Does it take countless lifetimes to attain enlightenment, or can it be achieved in a moment? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

the essence of buddhism
this is a very good book.i've read many introductions to buddhism in relation to my practice and my teaching of buddhist psychology. at one level, this book is excellent as a beginner's introduction to an overview of the buddhist path and meditation practice.at another level, it is an advanced comprehensive but terse guide to a multitude of perspectives on the path and practice.

A comprehensive overview of Buddhist thought and philosophy
In The Essence Of Buddhism, the Venerable Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of Buddhist thought and philosophy through the perspectives offered by Tibetan Buddhism: The Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. In addition to the Four Noble Truths, we are provided with definitions of fundamental concepts within a Buddhist philosophical framework including compassion, emptiness, and Buddha-nature. The Essence Of Buddhism is strongly recommended reading for those new to Buddhism and its rich, complex, and enduring spiritual heritage.

If you can buy only one book on Buddhism...
This is one of the finest and more interesting books I have read on Buddhism in two decades.The author has brought the very authentic tenets of Buddhism together in a wonderful marriage with views of contemporary society.His perceptions and insights intowestern life are excellent and oftentimes very funny.Traleg Kyabgon explains profound terms such as "emptiness" along with others, in such a way, that even older students of Buddhism will have a much clearer understanding.He explained the notion of Karma and the consciousness that incarnates in such an amazing way, that I had to read it several times with tremendous excitement, the excitement a Christian mystic may have finding andreading the Gnostic Gospels for the first time. If you would like to understand exactly what Buddhism teaches at its core, and how this is applicable to our lives and how it can be of benefit in any situation we find ourselves, then this is the book.It is written in an elegant style that is a pleasure to read.It is evident that much time and effort went into this book and it is sure to become a classic in our Buddhist literary collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

very enlightening
I have read many books on Buddism and by far this is one of the best. There is a lot of information to digest in this book, but I had great joy reading it.

masterpiece
This advanced book is designed for a passionate reader. The text contains sanscrit and tibetan terms with english translation and multiple comparisons with various buddhist systems. This is simply a masterpiece created by a sharp mind and a pure soul.

Top notch read for the erudite of East and West
While I spent many years studying the Western Path and it's "Twilight Language", I later turned to Eastern traditions (Vajrayana) and re-visited Lama Govindas amazing book.New students or shallow meditators may think the book difficult, but I assure you it is extremely well thought out, and more than worth the effort.While East and West seem to use similar symbols for many of their esoteric thoughts, Lama Govinda strips away a great deal of the "smoke and mirrors" in Eastern lore.The book is an amazing look at the simplest of all teachings, the mantra OM MANI PEME HUM" (or PADME--skt).He provides useful insight into the 5 Buddha family concepts as well as many other areas of esoteric Buddhist thought.Don't expect this to be a fast read or a casual study.It goes deep.

Delving deeper into Tibetan Buddhism
Lama Anagarika Govinda, a German who spent over twenty years studying at the feet of masters in Tibetan hermitages and monasteries, a member of the Kargyutpa order, brings to us much of Tibetan Esotericism in this book. In this book, Lam Anagarika Govinda clarifies many misconceptions regarding Tibetan Buddhism, mantra and more specifically, the mantra `Om Mani Padme Om'.

Essentially this book is a breakdown of the mantra `Om Mani Padme Hum' or rather `Om Mani Peme hum' according to the phonetic laws of the Tibetan language I.e. Part One `Om' The Path of Universality. Part Two `Mani' The Path of Unification and of Inner Equality. Part Three `Padma' The Path of Creative Vision. Part Four `Hum' The Path of Integration. Part Five `Om Mani Padme Hum' The Path of the Great Mantra.

The author discusses many topics such as mantra, the history of mantra and the power of the verb, the five skandhas the doctrine of consciousness, the psychic centres of the kundalini-yoga and their physiological counterparts, the chakras, physical and psychic functions of prana and the principle of motion (vayu) as starting-point of meditation, transversing the Bardo, the three currents of force and their channels in the human body i.e. Ida, pingala and susumna, the Tantras, the yoga of the inner fire in the Tibetan system of meditation (Tapas & Gtum-mo) and the Tibetan wheel of life etc. I can only recall one practice given in this book and this is a description as given in the `Tractate of the six doctrines'; see page 170-178. This practice deals with Mantra visualisation and raising the Kundalini, I make note of this here for those of you who are interested and for my benefit when I look for these pages again for when I might attempt this practice myself.

I especially enjoyed the latter part of this book which provided excellent information on thousand armed Avalokitesvara (the embodiment of active compassion) and Avalokitesvara's descent into the six realms of this world. This then followed on with information regarding the path of the Bodhisattvas I.e. the path of renunciation and sacrifice for humanity. The book ends with information on the fifth Dhyani-Buddha, the Lord of the all-encompassing wisdom, this essentially deals with `Ah', The Path of Action, "the fact that the Buddha's teachings is not some nebulous idealism, a chasing after eternal but unattainable ideals, but a doctrine of self realisation, of action, a practical doctrine, a path that can be trodden by all who are seriously bent on its aim."

This book also clarifies the differences between Hindu and Tibetan yoga. "A comparison of the Hindu Tantras with those of Buddhism (which are mostly preserved in Tibet and which therefore have long remained unnoticed by Indologists) not only shows an astonishing divergence of methods and aims, in spite of external similarities, but proves the spiritual and historical priority and originality of the Buddhist Tantras." Pg 94

As a student of Gnosis, this book filled in some blanks for me. I plan to continue reading other books on Tibetan Buddhism and especially those books made reference to by Lama Anagarika Govinda in this book I.e. `Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa', `Tibetan Yoga & Secret Doctrines', `The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation' (Evans-Wentz) and also `The Serpent Power' (Avalon, Arthur).

Mantra Magick

I first read this book twenty years ago, and it is still
a constant companion. Provides an initiation into the power
of an ancient mantra. This book guides you into deeper and
deeper meditation states, and provides the basis for
some of the Tibetan Visualization Techniques. Really a
great book. ... Read more