JOURNEY WITHOUT GOAL: The Tantric Wisdom of the Buddha by Chogyam Trungpa
Based on the author's talks at Naropa University, this volume introduces the reader to the principles of tantra, based on the practice of meditation, which leads to the discovery of egolessness. Trungpa Rinpoche provides a direct and experiential picture of the tantric world, explaining the importance of self-existing energy, the mandala principle, differences between Buddhist and Hindu tantra -- stressing the nontheistic foundation of Buddhism. The role of the teacher and the meaning of tantric transmission are also presented. Written for the student of Buddhism rather than the scholar, Journey Without Goal demystifies the vajrayana and at the same time affirms the power and sacredness of its ancient teachings.
THE BUDDHA BOOK: Buddhas, Blessings, Prayers and Rituals to Grant You Love, Wisdom, and Healing by Lillian Too
Introduction to over 50 of the most important Buddhist deities, presenting their major characteristics, functions and histories, along with the prayers, meditations, visualizations, and rituals associated with each. Based on the teachings of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
MEDITATIONS ON THE LOWER TANTRAS compiled and edited by Glenn Mullin
Taken from the Collected Works of the Dalai Lamas, this book is a collection of popular sadhanas, or meditation manuals. Included are meditations on Amitayus, Four-armed Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, White Tara, Green Tara, Vajrasattva and others. It also contains a section on the preliminaries of tantric initiation.
THE CRYSTAL AND THE WAY OF LIGHT: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, compiled and ed. by John Shane
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu examines the spiritual path from the viewpoint of Dzogchen. He interweaves his life story with Dzogchen teachings, making them accessible through his living example. He discusses his education and how he met his principal master who showed him the real meaning of "direct introduction to Dzogchen."
INDIAN ESOTERIC BUDDHISM: A Social History of the Tantric Movement by Ronald Davidson
Despite the rapid spread of Buddhism -especially the esoteric system of Tantra, one of its most popular yet most misunderstood forms -the historical origins of Buddhist thought and practice remain obscure. This groundbreaking work describes the genesis of the Tantric movement in early medieval India, where it developed as a response to, and in some ways an example of, the feudalization of Indian society. Drawing on primary documents -many translated for the first time -from Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tibetan, Bengali, and Chinese, Ronald Davidson shows how changes in medieval Indian society, including economic and patronage crises, a decline in women´s participation, and the formation of large monastic orders, led to the rise of the esoteric tradition in India that became the model for Buddhist cultures in China, Tibet, and Japan.
SACRED GROUND: Jamgon Kongtrul on "Pilgrimage and Sacred Geography" by Ngawang Zangpo for The Tsadra Foundation
Sacred Ground describes two journeys: a journey outward to specific pilgrimage places in Eastern Tibet; and a journey inward, to the sacred world of tantra, accessible through contemplation and meditation. It sheds light on Himalayan Buddhists' concepts of sacred land, places of pilgrimage in tantric Buddhism, and how pilgrimage is undertaken. It enhances our appreciation of the world and its sacred aspect everywhere first and foremost, wherever we sit now. On the basis of a judicious choice of rare Tibetan texts, translated here for the first time, correlating inner and outer pilgrimage, this book is of considerable value to the Buddhist practitioner.
SPECTRUM OF ECSTASY: Embracing the Five Wisdom Emotions of Vajrayana Buddhism by Ngakpa Chogyam with Khandro Dechen
Here two Western-born Nyingma lamas explore what it means to be utterly emotionally alive. This book is a radical challenge to the misconception that inner Vajrayana is primarily an esoteric system of ritual and liturgy. The authors teach that emotions can be embraced as a rich and profound opportunity for realization. This fiercely compassionate battle cry rallies all who are audacious enough to appreciate emotions for their supreme potential as vehicles for awakening.
SECRET BEYOND THOUGHT: The Five Chakras and the Four Karmas by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Potent presentation of the five chakras (form, speech, consciousness, quality and activity) which are present in everything and referred to in the tantric teachings as the secret which is beyond the measure of thoughts and lies hidden in everyday life. The four karmas are: pacifying, enriching, magnetizing, and destroying.
The book contains two parts. Part One is on Tantrik Foundations and includes chapters on Bon and Buddhism, The Indian Background, The Tibetan Genius, Definitive Tantrik Texts, and Path of Enlightenment. Part Two deals with Tantra in Practice. The chapters in this part are The Tibetan Outlook, Guru-Yoga, Tantra-Yoga, Dhyana, Darsana, and Torch Bearers of Tradition.
YOGA OF TIBET, The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra-2 and 3 by Tsong-ka-pa
The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra part 2 & 3 by Tsong-ka-pa, details the practices of Action and Performance Tantra. Special deity yoga techniques for the development of the heart, mind and physical form of a Buddha are presented in a coherent series of yogic exercises. The mudras (hand gestures) that accompany the meditations are clearly illustrated.
A Supplement by Jeffrey Hopkins outlines in detail the structure of Action Tantra practices as well as the need for development.of special yogic powers.
Top of page 
Go Back One Page