Secret of the Vajra World

The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet

By: Reginald A. Ray

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Paperback | 1 November 2002 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
544 Pages

Edition Type
New edition

Dimensions(cm)
22.7 x 15.4 x 3.0

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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

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"An accessible, far-ranging guidebook."-- Tricycle

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Mind, Body, Spirit Religion & Beliefs Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism Buddhist Worship Philosophy Non-Western Philosophy Oriental & Indian Philosophy Religion Philosophy of Religion

Foreword	p. vii
Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xv
Introduction	p. 1
Foundations of Vajrayana	p. 7
The Indian Prelude	p. 9
How the Vajrayana Came to Tibet: The Early Spreading of the Dharma	p. 28
How the Vajrayana Came to Tibet: The Later Spreading and Beyond	p. 40
The Vajrayana in the Context of the Three-Yana Journey	p. 66
The View of Vajrayana	p. 91
Entering the Vajra World	p. 109
Some Initial Vajrayana Perspectives	p. 111
The World Beyond Thought	p. 126
The Vajra Master	p. 153
Entering the Vajrayana Path	p. 177
Tantric Practice: Meditation on the Yidam	p. 209
Subtleties of Practice: The Inner Yogas	p. 230
Meeting the Essence of Mind	p. 259
Mahamudra: The Great Symbol	p. 261
Dzokchen: The Great Perfection	p. 294
Tantric Applications	p. 327
Lessons in Mortality: Death and Dying in Tantric Practice	p. 329
Bodhisattvas in the World: Tulkus, Reincarnate Lamas	p. 360
Themes of a Tulku's Life	p. 385
The Practice of Retreat	p. 426
The Passing of a Realized Master	p. 462
Conclusion	p. 481
Notes	p. 489
Bibliography	p. 503
Credits	p. 509
Index	p. 511
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.

Secret of the Vajra World

The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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