Description
Book SynopsisMeeting 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 Vajrakila, 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.
Trade Review'The depth of Vessantara's own practice and comfort in visionary realms means this book is an invitation to experience our lives infused with imagination, light, love, power, and mystery.' - Vidyamala Burch, OBE; 'This wonderful book was an absolute treasure trove for me.... A gift of wisdom and inspiration.' - Professor Paul Gilbert, OBE, author of 'The Compassionate Mind'; '...a wonderfully rich, comprehensive, and thorough exploration of the world of Buddhist Vajrayana....' - Rob Preece, author of 'The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra'
Table of ContentsIllustrations About the Author Preface to the New Edition Acknowledgements Preface to the Original Edition Publisher's Acknowledgements Introduction Part One Meeting the Buddha Chapter One The Fountainhead of Buddhism Chapter Two The Development of Buddhist Sadhanas Chapter Three The Benefits of Sadhana Practice Chapter Four Taking Up Sadhana Practice Part Two The Mandala of the Five Buddhas Chapter Five Entering the Mandala Chapter Six Touching the Earth in the Eastern Realm Chapter Seven The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel in the South Chapter Eight The Red Buddha and the Mudra of Meditation Chapter Nine Crossed Thunderbolts and the Buddha of Action Chapter Ten At the Centre of the Mandala Part Three The Great Bodhisattvas Chapter Eleven For the Sake of All That Lives Chapter Twelve The Thousand Arms of Compassion Chapter Thirteen The Soft-Voiced Prince and the Flaming Sword Chapter Fourteen Vajrapani - the Path of Heroic Transformation Chapter Fifteen Green Tara - the Quick Way to Wisdom Chapter Sixteen White Tara - Cheating Death Chapter Seventeen The Eight Great Bodhisattvas Part Four Tantra and the Tantric Deities Chapter Eighteen The Tantric Approach Chapter Nineteen Prajnaparamita - the Book That Became a Goddess Chapter Twenty Vajrasattva - Prince of Purity Chapter Twenty-One The Tantric Gurus Chapter Twenty-Two The Oath-Bound Deities Chapter Twenty-Three Dancing in the Sky Chapter Twenty-Four The Dark Armies of the Dharma Chapter Twenty-Five The Refuge Tree and Its Future Growth Notes Illustration Credits Glossary Selected Reading Index
