Spectrum of Ecstasy

Spectrum of Ecstasy
Author: Ngakpa Chogyam
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 342
Release: 2003-07-08
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0834828804

Here two Western-born lamas of the Nyingma tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism explore what it means to be utterly emotionally alive. Written in contemporary, nonacademic language, 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.

Roaring Silence

Roaring Silence
Author: Ngakpa Chogyam
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2002-12-03
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1570629447

A practical guide to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Dzogchen—or the direct experience of enlightenment—complete with meditation techniques by two Vajrayana teachers In Roaring Silence, Vajrayana teachers Ngakpa Chögyam and Khandro Déchen walk the reader through the meditation techniques that "enable us to side-step the bureaucracy of intellectual processes and experience ourselves directly"—to discover this direct experience of enlightenment that is the mind of Dzogchen. Surprisingly, the approach is very pragmatic. Offering an investigation of the necessary steps, the authors begin with how to prepare for the journey: the lama is essential; as are a sense of humor, inspiration, and determination. They continue by describing the path of Dzogchen from sitting meditation to the direct perception of reality. The chapters include exercises for sharpening the presence of our awareness, for simple visualizations, and for investigating how to "remain uninvolved" with mental activity for a period—with follow-up guidance on how to view our experiences. Both practical and inspirational, the authors' exquisitely precise guidance is all presented with the caveat, "be kind to yourself, don't push yourself beyond your limits."

Tantra

Tantra
Author: Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D.
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 336
Release: 1998-07-28
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0834825457

A leading yoga researcher offers a clear and lively introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of the Tantric spiritual tradition Tantra—often associated with Kundalini Yoga—is a fundamental dimension of Hinduism, emphasizing the cultivation of “divine power” (shakti) as a path to infinite bliss. Tantra has been widely misunderstood in the West, however, where its practices are often confused with eroticism and licentious morality. Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy dispels many common misconceptions, providing an accessible introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of this extraordinary spiritual tradition. The Tantric teachings are geared toward the attainment of enlightenment as well as spiritual power and are present not only in Hinduism but also Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In this book, Georg Feuerstein offers readers a clear understanding of authentic Tantra, as well as appropriate guidance for spiritual practice and the attainment of higher consciousness.

The Five Wisdom Energies

The Five Wisdom Energies
Author: Irini Rockwell
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2002-03-12
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1570624518

This playful and accessible guide presents a Buddhist psychological system for enhancing self-awareness, interpersonal communication, and creativity This book invites us to celebrate our strengths and work with our weaknesses by learning to identify and utilize five basic personal styles or energies based on a Tibetan Buddhist practice. Each of the five wisdom energies is associated with particular ways of perceiving and interacting with the world and also with particular colors, elements, senses, seasons, and times of day. With easy, fun, and engaging exercises and stories, Irini Rockwell shows us how to identify which energies are active in our lives, and how we can work with them in any situation to improve self-awareness, communication, and creative expression. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, each of us has one or two dominant energies, but these can shift and change over time, and we can manifest different energies in different areas of our lives. Each of the five energies has its unique wisdom, but also its neurotic tendencies. By learning to recognize which energies we possess—and which are present in those around us—we can learn to relax and appreciate our natural traits and those of others, and we can move away from our neuroses toward the wisdom-aspects of our character.

Yamantaka: Lighting the Torch in the Three Worlds of Buddhism

Yamantaka: Lighting the Torch in the Three Worlds of Buddhism
Author: Ed Russo
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 218
Release: 2017-12-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1387427458

There are ten conditions of life that we experience in our daily lives; three of the lower realms are hidden in the dark recesses of our mind causing despair, self-hatred and reactive behavior beyond normal conscious control. Rather than being at the mercy of our surroundings, we can shed light in these blind areas and receive Liberation through the intent of the Wrathful One, Yamantaka, the lord of death. This is symbolic of gaining insight in the Intermediate State during the subtlest level of our mind.

Indian Esoteric Buddhism

Indian Esoteric Buddhism
Author: Ronald M. Davidson
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publ.
Total Pages: 502
Release: 2004
Genre: Tantric Buddhism
ISBN: 9788120819917

Despite the rapid spread of Buddhism the historical origins of Buddhsit thought and practice remain obscure.This work describes the genesis of the Tantric movement and in some ways an example of the feudalization of Indian society. Drawing on primary documents from sanskrit, prakrit, tibetan, Bengali, and chinese author 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.

Ruthless Compassion

Ruthless Compassion
Author: Robert N. Linrothe
Publisher: Serindia Publications, Inc.
Total Pages: 380
Release: 1999
Genre: Buddhism
ISBN: 0906026512

The historical development of Esoteric Buddhism in India is still known only in outline. A few verifiably early texts do give some insight into the origin of the ideas which would later develop and spread to East and Southeast Asia, and to Tibet. However, there is another kind of evidence which can be harnessed to the project of reconstructing the history of Esoteric Buddhist doctrines and practice. This evidence consists of art objects, mainly sculpture, which survive in significant numbers from the 6th to the 13th century.

Being Black

Being Black
Author: Angel Kyodo Williams
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2002-01-08
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1101199458

"Honest, courageous... Williams has committed an act of love."—Alice Walker "A classic."—Jack Kornfield There truly is an art to being here in this world, and like any art, it can be mastered. In this elegant, practical book, Angel Kyodo Williams combines the universal wisdom of Buddhism with an inspirational call for self-acceptance and community empowerment. Written by a woman who grew up facing the challenges that confront African-Americans every day, Being Black teaches us how a "warrior spirit" of truth and responsibility can be developed into the foundation for real happiness and personal transformation. With her eloquent, hip, and honest perspective, Williams—a Zen priest, social activist, and entrepreneur—shares personal stories, time-tested teachings, and simple guidelines that invite readers of all faiths to step into the freedom of a life lived with fearlessness and grace.