Dans ce nouvel ouvrage, le Lama Anagarika Govinda nous expose le caractère dynamique du bouddhisme et son évolution au cours des millénaires. Nous faisant profiter de sa très longue expérience, il nous donne en particulier de précieuses indications sur les techniques de respiration et de méditation "multidimensionnelle" dans le Vajrayâna, la valeur et l'utilisation dans le bouddhisme tibétain de tous les principaux mantras, les notions de temps et d'espace dans ce même bouddhisme. Des chapitres importants traitent en détail ce problème si difficile et si mal compris de la création et la lecture des mandalas ; d'autres chapitres traitent des rapports entre l'art et la méditation. Des planches en couleurs illustrent les conceptions de l'auteur sur la valeur symbolique des formes et des couleurs.
Lama Anagarika Govinda, born Ernst Lothar Hoffmann, was the founder of the order of the Arya Maitreya Mandala and an expositor of Tibetan Buddhism, Abhidharma, and Buddhist meditation as well as other aspects of Buddhism. He was also a painter and poet. ___________________________________________ Lama Anagarika Govinda ist einer der bekanntesten buddhistischen Gelehrten und Schriftsteller aus dem Westen. Der gebürtige Deutsche studierte Philosophie, Religionswissenschaft und Archäologie in Freiburg, Neapel und Cagliari. Nach intensiven Jahren buddhistischen Studiums und reger Vortragstätigkeit in Indien lernte er 1931 durch Tomo Geshe Rinpoche den tibetischen Buddhismus kennen. Auf ausgedehnten Forschungsreisen in Tibet wurde dieser seine geistige Heimat (Source: https://www.amazon.de/weißen-Wolken-L...)
Now counted as one of the books which have most profoundly impact my life. Lama Govinda is unique in his ability to portray Eastern philosophy to the Western mind. He also is able to show the underlying principals between both East and West in a way few others can or have.
"Creative Meditation and Multidimensional Consciousness" by Lama Anagarika Govinda is a profound exploration of meditation and consciousness, blending Eastern spiritual practices with Western psychological insights. Govinda, a respected Buddhist scholar and practitioner, delves into the transformative power of meditation and its ability to expand human consciousness beyond ordinary perception.
Summary
The book is divided into several sections, each addressing different aspects of meditation and consciousness:
1. Creative Meditation: - Govinda explores the concept of meditation as a creative process, emphasizing its role in self-discovery and spiritual development. - He presents various meditation techniques designed to awaken and harness the creative potential within individuals.
2. Multidimensional Consciousness: - This section delves into the nature of consciousness, proposing that human awareness extends beyond the physical realm into multiple dimensions. - Govinda discusses experiences of altered states of consciousness and their significance in spiritual practice.
3. Integration of Eastern and Western Thought: - Govinda integrates insights from Eastern philosophies, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, with Western psychological theories. - He emphasizes the importance of balancing analytical and intuitive approaches to achieve a holistic understanding of the mind and consciousness.
Review
"Creative Meditation and Multidimensional Consciousness" is a rich and enlightening read, offering deep insights into the practice of meditation and the nature of consciousness. Lama Anagarika Govinda's unique perspective, combining Eastern spiritual traditions with Western psychological thought, makes this book a valuable resource for both spiritual seekers and students of psychology.
Strengths: 1. Comprehensive Approach: Govinda covers a wide range of topics, from practical meditation techniques to theoretical explorations of consciousness, providing a holistic understanding of the subject. 2. Interdisciplinary Insights: The integration of Eastern and Western thought offers readers a balanced and comprehensive perspective, bridging gaps between different philosophical and psychological traditions. 3. Practical Guidance: The book includes practical meditation exercises and techniques, making it a useful guide for practitioners looking to deepen their meditation practice.
Weaknesses: - Complex Language: The book’s language and concepts can be complex, potentially challenging for readers unfamiliar with Buddhist terminology or psychological theories. - Abstract Concepts: Some of the discussions on multidimensional consciousness may seem abstract or esoteric, requiring careful contemplation to fully grasp.
Conclusion
"Creative Meditation and Multidimensional Consciousness" by Lama Anagarika Govinda is a thought-provoking and enriching book that offers deep insights into meditation and the expansiveness of human consciousness. It serves as both a practical guide and a theoretical exploration, making it a valuable resource for meditators, spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in the intersection of Eastern spirituality and Western psychology. Govinda’s work encourages readers to explore the depths of their consciousness and discover the creative potential within themselves.
Basically Tibetian buddism and Tantra. Exposition on space and time is very good. You get a good understanding of meditation followed by one Buddhist sect. His understanding is deep and comparison with western philosophy is really insightful
My sister turned me on to this book: a lot of it is just complete gibberish, heady intellectualized half-zen thoughts from an obviously talented mind. But there are portions of it (short essays, toward the back) that are mind-bendingly fun to read. The author is a big fan of dualities, and using two sides of a dichotomy to illustrate "Big Concepts." Fun stuff.
Essential companion to Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism. Further exposure, explanation, and understanding of Vajaryana. Includes chapters on subjects for reflection and meditation.