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Secret of the Vajra World: The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet
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
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
544 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 4, 2016
More of a historical overview than a dharma book, Reggie Ray’s follow-up to Indestructible Truth is a fascinating, in-depth look at the tantric element in Tibetan Buddhism. Always articulate and lucid, Ray makes the most esoteric aspects of Tibetan Buddhism both accessible and digestible to the average reader. If you are an experienced meditator, it may inspire you to more fully explore the possibilities inherent in your practice. A heartbreaking reminder of just how profound a treasure was lost at the hands of the Chinese genocide.
August 26, 2007
The world is enchanted and mysterious — and there are ways to crack the code.
December 22, 2014
Helps the western mind understand the complexity of a very dense subject.
April 25, 2024
"Secret of the Vajra World: The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet" by Reginald A. Ray delves into the esoteric aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically Vajrayana teachings.
Here's a breakdown of the book's key points:
Focus on Vajrayana: This book acts as a companion to Ray's earlier work on general Tibetan Buddhism. Here, the focus shifts to the lesser-known Vajrayana practices and philosophies, often passed down through lineages with specific initiations.
The Vajra World Explained: The concept of the Vajra World (vajradhatu) is central. It represents a realm of ultimate reality, indestructible and beyond impermanence. This can be interpreted both literally as a spiritual plane and metaphorically as the essence of Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Bridging East and West: Ray, a Western scholar, aims to make Vajrayana teachings accessible to a Western audience. He translates complex concepts into understandable language, making the book an excellent introduction for those curious about this unique branch of Buddhism.
If you're a beginner with no prior knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, you might want to start with Ray's earlier book for a foundational understanding. "Secret of the Vajra World" is perfect for those with a basic grounding in Tibetan Buddhism who want to explore the depths of Vajrayana practices and philosophies. Those interested in the symbolism and esoteric aspects of Buddhism will also find this book insightful.
Overall, "Secret of the Vajra World" offers a valuable introduction to the fascinating world of Vajrayana Buddhism. Ray's clear explanations and focus on bridging cultural contexts make it a worthwhile read for those seeking to understand this unique spiritual path.
Here's a breakdown of the book's key points:
Focus on Vajrayana: This book acts as a companion to Ray's earlier work on general Tibetan Buddhism. Here, the focus shifts to the lesser-known Vajrayana practices and philosophies, often passed down through lineages with specific initiations.
The Vajra World Explained: The concept of the Vajra World (vajradhatu) is central. It represents a realm of ultimate reality, indestructible and beyond impermanence. This can be interpreted both literally as a spiritual plane and metaphorically as the essence of Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Bridging East and West: Ray, a Western scholar, aims to make Vajrayana teachings accessible to a Western audience. He translates complex concepts into understandable language, making the book an excellent introduction for those curious about this unique branch of Buddhism.
If you're a beginner with no prior knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, you might want to start with Ray's earlier book for a foundational understanding. "Secret of the Vajra World" is perfect for those with a basic grounding in Tibetan Buddhism who want to explore the depths of Vajrayana practices and philosophies. Those interested in the symbolism and esoteric aspects of Buddhism will also find this book insightful.
Overall, "Secret of the Vajra World" offers a valuable introduction to the fascinating world of Vajrayana Buddhism. Ray's clear explanations and focus on bridging cultural contexts make it a worthwhile read for those seeking to understand this unique spiritual path.
April 24, 2021
This book was recommended by a friend as a source of information about Vajrayana and I learned a lot! It’s an almost 500 page, information dense book and I’m actually proud of myself for reading it relatively quickly. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who doesn’t already have a pretty strong background in Tibetan Buddhism.
Currently Reading
May 15, 2010Another series of Tibetan Buddhism by Reginald A. Ray. Another essential reading for a start
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September 23, 2012Reading as part of my study for the IDproject's meditation teacher training
February 24, 2020
Really interesting book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews