Principles of Buddhist Tantra

by Kirti Tsenshap Rinpoche, Ian Coghlan (Editor), Voula Zarpani (Editor)

Kirti Tsenshap Rinpoche was a renowned teacher of Tibetan Buddhism with students worldwide. Revered as a teacher by even the Dalai Lama, he was known especially as a master of Buddhist tantra, the powerful esoteric methods for attaining enlightenment swiftly. The teachings in this book are a singular record of his deep learning in that field. Originally delivered in California to a group of Western students, the teachings comment on a classic introduction to tantra by the nineteenth-century Mongolian lama Choje Ngawang Palden. The work, Illumination of the Tantric Tradition , is a staple even today of the curriculum for training young monastics.

Kirti Tsenshap Rinpoche explains the distinctive features of the four classes of tantra--action tantra, performance tantra, yoga tantra, and highest yoga tantra--by describing the way to progress through their paths and levels. He illuminates key issues in tantric practice that are still a matter for debate within the tradition. Finally, he gives a special treatment of the unique methods of Kalacakra tantra, which is regularly taught around the globe by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Genres: Buddhism

496 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Craig Karls]

The parallels between Tantra and Alchemy are quite striking: Lapis Lazuli, philosopher's stone, the elixir transforming base metal into gold, the Heirosgamos, Nigredo, Albedo, Rubedo, etc. It would be fascinating to explore the similarities between the Eastern and Western Mantric traditions.