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The Buddhist Tantras

Light on Indo-Tibetan Esotericism

By Alex Wayman

Published February 12th 2008 by Routledge – 272 pages

Series: Routledge Library Editions: Buddhism

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Description

Originally published in 1973.

The volume is divided into four sections:

  1. The introduction places the position of the Buddhist Tantras within Mahayana Buddhism and recalls their early literary history, especially the Guhyasamahatantra; the section also covers Buddhist Genesis and the Tantric tradition.

  2. The foundations of the Buddhist Tantras are discussed and the Tantric presentation of divinity; the preparation of disciples and the meaning of initiation; symbolism of the mandala-palace Tantric ritual and the twilight language.

  3. This section explores the Tantric teachings of the inner Zodiac and the fivefold ritual symbolism of passion.

  4. The bibliographical research contains an analysis of the Tantric section of the Kanjur exegesis and a selected Western Bibliography of the Buddhist Tantras with comments.

Contents

  1. Perfection of Insight: Buddhist Tantra within Mahayana Buddhism
  2. Early Literary History of the Buddhist Tantras
  3. Buddhist Genesis and the Tantric Tradition
  4. Analogical Thinking in the Buddhist Tantras
  5. The Nature of Buddhist Esotericism
  6. Divinity according to the Buddhist Tantras
  7. Preparation of Disciples
  8. Offering Materials and their Meanings
  9. Symbolism of the Mandala-Palace
  10. Tantric Ritual and Symbolism of its Attainments
  11. Twilight Language and a Tantric Song
  12. The Nine Orifices of the Body
  13. Tantric Teachings about the Inner Zodiac
  14. Female Energy and Symbolism in the Buddhist Tantras
  15. The Five-fold Ritual Symbolism of Passion
  16. Received Teachings of Tibet and Analysis of the Tantric Canon

Name: The Buddhist Tantras: Light on Indo-Tibetan Esotericism (Hardback) – Routledge 
Description: By Alex Wayman. Originally published in 1973. The volume is divided into four sections: The introduction places the position of the Buddhist Tantras within Mahayana Buddhism and recalls their early literary history, especially the Guhyasamahatantra; the section...
Categories: General Reference, Buddhism, World Religions, Indian Philosophy