Author: F D Lessing
Alex Wayman/
Translator(s): F D Lessing / Alex Wayman
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 1998
Language: English
Pages: 382
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120808347
Description
The survey of the Buddhist Tantras by Mkhas-grub-rje (1385-1438 AD) is a sample of the rich literature on this topic in the Tibetan language. In accordance with Tsonkha-pa’s tantric reform (the Gelugpa), after the theory about how Gautama Buddha became enlightened the author presents the non-tantric materials stipulated as preliminary for tantric study and practice.
He then sketches the Kriya, Carya, Yoga, and Anuttarayoga tantra divisions, showing the generation of self into deity and generation of deity in front, the remarkable meditations of dwelling in the flame and in the sound, numerous definitions of tantric terms, the rich correspondence system of the Yogatantra, the difference between Father Tantra and Mother Tantra, mandala ritual including the various kinds of initiation or consecration. A severe contraction of ritual detail allows the Tibetan author room to go into the theory at each step, including the mysterious beings called samayasattvaand jnanasattva, states of Bliss-Void, the four Voids including the Clear Light, and the three kinds of Evam.
The translation was collaborated in the 1950s between F D Lessing and Alex Wayman at Berkeley, California. After Lessing’s death, Wayman annotated and published the text in 1968, and has provided a new introduction for the present reissue of this seminal treatise. Lessing was the first professor to offer courses in the Tibetan language at an American University.
Contents
FOREWORD TO 3rd EDITION
INTRODUCTION TO 2rd EDITION
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE
How the Teacher Bhagavat became Abhisambuddha (1b-2)
CHAPTER TWO
The method of setting the Wheel of the Law into motion (8b-2)
CHAPTER THREE
The method of setting the Wheel of the Law of the Mantra-yana into motion (29b-4)
CHAPTER FOUR
Fundamentals of Initiation and holding of vows in the Kriya Tantra (42a-6)
CHAPTER FIVE
Fundamentals of the Carya Tantra (62b-2)
CHAPTER SIX
Fundamentals of the Yoga Tantra (64b-4)
CHAPTER SEVEN
Fundamentals of the Anuttara-Yoga Tantra (74a-6)
CHAPTER EIGHT
Procedure in the meaning of the subject matter (80b-2)
CHAPTER NINE
Manner of conferring initiation (91b-6)
INDEX OF WORKS CITED
INDEX OF NAMES AND SUBJECTS